Eye pain is a common symptom that can have many causes, ranging from mild and temporary issues to illnesses requiring urgent medical attention. Although in many cases it is not a serious problem, it is important not to ignore it , especially if it appears suddenly, is very intense, or is accompanied by other visual symptoms.
At Clínica Nivaria , we specialize in treating different types of eye pain, aiming to accurately diagnose its cause 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 eye . It can affect one or both eyes, and its intensity and duration vary considerably.
Depending on their location, we can differentiate two types:
- Superficial eye pain : generally affects the cornea or conjunctiva. These are usually more acute pains, related to irritations, infections, or foreign bodies.
- Deep eye pain : 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 does not always indicate a serious illness , but it should never be ignored , as 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 a burning sensation . It 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. Closed-angle glaucoma causes a sudden rise in intraocular pressure, resulting in intense eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting . It requires immediate treatment to prevent 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 vision . It may be associated with autoimmune diseases or infections.
8. Optic neuritis
Inflammation of the optic nerve. It usually causes eye pain when moving the eye , as well as progressive vision loss. It is more common in young people and can be an initial 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
Computer vision syndrome includes symptoms such as dry eyes, eye strain, blurred vision, and eye pain. It is associated with reduced blinking and poor visual ergonomics.
When should you see an ophthalmologist immediately?
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience eye pain:
- It is very intense or sudden .
- It is accompanied by loss of vision or blurred vision .
- It is accompanied by intense photophobia .
- It appears after an eye injury .
- It is associated with nausea, vomiting or headache (possible acute glaucoma).
- It occurs alongside neurological symptoms (double vision, muscle weakness).
- It does not improve in 24-48 hours or worsens despite home remedies.
At Clínica Nivaria we have urgent care for acute visual symptoms , including severe eye pain.
How is eye pain diagnosed?
Diagnosing 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 examination to observe cornea, conjunctiva, anterior chamber.
- Intraocular pressure (important in suspected glaucoma).
- Fundus examination , especially 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 |
Blepharitis | 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 |
Never self-medicate your eyes . Incorrect use of eye drops, especially 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 time without breaks : follow 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 use 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 certified sunglasses with UV filter.
- Do not self-medicate or use eye drops without a prescription .
- Go for regular eye exams , especially if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
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?
At Clínica Nivaria , located 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.
- Close treatment and continuous follow-up , focused on long-term visual well-being.
Your vision and eye health deserve the best care.
Eye pain can be a sign of many conditions, ranging from minor ailments to vision-threatening medical emergencies. It should not be underestimated, especially if it is sudden, severe, or accompanied by vision loss.
At Clínica Nivaria , we 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 worsen .
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.
