Eye Pain - Causes And Treatments

"Eye Pain



Definition of Eye Pain

Eye pain may arise on the surface layer of the eye or within its inner structure . When the pain is felt on the surface of the eye it will be identified by a stabing pain, itching or burning feeling. This symptom is generally caused by irritants that may affect the membrane of the eye, an eye infection or foreign matter making contact with the eye. Pain that originates within the depths of the eye is often described as throbbing or aching. This kind of eye pain may be associated with a possibly grave medical condition. If the eye pain is acute, particularly when associated with some amount of vision loss this may necessitate emergency medical treatment.


Causes

Conjunctivitis is a prevalent eye problem. Conjunctivitis can be encouraged by an allergic, bacterial, chemical, or viral inflammation of the conjunctiva i.e. the delicate outer membrane of the eye. Pinkeye is the term normally used in reference to a viral conjunctivitis, this term is applied because of the pink colour that will cover the whites of the eye. The pain is generally mild, or there may be no accompanying pain in some cases. Itching, redness, and drainage from the eye(s) are regular symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Corneal abrasions and corneal ulcerations may encourage eye pain. The cornea is the transparent layer on the outer surface of the eye. Abrasions are generallycaused by any scratch to the surface of the cornea, for example from foreign material entering the eye or from the excessive use of contact lenses. Ulcerations generally manifest in the presence of infections or abrasions.
Chemical burns and flash burns are considerable causes of eye pain. Chemical burns are generallythe result of acid or alkaline based substances making contact with the eyes. These products are generally found in households and include bleach and other cleaners. Flash burns will materialize when eyes are exposed to powerful light sources, including tanning booths or arc welding, if proper eye protection is not utilized. Even an incredibly sunny day may influence a flash burn.
Glaucoma may incite orbital pain i.e. pain within the inner structure of the eye, despite the fact that most presentations of glaucoma will be painless. Glaucoma is the result of a growth in intraocular pressure, or inner eye pressure, which may subsequently progress into flaws in vision and possible blindness if not treated. Intraocular pressure can rise because of an obstruction in outflow or an inflation in the production of aqueous humor ,which is the fluid that immerses a portion of the inner eye. This is generallyapparent in older adults.
Sinusitis may also possibly induce the sensation of orbital pain.
Migraines are a common reason to experience internal eye pain.

Treatments
The treatment will depend on the kind of eye pain that an person is experiencing. Some more customary methods of treatment may include:

Flushing the area with a great amount of water if the cause of the eye pain is caused by exposure to irritants such as a chemical.
An eye wash, cotton tip applicator, small needle or ophthalmologic drill may be employed if the eye pain is derived from foreign matter that may make contact with the eye.
An antibiotic eye drop may be used if the eye pain is caused by a bacterial infection of the eye.
If the cause of the eye pain is sinusitis from a bacterial infection, then it may be treated with antibiotics.
For eye pain that is caused by migraine pains, regular over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be taken.

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