

Each person may interpret pain differently. QUESTION What causes dry eyes? See Answer These are common eye problems that lead people to seek medical attention. Scratches to the cornea typically associated with traumatic events are very painful.

Acute angle closure glaucoma can cause severe ocular or orbital pain.This lump causes irritation to the eye, can be very painful to the touch, and may occur in both children and adults. The lump is a result of a blocked oil gland within the eyelid. Either of these conditions cause a lump you can see or feel within the eyelid. A sty or a chalazion causes eye pain because of local irritation.Blepharitis is a condition that causes mild eye discomfort when plugged oil glands at the eyelid edges cause inflammation of the eyelid.Even an intense sunny day can cause a corneal flash burn from reflected ultraviolet light. Flash burns occur from intense light sources when improper or no eye protection is worn while performing arc welding or being exposed to the ultraviolet rays of tanning booths. Chemical burns come from eye exposure to acid or alkaline substances, such as household cleaners or bleach.

Chemical burns and flash burns can be significant causes of eye pain.Foreign bodies produce eye pain similar to that of corneal abrasions. Foreign bodies, usually located on the cornea or in the conjunctiva, are objects or materials that give the sensation that something is in eye.Keratopathies are a variety of conditions of the cornea and can be a cause of ocular pain.Ulcerations occur from primary infections of the cornea or infected abrasions. Abrasions occur from scratches to the surface of the cornea, such as from trauma, a foreign body in the eye, or overuse of contact lenses. The cornea is the transparent surface of the eye, and it contains many pain-sensitive nerve endings. Corneal abrasions and corneal ulcerations are common conditions that cause eye pain.Itching, redness, and drainage are typical symptoms and signs associated with conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is usually not associated with the symptom of pain. Pinkeye is a nonmedical term usually referring to conjunctivitis caused by a respiratory virus, because the conjunctiva gets inflamed and turns a pinkish color. Conjunctivitis can be an allergic, chemical, bacterial, or viral inflammation of the conjunctiva (the delicate membrane lining the eyelid and covering the eyeball). Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye problems.Causes of eye pain fall into two broad categories: ocular pain and orbital pain.
