Eye Pain: Causes, Treatment & Home Remedies 

Introduction

Eye pain is a common symptom that can be confusing and concerning. It may show up as a burning, aching, stabbing, or throbbing feeling in or around the eye¹. Sometimes it’s just mild discomfort, like the tired and sore feeling you get after long screen time, but at other times, the pain can be more intense and linked to inflammation or more serious eye problems^1,2. Therefore, eye pain should never be brushed aside.  

Sometimes, eye pain may settle on its own. But quite often, timely intervention is needed to protect the eyes and avoid lasting damage to vision. That’s why identifying the cause early really matters. In this blog, we will help you understand the common causes of eye pain, what the symptoms may mean, when you should seek medical care, and the management and home care options that can help keep your eyes safe and healthy. 

What Is Eye Pain?

Eye pain is an uncomfortable or painful sensation felt in the eye itself or around it. It can feel very different from person to person. Some may describe it as burning, stinging, stabbing, throbbing, gritty, or aching, while others feel pressure or sharp pain¹. It usually occurs when the nerves supplying the eye become irritated, inflamed, injured, or overstimulated due to various causes, which we will discuss in the subsequent sections³.

How Is Eye Pain Different From Eye Strain?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, eye strain and eye pain are not the same. 

Eye strain (or “sleepy/tired eyes”) usually happens from overusing the eyes, such as long screen time, reading, driving, or working in poor lighting. It commonly causes tired or heavy eyes, mild aching, dryness or a gritty feeling, and may be accompanied by headaches or neck and shoulder discomfort. It is important to understand that eye strain is temporary and typically improves with rest, blinking, better lighting, good posture, and regular screen breaks⁴.

Eye pain, however, is more likely caused by an underlying eye problem. It tends to be more intense or persistent and may be accompanied by redness, watering, discharge, swelling, blurred vision, light sensitivity, headache, or nausea. Unlike eye strain, eye pain does not always improve with rest, often requiring medical evaluation and guidance¹. 

Where Does Eye Pain Occur?

Eye pain can occur in many parts of and around the eye. Since different eye structures have distinct nerve supply and functions, identifying the location of the pain helps doctors narrow down the possible causes and decide how urgent is the need for treatment. Common areas where eye pain can occur include⁵:

• Surface eye pain: This pain is felt on the front or outer surface of the eye and is often described as burning, stinging, gritty, or sharp. Areas affected may include: 
  • Conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the white of the eyes). 
  • Cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) 
• Pain around the eye: This pain is felt in the eyelids or surrounding tissues and may feel tender, sore, or swollen. Areas affected may include: 
  • Eyelids 
  • Skin and tissues around the eye 
• Pain behind or deep inside the eye: This pain feels deep, aching, or pressure-like, sometimes worsening with eye movement or light. Areas affected may include: 
  • Anterior chamber structures (such as the iris or drainage angles) 
  • Sclera (the tough white outer layer of the eye) 
  • Orbit and deeper eye tissues (muscles, nerves, and surrounding structures behind the eye) 

Note: The location of the pain helps doctors diagnose the cause and choose the most appropriate treatment. Thus, paying attention to where pain is felt (along with other symptoms) can be crucial in protecting vision and eye health. 

Common Eye Pain Causes

The eyes are richly supplied by nerves that respond to physical, chemical, thermal, and inflammatory stimuli. Here are some common eye pain reasons: 

• Mechanical and physical injuries:
  • Direct injury to the eye surface (e.g., prolonged wearing of contact lenses, and trauma) stimulates pain receptors³. 
  • Sometimes surgical procedures may damage nerve endings, leading to pain during healing. 
• Chemical and thermal stimuli:
  • Irritants like smoke, chemical fumes, or very hot/cold environments can activate pain receptors³. 
• Inflammation: 
  • Local inflammation in the nearby tissues (due to infections like sinusitis and flu) releases chemicals that increase nerve sensitivity^1,3. This may cause a sensation of pressure. 
  • Inflammation inside the eye (such as iritis or uveitis) may occur in people with arthritis, autoimmune conditions, or certain infections (for example, tuberculosis)^1,5,6. This often leads to deeper, more persistent eye pain and usually requires medical evaluation. 
• Neuropathic pain
  • When nerve fibres themselves are damaged (from trauma, infection, surgery, or diseases like dry eye or glaucoma), they may produce pain even without obvious external injury^1,3. This type of pain may persist and feel abnormal because the nervous system itself is involved. 

Home Remedies for Eye Pain

Mild eye pain is often related to strain, dryness, or irritation and can usually be managed at home. Please note that these remedies are meant for temporary relief and are only helpful when there is no injury, infection, or sudden vision change. 

1. Rest Your Eyes

One of the most common causes of eye pain today is digital eye strain. In such cases, giving your eyes a regular break (especially from screens) can significantly help reduce discomfort⁴. 

2. Apply a Cold or Warm Compress

Both of these help in different ways: 

• A cold compress may help reduce inflammation, especially in cases of mild swelling around the eyes or eyelids. For cold compresses, you can keep an eye mask in the freezer at around 0°C for about 2 hours. Now, you may place it over closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce inflammation⁷. Always place a cloth between the skin and the mask. 
• A warm compress may help soothe muscle tension, help relieve dryness, and help improve oil gland function in the eyelids. When using a warm compress (moist heat eye masks), make sure it can maintain eyelid temperature around 40°C (not more) and keep it on only for 5 to 15 minutes⁸.

Note: When using compresses for eye discomfort, cold compresses are generally safer and better tolerated. They may help reduce pain, redness, and swelling. Warm compresses should be used with caution, as heat may worsen certain conditions, especially active infections or inflammation inside the eye. If you are unsure about the cause of eye pain, it is best to avoid warm compresses and seek medical advice before using them. 

3. Use Artificial Tears

Dry eyes are a very common cause of burning, aching, or gritty sensations. In such cases, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (use preservative-free if possible) may help restore moisture and reduce irritation⁹.

4. Rinse Eyes with Clean Water

If eye pain is caused by dust, smoke, or mild irritants, gently rinse the eyes with clean, running water or sterile saline. This may help flush out the irritant and relieve discomfort. However, avoid rubbing the eyes, as it can aggravate the irritation¹⁰.

5. Refrain from Contact Lenses

If you have an eye injury, avoid wearing contact lenses until the eye has fully healed. You may switch to glasses during this time to prevent further irritation or infection. Wearing dark sunglasses for the next couple of days can also help reduce light sensitivity and discomfort while the eye recovers¹⁰.

Note: The home remedies mentioned in this section are meant only for temporary relief of mild eye discomfort such as strain, dryness, or irritation. They are not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment. If eye pain is severe, sudden, persistent, associated with vision changes, redness, discharge, injury, or sensitivity to light, seek medical care immediately. Also, always consult a qualified doctor before trying any remedy if you have an existing eye condition. 

Eye Pain Treatment

The treatment of eye pain depends entirely on the underlying cause. After proper examination, a doctor may recommend one or more of the following⁵:

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: These may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis or to prevent infection, especially in contact lens users. 
• Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drops: These are used to reduce pain and inflammation in certain conditions affecting the cornea. 
• Cycloplegic eye drops: These drops help reduce painful muscle spasms inside the eye and are commonly prescribed for severe corneal irritation. 
• Topical corticosteroid eye drops: These should be prescribed only by eye specialists for specific inflammatory eye conditions. Do not use over-the-counter steroid drops without a prescription as they require close monitoring due to potential side effects. 
• Oral NSAIDs or systemic medications: These are used when eye pain is related to deeper inflammation of eye tissues. 
• Urgent referral and advanced treatment: Conditions such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, optic neuritis, or severe infections require immediate specialist care and targeted therapy. 

Important: Eye pain should never be self-treated with any kind of prescription eye drops. Using the wrong medication can worsen the condition and lead to serious complications. Always seek professional evaluation for persistent, severe, or vision-affecting eye pain. 

How to Prevent Eye Pain?

You can reduce the risk of eye pain and keep your eyes comfortable by following these simple, everyday tips: 

• Take regular screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. After every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain and dryness. 
• Ensure proper lighting: Avoid working in lighting that is too dim or too bright. Reduce glare from screens and position light sources so they don’t shine directly into your eyes⁴.
• Wear protective eyewear when at risk of objects or chemicals: If you’re working with tools, chemicals, dust, wood chips, metal fragments, or other potential eye hazards, use wrap-around goggles or a face visor to protect your eyes. 
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with dirty hands: Hands can carry dirt and germs that lead to irritation or infections. So, wash your hands before touching your eyes or contact lenses. 
• Keep hazardous chemicals away from your face and eyes: Be careful when using pool chemicals, cleaners, acids, bleaches, or hand sanitiser, and avoid splashes from these. If chemicals are involved, eyewear protection is especially important. 
• Supervise children around small objects and sharp tools: Teach children not to put objects in their eyes and keep risky items (like pencils, paper clips, or toys that shoot projectiles) out of reach. 
• Wear sunglasses with good UV protection outdoors: Strong sunlight and UV exposure can contribute to eye irritation and long-term eye health issues. Using sunglasses can therefore help reduce this risk¹⁰.
• Get regular eye check-ups: Regular visits to an optometrist can help catch vision problems early, ensure you have the correct prescription, and prevent issues that may lead to eye strain or pain. 

Also Read: Eye Floaters: What They Are, Causes, Types, Treatment, and Prevention 

When Is Eye Pain a Medical Emergency?

Most times, eye pain is not dangerous, but some symptoms do need urgent medical attention. The key is knowing when to act without panicking. Seek urgent medical care if you notice eye pain that^1,10:

• Lasts for more than 2 days, and even if it seems mild, is not improving. 
• Is accompanied by reduced, blurred, or sudden loss of vision. 
• Is accompanied by redness, swelling, discharge, or a feeling of pressure in or around the eye. 
• Occurs with headache, nausea, or vomiting, which may signal increased eye pressure. 
• Occurs after an injury, chemical splash, or foreign object entering the eye. 
• Occurs with chronic conditions such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases (as these can sometimes involve the eyes). 

Conclusion

Eye pain can range from mild and short-lived discomfort to indicating a more serious eye problem. While issues like eye strain or dryness often improve with simple self-care and rest, pain that is persistent, severe, or associated with other symptoms should never be ignored. Therefore, understanding where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and what may be causing it can help you recognise when home care is enough and when medical attention is needed. 

The good news is that most causes of eye pain are treatable, especially when addressed early. You can prevent complications and safeguard your vision by protecting your eyes, practising healthy visual habits, and seeking timely medical advice when warning signs appear.  

Remember, when it comes to eye pain, listening to your body and acting early is the best care you can give your eyes. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. MedlinePlus. Eye pain [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2026 Jan 27]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003032.htm 

2. Kozarsky A. Eye pain: Clinical methods: the history, physical, and laboratory examinations. 3rd ed. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 112. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216/ 

3. Belmonte C, Acosta MC, Merayo-Lloves J, Gallar J. What Causes Eye Pain? Curr Ophthalmol Rep. 2015;3(2):111-121. Available From: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4432221/ 

4. American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is eye strain? [Internet]. AAO; [cited 2026 Jan 27]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-eye-strain 

5. American Academy of Family Physicians. What’s new in managing back pain? Am Fam Physician. 2016 Jun 15;93(12):991-998. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0615/p991.html 

6. Sallam A, Karimaghaei S, Neuhouser AJ, Tripathy K. Ocular Tuberculosis [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; [cited 2026 Jan 29]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559303/ 

7. Bahar A, Pekel G. Early term ocular changes after cold compress application. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2022 May-Jun;85(3):229-234. Available From: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11826748/ 

8. Lee G. Evidence-Based Strategies for Warm Compress Therapy in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Ophthalmol Ther. 2024 Sep;13(9):2481-2493. Available From: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38990464/ 

9. Pucker AD, Ng SM, Nichols JJ. Over the counter (OTC) artificial tear drops for dry eye syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Feb 23;2016(2):CD009729. Available From: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5045033/ 

10. Healthdirect Australia. Objects or chemicals in the eye – aftercare and treatments [Internet]. Healthdirect Australia; [cited 2026 Jan 27]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/objects-or-chemicals-in-eye 

11. Sherwin JC, Kokavec J, Thornton SN. Hydration, fluid regulation and the eye: in health and disease. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2015 Nov;43(8):749-64. Available From: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25950246/ 

12. De Corso E, Kar M, Cantone E, Lucidi D, Settimi S, Mele D, et al. Facial pain: sinus or not? Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2018 Dec;38(6):485-496. Available From: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6325651/ 

13. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Migraine [Internet]. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; [cited 2026 Jan 27]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/migraine 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.