Eye Pain: Common Causes & Warning Signs

Dr. Rachit Agarwal

26 September 2026

What Is Eye Pain?

Eye pain can occur on the surface of the eye, inside the eye, or around the eye. It may feel like burning, irritation, aching, pressure, or sharp pain.

While some causes may be minor, persistent or severe eye pain should not be ignored.

Common Causes of Eye Pain

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can cause burning, irritation, a gritty feeling, and watering. Prolonged screen use, dry air and reduced blinking may make these symptoms worse.

Conjunctivitis (Eye Flu)

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as Eye Flu, may cause redness, watering, irritation and discharge. It can be caused by infections, allergies or irritation.

Eye Infection

Some eye infections can cause pain, redness, discharge, blurred vision or sensitivity to light. Contact lens users should be especially careful if pain or redness develops.

Foreign Body or Eye Injury

Dust, eyelashes or other particles can cause irritation and pain. An injury or scratch on the cornea may also cause watering, discomfort or blurred vision.

Eye Strain

Long periods of screen use, reading or close-up work can cause tired eyes, discomfort and headaches. However, significant or persistent pain should not simply be assumed to be eye strain.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Seek prompt medical attention if eye pain occurs with:

• Sudden or reduced vision
• Severe or increasing pain
• Significant redness
• Strong sensitivity to light
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Sudden flashes or many new floaters
• A dark curtain or shadow in your vision
• Severe headache with nausea or vomiting
• Eye injury

Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain requires urgent evaluation.

What Should You Do When Your Eye Hurts?

If you experience eye pain:

• Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye.
• Remove contact lenses if they are causing discomfort.
• Do not use someone else's eye drops.
• Avoid using antibiotic or steroid eye drops without medical advice.
• If an object is deeply stuck in the eye, do not try to remove it yourself.

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain.

When Should You See an Eye Specialist?

Consult an eye specialist if eye pain is persistent, recurrent, or associated with redness, discharge, blurred vision, or light sensitivity.

If pain is sudden or severe, affects your vision, or follows an eye injury, seek medical attention promptly.

Eye Care at R.C. Eye & Dental Hospital, Bijnor

At R.C. Eye & Dental Hospital, Bijnor, patients can seek professional evaluation for eye pain, redness, irritation, watering, and other vision-related concerns.

Remember: Eye pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Timely examination can help identify its underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.