Seeing Clearly: Understanding the Causes and Remedies for Eye Pain

Introduction

When your eyes start to ache or feel weird, it can really mess with your day. Eye pain, also called ocular discomfort, is something that can bug anyone, no matter their age or background. Knowing what might be causing the pain and how to deal with it is key to keeping your eyes healthy and feeling great. While minor eye discomfort can often be relieved through simple remedies, there are instances when professional medical help is necessary.

We will outline the symptoms that indicate the need for immediate attention from an eye doctor. Additionally, we will discuss practical at-home remedies and lifestyle changes that can alleviate minor eye discomfort and promote eye health. Preventive measures are equally crucial, and we will provide valuable tips and practices to minimize the risk of eye pain and safeguard your precious vision.

Woman wearing blue light glasses (EYEYA1009)

Understanding Eye Pain

Eye discomfort and pain can stem from various factors, including eye strain, dry eyes, infections, allergies, and underlying eye conditions. Prolonged screen time, inadequate lighting, and visually demanding tasks can lead to eye strain, causing soreness or a dull ache. Dry eyes result from decreased tear production, leading to burning or stinging sensations.

Infections cause inflammation and redness, while allergens trigger itching and redness. Severe eye pain may signal glaucoma or corneal abrasions. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment and maintaining eye health. Prompt action and seeking medical help when necessary are vital for promoting clearer vision and overall eye well-being.

Woman wearing eyeglasses (Windsor_7831)

Common Causes of Eye Pain

Eye pain can be a distressing and bothersome experience, with several potential triggers that require specific attention and management. Understanding the common eye pain causes can empower individuals to respond appropriately and seek timely medical help when needed.

1. Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time, reading in inadequate lighting, or engaging in visually demanding tasks can strain the eye muscles, leading to eye fatigue and discomfort. Employing the 20-20-20 rule (taking breaks every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can alleviate eye strain.

2. Eye Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can make your eyes red and puffy, hurt like a beast, and can even lead to discharge. So, contacting a doctor is advisable in this case.

3. Allergies: Allergies are a super common issue that can cause reactions all over your body. And just like that, your eyes can also get all sensitive and react to stuff like pollen and dust. That can make them itchy, red, watery, and all sorts of bothersome.

4. Contact Lens Issues: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods, improper lens hygiene, or wearing damaged lenses can lead to discomfort, redness, and eye pain. Following the correct lens care routine and avoiding prolonged wear can help prevent complications. For high-quality products, check out Eyewa’s range of contact lenses, where you can find products such as the Everva Pro Monthly Lenses and Dailies Aquacomfort Plus.

Learn all about Contact Lenses on Eyewa’s comprehensive blog on the topic.

Boxes of Everva ELITE, PRO, and PURE contact lenses (EYEWA-Everva)

At-home Remedies for Minor Eye Discomfort

When experiencing minor eye discomfort, there are several simple and effective at-home remedies that can provide relief and improve overall eye health. These eye pain treatments focus on promoting eye moisture, reducing irritation, and minimizing strain on the eyes.

1. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to closed eyes can help alleviate dryness and soothe eye irritation. The warmth improves blood circulation around the eyes, providing a comforting sensation. Use a clean, damp cloth and gently place it over the closed eyes for a few minutes.

2. Blink Regularly: When focusing on screens or engaging in tasks that demand prolonged visual attention, we tend to blink less frequently, leading to dry eyes and eye strain. Remind yourself to blink regularly to keep your eyes moist and refreshed.

3. Eye Drops: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide immediate relief for dry eyes. These drops mimic natural tears and help alleviate burning or stinging sensations. However, it’s essential to choose preservative-free eye drops and avoid using them excessively. A great option, especially if you wear contact lenses, is the CooperVision All In One Light which keeps your eyes hydrated and healthy.

4. Cold Compress for Eye Allergies: For those with eye allergies, a cold compress can be beneficial. The cold temperature helps reduce inflammation and soothe itching and redness. Wrap an ice pack or a cold, damp cloth in a soft cloth and place it over the closed eyes for a few minutes.

5. Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting when reading or working on screens to reduce eye strain. Position screens away from windows to avoid glare, and use anti-glare filters if necessary. You can also wear computer & blue light glasses to keep your eyes safe. For example, the Spectus Rain Blue Light and Spectus Pony Blue Light are two great options to block computer light.

Man wearing blue light glasses (EYEYA0919)

When to Seek Medical Help

While minor eye discomfort can often be managed with at-home remedies, there are instances when seeking professional medical attention is crucial. Some situations when to see an eye doctor are mentioned below:

1. Sudden Vision Changes: Any sudden and significant changes in your vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or partial vision loss, should never be ignored. These changes may indicate eye conditions that require immediate evaluation by an eye care professional.

2. Foreign Objects in the Eye: If you have a foreign object stuck in your eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Seek immediate medical assistance to avoid causing further damage to the eye.

3. Eye Discharge: If you notice any kind of discharge from your eyes, seek medical attention immediately.

4. Persistent Eye Discomfort: If your eyes keep bothering you for a while, even after trying some home remedies, it’s important to get them checked out by an eye doctor. This could be a sign of a deeper eye issue that needs proper treatment. So, get to a doctor instead of asking yourself why do my eyes hurt.

5. Itchy Eyes: If your eyes are feeling itchy, it can be a sign of underlying problems, and you should see a doctor.

6. Red Eyes: While red eyes are not always a cause for concern, if redness persists, it is time to seek medical attention.

Prevention of Eye Pain

Taking proactive steps to protect your eyes can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing eye pain and discomfort. By adopting healthy habits and making simple changes in your daily routine, you can promote better eye health and prevent potential issues.

1. Regular Eye Check-ups: Schedule regular eye examinations with an eye care professional, even if you have no apparent vision problems. Routine eye check-ups can help detect and address any underlying issues early on, preventing discomfort and potential vision problems.

2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: If your work involves prolonged screen time or focusing on near objects, practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice helps reduce eye strain and prevents discomfort.

3. Maintain Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting when reading or working on digital devices. If you are out in the sun, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct sunlight. Some great sunglass options are the BlackOut Famous and 30Sundays Isle which offer style and protection.

4. Adjust Screen Settings: Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size on your digital devices to minimize eye strain. Customize the settings to provide a comfortable viewing experience. You can also opt for blue light glasses such as the Spectus Danielle to keep your eyes safe from screen rays.

Sunglasses on display (EYE00101)

Conclusion

It’s super important to look after your eyes and deal with any discomfort or pain ASAP to keep them in great shape. Knowing what usually causes eye pain, using simple remedies at home for mild discomfort, and recognizing when to see a doctor are all vital for taking care of your vision. By being proactive and making eye health a priority, you can have clear vision and healthy eyes your whole life. You can also incorporate high-quality eyewear from our range at Eyewa to relax your eyes. From contact lenses to sunglasses, we have everything you need to keep your eyes safe.