• Alternative names
• Defination
• Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

• Prevention
• Symptoms
• Signs & Tests
• Treatment

• Expectations
• Complications
• Calling Your health care provider

Alternative Names

Ophthalmalgia; pain in the eye

Defination

Pain in the eye (that is not due to injury) may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also be characterized as a foreign-body sensation.

Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

Common causes

• A problem in the eye itself (an infection, irritation or injury such as a corneal abrasion)
• Fever
• A migraine headache (severe pain behind the eye)
• Sinus problems (pain either over or below the eye)
• Contact lenses
• Eye surgery
• A stye (hordeolum) can create eye pain that increases as the sty grows
• Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) or any inflammation of the upper and lower lids pain in both eyes, particularly upon exposure to bright light (photophobia) that is common with many viral infections such as flu and will go away as the infection improves
• Glaucoma may slowly lead to blindness if not treated
• burns

Note: This list is not all inclusive and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on the age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom, such as location, quality, timing, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Symptoms

• There is pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or pressure in the eye(s) that persists - particularly if it affects vision.
• The pain is severe or prolonged beyond 2 days.
• Eye pain is not associated with a viral illness or eyestrain.
  

Signs & Tests

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

• A slit-lamp examination
• If glaucoma is suspected, eye pressure will be checked.
  

Treatment

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

• distribution
  • Are both eyes affected?
• time pattern
  • Did it begin suddenly?
• Aggravated by
• Is it worse after eye movement?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination will include an examination of the eyes. The doctor will check vision, eye movements, and the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope.

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