Eye Pain

Overview

Eye pain is more severe than normal eye irritation. Instead of the usual eye discomfort, one may feel a sharp or throbbing pain affecting one or both eyes. It is usually more intense and lasts longer. Some symptoms which may accompany eye pain include redness of the affected eye, swelling, eye discharge, and vision changes. There are a number of reasons which result in eye pain. Some of the conditions include viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye, keratitis, corneal abrasion, corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, closed-angle or open-angle glaucoma, uveitis and microvascular cranial nerve palsy. Eye pain is usually managed by treating the underlying cause. Pain medication is usually not required. Medications used to manage eye pain are eyedrops containing corticosteroids, antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals, and prostaglandin analogues. Some people may need lubricating eye drops, eye patches, laser surgery, or surgery to rectify underlying conditions.