Browse Medications by Everyday Health Concerns: Eye pain

Eye pain refers to discomfort or soreness in or around the eye. It can range from a mild irritation to sharp, intense pain and can affect one or both eyes. Eye pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as strain, injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions. Understanding the cause of your eye pain can help you take steps to manage it and seek appropriate treatment, so you can regain comfort and protect your eye health.

Symptoms that might accompany eye pain include:

• A sharp, aching, or throbbing sensation in or around the eye
• Sensitivity to light or difficulty focusing
• Redness or swelling around the eye
• Watery or dry eyes
• Blurred vision

Eye pain can be caused by:

• Eye strain, from prolonged use of screens or lack of sleep
• Dry eyes, where a lack of moisture leads to irritation and discomfort
• Infections, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers
• Injury to the eye, such as scratches or foreign objects
• Glaucoma, a condition that causes pressure in the eye, leading to pain
• Sinus infections, which can cause pain around the eyes

Risk factors for eye pain include:

• Extended screen time, which can cause eye strain and discomfort
• Chronic conditions, such as dry eye syndrome or glaucoma
• Injury or trauma to the eye
• Infections, which are more common if the eyes are not kept clean
• Age, as older adults may be more prone to conditions like glaucoma or cataracts

Diagnosing the cause of eye pain usually involves:

• A comprehensive eye exam to check for signs of strain, infections, or damage
• Visual tests, like checking for vision changes or abnormalities
• Pressure measurements to rule out glaucoma
• Tear tests to check for dry eyes

Treatment for eye pain depends on its cause:

• Resting your eyes and taking regular breaks from screens to prevent strain
• Using lubricating eye drops for dry eyes
• Medications, such as antibiotics for infections or anti-inflammatory drugs for pain
• Warm compresses for conditions like blepharitis or sinus pressure
• Surgery or laser treatments for conditions like glaucoma

For conditions like infections, dry eyes, or inflammation, medications like eye drops or oral medications may be prescribed. NiHowdy helps reduce the cost of these prescriptions, making it easier to manage your treatment and relieve eye pain without worrying about affordability.

To prevent eye pain, consider:

• Taking regular breaks from screens (the 20-20-20 rule is effective: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Staying hydrated to keep your eyes moist
• Wearing protective eyewear if working in environments where debris or chemicals can affect your eyes
• Managing chronic conditions like dry eyes or glaucoma to avoid flare-ups

To manage mild eye pain at home, you can:

• Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness
• Apply a warm compress to soothe irritated eyes
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can worsen irritation or injury
• Ensure proper lighting while reading or working to avoid strain

You should seek medical help if:

• The pain is severe or sudden
• Your vision becomes blurry or impaired
• The pain is accompanied by headaches or nausea
• There's visible swelling or redness in the eye

NiHowdy helps you access savings on medications for treating eye pain, such as anti-inflammatory eye drops or antibiotics for infections. With NiHowdy's Bitcoin rebates, you can reduce treatment costs while ensuring you follow through with your care plan.

Samantha had been experiencing persistent eye pain from dry eyes and had difficulty managing her treatment. After using prescribed lubricating drops and taking steps to rest her eyes, she found relief. With NiHowdy's savings on her medications, Samantha was able to stay consistent with her eye care, significantly reducing her discomfort and improving her overall eye health.