Why Do My Eyes Hurt? Common Causes and What to Do

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Eye pain can be annoying, distracting, and sometimes even alarming.

Whether it is a dull ache, sharp sting, or burning sensation, there are many possible reasons your eyes might hurt.

Some causes are minor and temporary, while others could be a sign of something more serious.

Let’s explore the most common reasons for eye pain and what you can do about it.

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Common Causes of Eye Pain

1. Eye Strain from Screens and Reading

• Spending long hours staring at a computer, phone, or tablet can cause digital eye strain.

• Reading in low light or for extended periods can also fatigue your eyes.

• Symptoms include dryness, headaches, and blurry vision.

Solution: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Adjust your screen brightness and use blue light filters if needed.

2. Dry Eyes

• When your eyes do not produce enough tears, they can feel dry, gritty, or burning.

• Air conditioning, heating, wind, and certain medications can contribute to dry eye syndrome.

Solution: Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.

Blink more often, especially when using screens, and stay hydrated.

3. Allergies

• Seasonal allergies can make your eyes feel itchy, red, and watery.

• Common triggers include pollen, dust, pet dander, and smoke.

Solution: Try antihistamine eye drops or allergy medication.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can make symptoms worse.

4. Sinus Infections and Headaches

• If your forehead, cheeks, or nose feel congested, your eye pain may be related to sinus pressure.

• Migraines and tension headaches can also cause pain behind the eyes.

Solution: Use a warm compress or steam to relieve sinus pressure.

Stay hydrated and rest in a dark, quiet room if you have a headache.

5. Contact Lenses Issues

• Wearing contacts too long or not cleaning them properly can cause irritation, redness, and even infections.

Solution: Follow your eye doctor’s recommendations for lens use, and never sleep in them unless approved by your doctor.

6. Foreign Objects or Irritants

• Dust, sand, smoke, and even tiny eyelashes can cause sharp, stabbing pain in your eye.

• Chemical irritants from soap, shampoo, or cleaning products can also cause burning.

Solution: Rinse your eye gently with clean water or saline solution.

Do not rub your eye—this can push the object deeper.

7. Infections and Inflammation

• Pink eye (conjunctivitis): A bacterial or viral infection that causes redness, discharge, and itching.

• Styes: Painful, swollen bumps caused by blocked oil glands.

• Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye, causing deep, aching pain and light sensitivity.

Solution: For infections, see a doctor for prescription eye drops or antibiotics if necessary.

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Avoid touching or sharing eye makeup and towels.

8. Scratched Cornea (Corneal Abrasion)

• If you have sharp pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light, you may have scratched your cornea.

• Scratches can happen from rubbing your eye too hard, wearing contacts incorrectly, or getting poked in the eye.

Solution: See an eye doctor if symptoms persist.

Do not wear contacts or rub your eyes.

9. Glaucoma (Increased Eye Pressure)

• Glaucoma is a serious condition that causes high eye pressure, leading to vision loss if untreated.

• Symptoms can include eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, and seeing halos around lights.

Solution: If you have severe pain and vision changes, seek immediate medical attention.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor if you experience:

• Severe or sudden eye pain

• Blurry or double vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye pain with nausea or vomiting

• Pain that does not improve with rest or eye drops

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Final Thoughts

Eye pain can have many causes, from simple eye strain to more serious conditions like infections or glaucoma.

Paying attention to your symptoms and taking quick action can help protect your vision and keep your eyes comfortable.

If your eye pain is persistent or severe, do not hesitate to see an eye doctor for a professional evaluation.