A painful eye can result from disease inside of the eye, on the surface or around the outside. The eye may be red or swollen, or may appear normal. Pain in the eye can indicate a vision threatening problem, or a minor issue that will resolve on its own. When in doubt about the cause of eye pain, always consult a medical practitioner, especially if vision is affected.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membranes that cover the lower eyelid and surface of the eye. Causes of conjunctivitis include bacterial or viral infection, allergies, environmental causes and contact overuse, according to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. Conjunctivitis symptoms include pain in the eye, redness, purulent or sticky discharge, itching, increased tearing and light sensitivity. Most conjunctivitis is self-limited, but bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops. Cool or warm compresses make the eye feel better while it heals.
Narrow Angle Galucoma
Glaucoma is not a single disease but several, characterized by increased eye pressure that compresses and damages the optic nerve. Narrow angle glaucoma affects only 10 percent of people with glaucoma, Vision Rx reports, but is the most serious vision-threatening form of the disease. Narrow angle glaucoma occurs more often in women, those older than 60, people with a family history of the disease and farsighted people.
Narrow angle glaucoma affects people with a narrow space between the cornea, the domed shaped tissue that covers the front of the eye, and the iris, the colored part of the eye. Fluid blocks the channel that drains excess fluid from the eye, raising eye pressure and causing extreme pain, nausea and vomiting. Laser surgery is performed to open the iris slightly so fluid can drain, reducing pressure before permanent vision loss occurs. Both eyes may be treated as the condition usually affects both eyes, according to Vision Rx.
Styes
Styes, also known as hordeolum, are infected glands on the eyelid. Staphylococcus bacteria causes styes. Symptoms include pain, redness, watering and swelling. You may feel as if there's something in the eye, All About Vision, states. Hot compresses help bring the sty to a head so it will rupture and release the infection.
Uveitis
Uveitis, inflammation of the middle portion of the eye between the retina and the white of the eye, called sclera, has many causes. Infections, injury, some types of cancer and autoimmune disease can all cause uveitis, the Mayo Clinic says. Symptoms include pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision and floaters, small moving specks or strings that appear in your line of vision. Treatment of uveitis depends on the cause; antibiotics, antiviral medications or surgery may be required.
