Eye Discomfort & Pain
Eye discomfort and pain can range from mild irritation to severe symptoms that require urgent medical attention. Common causes include dry eye, eye strain, allergies, infections, contact lens problems, and injuries. Our Eye Discomfort & Pain Center helps you understand your symptoms and connects you with detailed information about conditions such as dry eye, itchy eyes, eye strain, eye irritation, eye pain, watery eyes, and contact lens discomfort. If your pain is sudden, severe, or associated with vision loss, seek immediate eye care.
Find the Cause of Your Symptoms
Explore our educational pages to learn more.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms may include dryness, redness, irritation, burning, and a gritty feeling. Our eye care professionals can help relieve symptoms and improve your eye comfort.
Eye Strain
Eye strain can occur after long periods of screen time, reading, or focusing on close work. Symptoms may include tired eyes, headaches, blurry vision, and neck or shoulder pain. We can help identify the cause and recommend solutions to relieve discomfort and protect your vision.
Itchy Eyes
Itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies, dry eye, or irritation. Other symptoms may include redness, tearing, burning, and a gritty feeling. Our eye care professionals can help determine the cause and provide relief so your eyes feel better.
Eye Pain & Irritation
Eye pain and irritation can have many causes, from dry eye and allergies to infections or inflammation. Symptoms may include burning, stinging, redness, tearing, or a gritty feeling. Our eye care professionals can find the cause and provide relief so you can feel better fast.
Watery Eyes
Watery eyes can be caused by allergies, dry eye, irritation, or blocked tear ducts. Other symptoms may include redness, burning, itching, or a gritty feeling. Our eye care professionals can help find the cause and provide treatment to help you feel better.
Contact Lense Discomfort
Contact lens discomfort can cause redness, dryness, irritation, or a gritty sensation. Symptoms may be caused by poor fit, dry eyes, deposits, or lens wear. Our eye care professionals can help determine the cause and recommend solutions for improved comfort and eye health.
Schedule an Eye Exam
Persistent eye discomfort isn't something you should ignore. Our eye care specialists can identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend personalized treatment to relieve your discomfort and protect your vision.
Experiencing Sudden or Severe Eye Pain?
Severe eye pain, pain with vision loss, light sensitivity, or pain after an eye injury may indicate a serious eye condition that requires prompt evaluation. Contact our office immediately for urgent eye care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes eye discomfort?
Eye discomfort can result from dry eyes, digital eye strain, allergies, infections, contact lens irritation, foreign objects, environmental irritants, or underlying eye diseases.
When is eye pain considered an emergency?
Seek immediate eye care if you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, flashes of light, significant redness with pain, chemical exposure, or pain following an eye injury.
Can dry eye cause eye pain?
Yes. Dry eye disease can cause burning, stinging, aching, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and the sensation that something is stuck in your eye.
Why do my eyes hurt after using a computer?
Extended screen use reduces blinking, leading to dryness and digital eye strain. This may cause aching eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing.
Can allergies make my eyes uncomfortable?
Yes. Eye allergies commonly cause itching, watering, redness, burning, and swollen eyelids, especially during allergy seasons.
Are contact lenses a common cause of eye discomfort?
Yes. Poor lens fit, overwearing lenses, dry eyes, debris under the lens, or infections can all cause discomfort and should be evaluated if symptoms persist.
Should I wear my contact lenses if my eyes hurt?
No. Remove your contact lenses immediately if you develop pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision. Contact your eye doctor before wearing them again.
What symptoms should never be ignored?
Seek prompt evaluation for:
- Sudden or severe eye pain
- Vision loss or blurred vision
- Flashes and floaters
- Light sensitivity
- Significant redness
- Eye injury or chemical exposure
- Persistent pain that does not improve
Can eye discomfort be treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on the cause and may include artificial tears, prescription medications, allergy treatments, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, specialty dry eye therapies, or treatment for infections or injuries.
Do I need an eye exam if my symptoms come and go?
Yes. Even intermittent discomfort can be an early sign of dry eye disease, blepharitis, contact lens problems, or other conditions that benefit from early treatment.
Experience the Difference Trusted Eye Care Can Make
Whether you need a routine eye exam, specialty consultation, or advanced surgical care, our team is here to help.