Eye pain may be due to irritation, foreign bodies, and infections of the eyes. These irritations and infections are most commonly due to bacteria, fungi, viruses, or complications of different systemic diseases. Eye pain can also be due to trauma.
Pathophysiology
Eye pain is usually related to irritation of the surface of the eyeball due to infections, injury to the eyeball, or foreign bodies. Pain can come in many different forms:
- Itching
- Throbbing
- Stabbing
- Gritty
Eye irritation is mainly due to the presence of a foreign body in the eye. Due to irritation, severe reddening of the sclera (the white portion) of the eye occurs. Sometimes, irritation can lead to an infection and complications.
Infections on the surface of the eyeball can occur due to different causative organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Different toxic proteins are released from these infectious agents, resulting in different eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, scleritis and episcleritis.
Prompt treatment of these infections may be necessary to avoid damage to the eye. Severe untreated infections can lead to permanent visual impairment.
Causes
There are different causes of eye pain, irritations, and infections. Some of these are noted below:
- Foreign bodies can lead to severe irritation and pain in the eye.
- Bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus can cause infection.
- Fungi such as aspergillus can also cause infection.
- Viruses such as HSV-2 can cause infection.
- Allergies and dry eye can lead to irritation
Treatment
Management of eye pain, irritation, or infection is based on treatment of the underlying cause. If you do not treat the underlying cause, it can lead to severe complications in the future. Treatments include:
- Over-the-counter drugs for pain management such as ibuprofen
- Anti-bacterial eye drops in the case of bacterial infection.
- Extraocular foreign bodies should be removed as soon as possible
- Antihistamine and analgesic eye drops are also used to get relief from pain and irritation.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
Eye pain, irritation, and infections are very common. You should visit your medical provider if there is severe eye pain, irritation, or infection. Immediate medical attention can prevent further damage and permanent visual impairment.
Treatment for eye pain, irritation, and infections is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.
For more information on eye pain, irritation, and infections, see the following website:
https://www.afteroursinc.com/