A sudden sharp pain in your eye has a way of stopping you in your tracks. Is it just irritation, or is something actually wrong? It is a question we hear often, and the answer depends on where the pain is coming from and what other symptoms are happening alongside it.
Watch our overview below, then read on for a clear breakdown of the most common causes of eye pain and the warning signs that mean you should not wait.
Surface Pain vs. Deeper Pain
Eye pain is not a diagnosis on its own. It is a symptom. The most useful way to think about it is to consider two broad categories: pain coming from the surface of the eye, and pain coming from deeper inside the eye or the area around it.
Surface pain is by far the most common. Deeper pain, particularly when it comes with other symptoms, is where things get more serious.
Common Causes of Surface Eye Pain
The front of your eye, especially the cornea, has one of the highest concentrations of nerve endings anywhere in the body. That sensitivity is protective. Even a tiny speck of dust triggers blinking and tearing to shield your vision. But it also means small problems can feel disproportionately intense.
Dry Eye
When your tear film is not stable or balanced, the surface of the eye becomes irritated. Patients often describe burning, stinging, or a gritty sensation. Symptoms frequently fluctuate throughout the day, particularly with screen use, air conditioning, or exposure to wind.
Corneal Abrasion
A scratch on the clear front surface of the eye can happen from rubbing, debris, a wayward tree branch, or contact lens wear. Abrasions typically cause sharp pain, tearing, redness, and significant light sensitivity. Many patients describe it as feeling like something is stuck in the eye, even when nothing is there.
Infections
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, can cause irritation and redness, though it is usually more uncomfortable than truly painful. When the cornea itself becomes infected, a condition called keratitis, pain can be significantly more severe. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk, particularly those who wear lenses overnight or do not follow proper cleaning habits.
Causes of Deeper Eye Pain
If the pain feels more like pressure inside the eye or a deep ache behind it, the picture changes. This is especially true when it is accompanied by blurred vision, headache, nausea, or halos around lights.
Uveitis
Inflammation inside the eye can cause aching pain, light sensitivity, redness, and blurred vision. It does not improve with over-the-counter drops and requires medical treatment to calm the inflammation and prevent complications.
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
While less common, this is a condition worth knowing about because it is serious. It occurs when fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. Symptoms include sudden, severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and rainbow-colored halos around lights. That combination of symptoms is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment is critical to protect vision.
When the Pain Is Not Coming from the Eye Itself
This surprises many patients: sometimes the eye is completely healthy and the pain is coming from somewhere nearby. Sinus infections can cause pressure and aching around or behind the eyes. Migraines frequently cause eye pain, often with light sensitivity and visual disturbances. Tension headaches can create soreness around the eyes and brow.
Warning Signs That Mean Do Not Wait
Mild irritation with completely normal vision is often related to dryness or surface irritation and may improve with artificial tears and rest. But certain symptoms should prompt you to seek care right away:
- Decreased or changing vision alongside pain
- Significant light sensitivity
- Nausea or severe headache
- Halos around lights
- Recent trauma to the eye
- Chemical exposure
If anything splashes into your eye, including cleaning products or chemicals, rinse immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical care right away. Do not delay.
What Not to Do When Your Eye Hurts
A few things to avoid when dealing with eye pain:
- Do not rub your eye. Rubbing can worsen scratches and increase inflammation.
- Remove contact lenses immediately and do not put them back in until you know what is causing the pain and your eye has fully healed.
- Avoid using leftover prescription eye drops unless they were prescribed specifically for this issue. Steroid drops in particular can make certain infections significantly worse.
When to Schedule an Exam
Vision is precious, and it is completely natural to feel anxious when something hurts. The reassuring news is that many causes of eye pain, dry eye, minor abrasions, mild infections, are very treatable and resolve completely with proper care. But appropriate evaluation matters. The eye is a small, delicate structure, and when something more serious is happening, early diagnosis makes all the difference.
If pain has lasted more than a day, symptoms are worsening, or you notice any change in your vision, it is worth coming in. Even when the outcome is reassuring, having clarity and peace of mind is valuable.
Book a Free Consult
Eye pain is your body’s way of saying pay attention. Whether it turns out to be something minor or something that needs prompt treatment, our team is here to help you get answers quickly. Our expert surgeons at King LASIK and K2 Vision are experienced in diagnosing and treating the full range of eye conditions, from everyday irritation to urgent concerns. Visit us at any of our seven convenient locations across Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, Olympia, Tri-Cities, Everett, Vancouver, and the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. Book a Free Consult today, in person or virtually by phone or Zoom.