Pain in the Eye

The diagnosis begins with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, including an eye examination. Your doctor may use a special instrument called a slit lamp to examine the structures of your eye in detail. Additional tests may include measuring your eye pressure, testing your visual acuity and field, and in some cases, imaging studies like a CT Scan or MRI Scan.

A slit lamp allows your doctor to examine the front and back structures of your eye under high magnification. This can help identify abnormalities such as corneal abrasions, foreign bodies, inflammation, or signs of conditions like glaucoma or optic neuritis.

'Red flag' symptoms that might accompany eye pain and signal a more serious condition include sudden loss of vision, flashing lights or floaters, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, bulging of the eye, or pain that worsens with eye movement. If you experience any of these symptoms along with eye pain, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.

If you're experiencing pain in the eye, you should initially consult your primary care doctor. Depending on the suspected cause, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist, a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems.

Yes, factors such as excessive screen time, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can contribute to eye strain and dry eye, both of which can cause eye pain. Wearing protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk to your eyes can also help prevent injuries that could cause eye pain.

To help manage or prevent eye pain, ensure that you take regular breaks from screen time, maintain a healthy diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients (like vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids), get enough sleep, and protect your eyes during activities that pose a risk to your eyes.

Treatment for eye pain depends on the underlying cause. This might include rest and over-the-counter pain relievers for eye strain, antibiotics or antiviral medications for infections, lubricating eye drops for dry eyes, or other treatments like eye pressure-lowering medications or surgery for conditions like glaucoma.

Yes, in most cases, eye pain can be effectively treated or managed once the underlying cause is identified and addressed. In some cases, however, it may signal a chronic or progressive eye condition that requires ongoing management.