Pain in the eyes

eye is a common symptom of many pathological conditions. This manifestation, also known as ophthalmicgia or ophthalmodynia, can cause a lot of discomfort; it can also represent a temporary disturbance, which resolves spontaneously, or a sign of a more serious condition (especially if it is associated with a "€ ™ alteration of visual function).

Most causes of eye pain require proper treatment with the support of an eye doctor.

. Eye pain can be described as burning, itchy, or scratchy; generally, this symptom is caused by the presence of foreign bodies, infections or trauma that irritate or inflame the conjunctiva. Often, superficial pain is easily treated with eye drops and rest of the affected eye.

Orbital pain: is a dull pain that arises behind or inside the eye and can be described as stabbing, oppressive or throbbing. Orbital pain may require a specific therapeutic approach.

Eye pain can be caused by any of the following conditions:

• Conjunctivitis: The conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the front of the eye and the eyelid, may be affected by inflammation. Conjunctivitis can be caused mainly by allergies or infections (viral or bacterial) and in these cases, the pain is usually mild. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed and the normally white sclera appears red (hyperemia). Other typical symptoms associated with conjunctivitis include swelling of the eyelids, itching, photophobia, and increased lacrimation.
• Sty: causes eye pain due to acute inflammation, located near the edge of the eyelids. . The inflammation involves the onset of a red nodule, very painful to the touch. If it becomes chronic, the sty can evolve into chalazion.
• Blepharitis: This inflammation of the eyelids can cause eye irritation and pain.
• Corneal abrasions and ulcers: These two conditions are very common causes of eye pain. The corneal surface on the front of the eye is susceptible to injury. Abrasions occur when the cornea is scratched by a foreign body (example: eyelashes, dust, makeup particles, etc.) or from improper use. adequate contact lens, while ulcers occur due to infection of the same lesions. Both conditions can be very painful and are associated with constant sensation of a foreign body inside the eye.
• Foreign body in the eye: Small materials or substances that come into contact with the cornea or conjunctiva can cause burning and the sensation that something is inside the eye. Foreign bodies produce eye pain similar to that of a corneal abrasion, with irritation, redness and tearing of the eyes.
• Contact lenses: People who do not handle contact lenses correctly are more susceptible to eye pain caused by local irritation. Wearing contact lenses overnight or not cleaning them properly can lead to infections, such as keratitis.
• Chemical burns: result from exposure of the eyes to acid or alkaline substances, such as household cleaners or bleach. Chemical burns can be extremely painful. Even exposure to intense light sources, such as the sun, lamps tanning or arc welding sparks can cause symptoms similar to chemical burns.

Orbital pain is usually caused by a condition affecting the eyes or other systems, such as:

• Headache: Orbital pain is commonly associated with migraine and cluster headache episodes.
• Glaucoma: The condition generally does not manifest itself with early symptoms. However, if intraocular pressure (determined by the amount of aqueous humor inside the eye) rises suddenly, severe orbital pain and other symptoms may occur, including nausea, headache and decreased visual function. . The onset of these signs represents an emergency situation and requires immediate treatment to avoid permanent loss of vision.
• Optic neuritis: consists of inflammation of the optic nerve, which connects the back of the eyeball to the visual cerebral cortex. Optic neuritis manifests with eye pain associated with vision changes. Inflammation of the optic nerve can be caused by an autoimmune disease or a "viral or bacterial infection.
• Iritis: In rare cases, the iris, the colored part of the eye, can be affected by inflammation due to trauma, infection, or autoimmune conditions. Iritis causes profound pain; other symptoms include redness of the eyes, and, often, decreased vision.
• Sinusitis: Infection of the mucous membranes of the sinuses, which can cause eye pain.
• Trauma: A variety of situations ranging from blunt trauma to penetrating injury with a foreign object can cause eye injury and considerable pain. Corneal scratches, typically associated with traumatic events, are particularly symptomatic.

or vomiting. lukewarm or with a commercially prepared saline solution. If the procedure is ineffective, it is not recommended to attempt to remove debris from the eye on your own: the procedure should be reserved for medical professionals.