Eye pain can be caused by conditions involving the eye itself or aggravated by conditions of structures surrounding the eye. Eye pain refers to any prevailing situation in which you feel discomfort affecting one or both eyes. Eye pain can be sharp and stabbing, or a feeling of irritation or discomfort.

Eye pain causes can only be determined by conducting a comprehensive eye exam. While it's prudent to have your eyes examined once a year, you don't have to wait for the regular visit if you are grappling with eye pain problems. At Eyes Over Copley, serving greater Boston, including Cambridge, Brookline and Newton, we can help. Our optometrist can diagnose your eye pain and create a treatment plan for you.

Causes of Eye Pain

Eye pain causes fall into two broad categories, namely ocular and orbital pain. Common causes of eye pain include:

• Conjunctivitis: This condition can be an allergic, bacterial, chemical, or viral inflammation of the conjunctiva. It's aggravated by a respiratory virus causing the conjunctiva to become inflamed and turn into a pinkish color, causing a condition popularly known as pinkeye.
• Corneal abrasions and corneal ulcerations: Abrasions emanate from scratches to the surface of the cornea, such as overuse of contact lenses and proliferation by foreign bodies. Ulcerations arise from primary infections of the cornea.
• Chemical burns and flash burn: Chemical burns arise from eye exposure to acid or alkaline substances like bleach or cleaners. Flash burns result from intense light sources when incorrect or no eye protection is worn while getting excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.
• Blepharitis: It's a condition that causes mild eye discomfort when plugged oil glands located at the eyelid edges culminate into eyelid inflammation.
• Chalazion: It's caused by local irritation resulting in a lump caused by a blocked oil gland. The lump is visible or can be felt within the eyelid.

Symptoms of Eye Pain

Symptoms of eye pain can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of eye pain are:

• Discharge from the eye
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Loss of vision

Visit Our Optometrist at Eyes Over Copley

If you are experiencing eye pain, you don’t have to continue suffering. At Eyes Over Copley, serving all of Metro Boston, including Arlington, Belmont and Wellesley, our team of experts can help alleviate your eye pain. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us today.