El ocular pain It is a common symptom that can have multiple origins, ranging from mild and temporary causes to illnesses requiring urgent medical attention. Although in many cases it is not a serious problem, it is important to monitor it. don't ignore itespecially if it appears suddenly, with great intensity, or accompanied by other visual symptoms.
En Nivaria ClinicWe provide specialized care for different types of eye pain, aiming to accurately diagnose its origin and establish the most appropriate treatment. Below, we explain everything you need to know about this symptom: what causes it, when to worry, and how it is treated.
What is eye pain?
Eye pain refers to Discomfort, a feeling of pressure, or sharp pain located in or around the eyeIt can affect one or both eye structures, and its intensity and duration are highly variable.
Depending on their location, we can differentiate two types:
- Superficial eye painIt generally affects the cornea or conjunctiva. These are usually more acute pains, related to irritations, infections, or foreign bodies.
- Deep eye painIt affects internal structures of the eye or orbit. It presents as a dull, continuous, or sharp pain and may be related to more complex conditions.
Is eye pain serious?
Eye pain It does not always indicate a serious illness., But should never be ignoredsince in some cases it can be a sign of pathologies that are potentially dangerous to the patient's vision or general health.
Visiting an ophthalmologist will help determine whether the issue is mild and easily treatable, or if more urgent action is required.
Main causes of eye pain
The causes of eye pain are very diverse. Below, we classify them according to their location and characteristics.
1. Dry eye syndrome
One of the most common causes of chronic eye pain. It occurs when the surface of the eye is not properly lubricated, leading to irritation, a gritty sensation, burning, and discomfort when blinking.
It is very common in people who use screens for many hours, contact lens users, or in air-conditioned environments.
2. Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, usually caused by an infection (viral or bacterial) or allergies. It produces redness, tearing, itching, and mild pain or burning sensationIt usually affects both eyes.
3. Keratitis
Corneal inflammation, which can be caused by infections, trauma, or prolonged contact lens use. It usually causes severe eye pain, photophobia, and decreased vision. It requires immediate treatment.
4. Foreign body in the eye
When a foreign object (eyelash, dust, grit) enters the eye, it can cause sharp pain, tearing, and a scraping sensation. Although it often resolves on its own, if the object becomes lodged or damages the cornea, removal by a specialist is necessary.
5. Blepharitis
Chronic inflammation of the eyelids, associated with Meibomian gland dysfunction. It causes burning, itching, eyelid redness, and persistent eye discomfort. It is very common and requires specific eyelid hygiene and follow-up.
6. Acute glaucoma
One of the most serious ophthalmological emergencies. angle-closure glaucoma It causes a sudden rise in intraocular pressure, generating Severe eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, and vomitingIt requires immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage to the optic nerve.
7. Uveitis
Inflammation of the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, choroid). It can cause Deep eye pain, redness, photophobia, and decreased visionIt may be associated with autoimmune diseases or infections.
8. Optic neuritis
Inflammation of the optic nerve. It usually produces Eye pain when moving the eyeIn addition to progressive vision loss, it is more common in young people and can be an early sign of diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
9. Sinusitis
Sinus inflammation can radiate pain to the eye or periorbital region, especially the upper part of the eye. It is not a direct ophthalmological cause, but it can be mistaken for eye pain.
10. Eye pain from excessive screen use
El computer visual syndrome It includes symptoms such as dryness, eye strain, blurred vision, and eye pain. It is related to reduced blinking and poor visual ergonomics.
When should you see an ophthalmologist immediately?
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience eye pain:
- Es very intense or sudden.
- It is accompanied by loss of vision or blurred vision.
- It comes with intense photophobia.
- It appears after a eye trauma.
- It is associated with nausea, vomiting, or headache (possible acute glaucoma).
- It happens next to neurological symptoms (double vision, muscle weakness).
- It does not improve in 24-48 hours or worsens despite home remedies.
En Nivaria Clinic We have urgent care for acute visual symptomsincluding severe eye pain.
How is eye pain diagnosed?
The diagnosis of eye pain involves a complete ophthalmological evaluation, which may include:
1. Detailed medical history
- Onset, duration and intensity of pain.
- Accompanying symptoms: blurred vision, photophobia, tearing.
- Medical history: contact lens use, systemic diseases.
2. Ophthalmological examination
- Visual acuity.
- Slit Lamp Exam to observe cornea, conjunctiva, anterior chamber.
- Intraocular pressure (important in suspected glaucoma).
- Eye fundusespecially if uveitis or optic neuritis is suspected.
3. Additional tests
- Fluorescein staining to detect corneal erosions or ulcers.
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) to analyze the retina or optic nerve.
- Laboratory studies if a systemic or autoimmune disease is suspected.
Treatments for eye pain
The treatment will depend directly on the underlying cause. Some examples include:
Cause | Treatment |
Dry Eye | Artificial tears, eyelid hygiene, pulsed light treatments |
Bacterial conjunctivitis | Antibiotic eye drops |
Viral conjunctivitis | Symptomatic treatment and hygiene measures |
Blefaritis | Daily eyelid cleansing, local heat, topical or oral antibiotics |
Keratitis | Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops depending on the germ |
Acute glaucoma | Immediate antihypertensive medication, possible surgery |
Uveitis | Topical or systemic corticosteroids, treatment of the underlying cause |
Optic neuritis | Intravenous corticosteroids and neurological monitoring |
Pain from screens | Improved visual ergonomics, regular breaks, artificial tears |
You should never self-medicate the eyeThe incorrect use of eye drops, especially those containing corticosteroids, can worsen the condition or mask serious infections.
How to prevent eye pain?
Although not all causes are preventable, adopting certain habits can significantly reduce the risk:
- Avoid prolonged screen use without breaksFollow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 6 meters away for 20 seconds).
- Hydrate your eyes if you work in dry or air-conditioned environments.
- Do not wear contact lenses beyond the recommended time.
- Perform daily eyelid hygiene if you have blepharitis or a tendency towards dry eye.
- Protect yourself from the sun with approved UV filter glasses.
- Do not self-medicate or use eye drops without a prescription..
- go to periodic eye examsespecially if you have illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension.
Frequent cases at Clínica Nivaria
In our clinical practice, we frequently treat patients who come in with eye pain due to:
- Excessive use of screens without adequate eye protection.
- Complications from prolonged use of contact lenses without supervision.
- Episodes of acute glaucoma not previously diagnosed.
- Poorly treated chronic inflammations (blepharitis, dry eye).
Our approach is based on:
- Fast and accurate diagnosis.
- Personalized treatment according to the cause.
- Prevention of recurrences and complications.
Why choose Clínica Nivaria?
En Nivaria ClinicLocated in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we offer comprehensive ophthalmological care with:
- Specialists in ocular surface, retina, glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology.
- Advanced diagnostic equipment: OCT, corneal topography, digital slit camera.
- Urgent attention for acute symptoms such as severe eye pain.
- Personal attention and continuous follow-up, focused on long-term visual well-being.
Your vision and eye health deserve the best care.
El ocular pain It can be a sign of many conditions, from mild ones to vision-threatening medical emergencies. It should not be underestimated, especially if it is sudden, severe, or accompanied by vision loss.
En Nivaria ClinicWe are prepared to help you identify the cause, relieve symptoms, and protect your vision. If you experience persistent or severe eye discomfort, Don't wait for the problem to get worse..
Book an appointment at Clínica Nivaria
📍 We are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
🕒 Specialized care for acute visual symptoms and eye pain.
Nivaria Clinic: your eye health, in expert hands.
