Eye pain

Date Updated: 02/18/2025

Definition

Someone can have eye pain on the surface of the eye or within the eye's deeper structures. Severe eye pain — especially with any vision loss — may signal a serious medical condition. Seek medical attention right away.

Eye pain on the surface of the eye might be described as itching, burning or shooting pain. Surface eye pain is often related to dry eyes, a foreign object in the eye, an eye infection, or anything that irritates or inflames the membrane covering the surface of the eye.

Eye pain that is deeper within the eye can be described as throbbing or aching.

Causes

Conditions that cause eye inflammation

Blepharitis — which is eyelid inflammation.
Iritis — which is inflammation of the colored part of the eye.
Keratitis — which is inflammation of the cornea.
Optic neuritis — which is inflammation of the optic nerve.
Scleritis — which is inflammation of the white part of the eye.
Uveitis — which is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.

Other conditions

Allergies — Injury, such as from a blunt trauma or burn.
Chalazion — caused by clogged oil glands on the eyelid.
Cluster headache
Complication of eye surgery.
Contact lens problem.
Corneal abrasion (scratch): First aid
Corneal herpes infection.
Dry eyes
Eyelid infection.
Foreign object in the eye: First aid
Glaucoma — which is part of a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve.
Migraine
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Stye (sty)

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency medical care

Call 911 or your local emergency number for eye pain if:

It is severe or accompanied by a headache, fever or more sensitivity to light.
Your vision changes suddenly.
You also experience nausea or vomiting.
It is caused by a foreign object or chemical splashed in your eye.
You suddenly begin to see halos around lights.
You have swelling in or around your eyes.
You have trouble moving your eye or can't keep it open.
You have blood or pus coming from your eyes.

Make a doctor's appointment

Contact your eye surgeon if you're experiencing eye pain and you've had eye surgery in the past or if you've recently had eye surgery or an eye injection.

Seek medical attention if:

You have eye pain and you wear soft contact lenses.
You have a weakened immune system.
Your eye pain is not improving after 2 to 3 days of medicine.