When eye pain occurs, it can be so excruciating that daily activities become difficult. Not only does eye pain hurt and ache, but it can also have an underlying cause that may be serious. Therefore, it’s important to understand the root cause of the pain and know when to seek out professional medical attention.
Painful Eye Conditions
- Pink eye: Also known as conjunctivitis, pinkeye is often caused by an infection and spreads easily, which is one of the reasons it’s common in children. When pink eye occurs, the blood vessels in the eye become engorged. The eye then becomes itchy and often has a discharge.
- Corneal abrasions: When a scratch occurs on the cornea, it can cause severe eye pain. Whether it’s from a finger, a tree branch, or a speck of dirt caught under a contact, a scratch can lead to an infection if not treated. Most corneal abrasions need antibiotic drops as a precaution to prevent complications.
- Keratitis: Keratitis, or an infection in the cornea, can happen for different reasons. The most common two occur when someone is suffering from shingles or when contacts are worn for too long without giving the eyes time to rest. The cornea becomes inflamed, then becomes prone to infection.
- Glaucoma: Undiagnosed glaucoma can be serious. It creates pressure inside the eye, which typically causes sudden and severe pain, which is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting. When this occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Without treatment, glaucoma may cause blindness.
- Stye: A stye, also referred to as a hordeolum, occurs when an eyelash hair follicle is inflamed or infected. The hair follicle becomes red and swollen, and the pain is localized. Unless it interferes with vision, it can be treated at home with a warm compress.
- Optic neuritis: Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve becomes inflamed. This is most common in people with compromised immune systems, such as those with multiple sclerosis or autoimmune conditions. This, too, is a serious condition and can lead to loss of vision if left untreated.
Are You Experiencing Eye Pain? Contact North Toronto Eye Care
To learn more about eye safety or any of the services we offer, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our offices are located in Toronto, Ontario, and we can be reached at 1-888-748-2021. We look forward to hearing from you.