Eye pain can have a variety of causes, broadly categorized based on whether the pain originates on the surface of the eye or within the eye (orbital/intraocular).
Often described as sharp, burning, or gritty, typically due to irritation or inflammation:
Dry eyes – inadequate tear production or poor tear film quality.
Foreign body – dust, eyelash, or other debris on the cornea/conjunctiva.
Corneal abrasion – scratch on the corneal surface, often from trauma or contact lenses.
Conjunctivitis – viral, bacterial, or allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelid margins.
Contact lens complications – overwear, poor hygiene, or lens-related abrasions.
Chemical exposure – acid or alkali burns (ocular emergency).
More often described as aching, throbbing, or pressure-like, and can be more serious:
Uveitis (iritis) – inflammation of the uveal tract; associated with photophobia, blurred vision.
Scleritis – severe, deep inflammation of the sclera; often associated with autoimmune diseases.
Glaucoma (acute angle-closure) – sudden increase in intraocular pressure; presents with severe pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and halos.
Optic neuritis – pain worsens with eye movement; often linked to multiple sclerosis.
Orbital cellulitis – infection involving tissues behind the orbital septum; associated with swelling, fever, and decreased eye movement.
Sinusitis – especially ethmoid or frontal sinus infections; can refer pain to the eye area.
Trauma – blunt or penetrating injuries can cause globe rupture, hyphema, or retrobulbar hemorrhage.
Sometimes, pain is referred to the eye from adjacent structures:
Migraine or cluster headaches – can cause retro-orbital pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia – sharp, electric-like pain, occasionally affecting the eye area.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction – can refer pain around the orbit.
Sudden severe pain with vision loss
Pain with nausea/vomiting (suggesting acute glaucoma)
Pain with eye movement + vision loss (suggesting optic neuritis)
Eye pain with systemic symptoms like fever or proptosis (suggesting orbital cellulitis)