Eye pain can stem from various causes, often related to irritation, infection, or underlying conditions.
Common Reasons for Eye Pain
Here's a breakdown of why your eyes might hurt:
1. Infections
- How they happen: Viruses, bacteria, or fungi can transfer to your eyes when you rub them or bring your hands close to them. According to the provided reference, "You can transfer viruses, bacteria or fungi from your hands to your eyes when you rub them or put your hands near your eyes." Infections can also spread from nearby areas like the nose or sinuses.
- Symptoms: Infections often cause redness, itching, and discharge, in addition to pain.
- Solution: Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands and consult a doctor for appropriate treatment if you suspect an infection.
2. Contact Lens Issues
- How they happen: Ill-fitting or dirty contact lenses can irritate the eye surface, leading to pain. The reference states, "Lenses that are dirty or that don't fit well can cause pain in your eyes."
- Symptoms: Discomfort, redness, and a feeling of something being in the eye are common.
- Solution: Ensure your contact lenses are properly fitted, clean them regularly, and avoid overwearing them.
3. Other potential causes
Other causes of eye pain, though not mentioned in the provided references, include:
- Dry eyes: Lack of adequate lubrication can lead to irritation and pain.
- Eye strain: Prolonged focusing on screens or reading can cause eye muscle fatigue and discomfort.
- Foreign objects: A small particle trapped in the eye can lead to significant pain.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye can cause severe pain, often requiring medical intervention.
- Injuries: Trauma to the eye can result in significant pain and should be addressed immediately.
- Migraines: Eye pain can be a symptom of a migraine.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can sometimes cause pain that is felt in or around the eyes.
Summary Table of Causes
Cause | Description |
---|---|
Infections | Transfer of viruses, bacteria, or fungi from hands or spread from nearby areas like the nose or sinuses. |
Contact lens issues | Ill-fitting or dirty lenses causing irritation. |
Dry eyes | Insufficient lubrication causing irritation. |
Eye strain | Overworking eye muscles with prolonged reading or screen time. |
Foreign objects | Small particles trapped in the eye causing discomfort. |
Glaucoma | Increased pressure inside the eye. |
Injuries | Trauma to the eye. |
Migraines | Headaches that can be accompanied by eye pain. |
Sinusitis | Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain that is felt in or around the eyes. |
It's important to consult an eye care professional if you experience persistent or severe eye pain for proper diagnosis and treatment.