How to Treat Eye Pain

Eye pain is often uncomfortable and can lead to various troublesome issues. In many cases, you can treat eye pain quickly at home with simple methods. However, in some instances, eye pain may be linked to other concerns such as eye strain, infections, or allergies, which require more targeted treatments. If you're unsure about how to relieve your eye pain, it's best to consult with a general practitioner or an eye specialist.

Flush the Eye. The first thing you should do is rinse your eye with water or an eye wash solution if available. If the pain is caused by foreign particles like dust, a simple rinse can often solve the problem. Make sure the water or solution is between 15.5 – 37.5°C. If using water, use purified or bottled water. Be cautious to avoid introducing bacteria, contaminants, or irritants that could harm or infect your eye.

• If you need to flush your eye after exposure to pollutants, contact a poison control center or go to the emergency room immediately if chemical burns occur. You will be advised whether to wash your eye yourself.
• Follow these instructions for eye flushing:
  • For mild irritants like hand soap or shampoo: rinse for 5 minutes.
  • For moderate to strong irritants like chili: rinse for at least 20 minutes.
  • For non-penetrating corrosive substances like acid (e.g., from a battery): rinse for 20 minutes. Contact poison control and seek medical attention.
  • For penetrating corrosive substances like alkali chemicals (e.g., bleach or drain cleaner): rinse for at least 60 minutes. Contact poison control and seek medical attention.

Try using over-the-counter eye drops. Over-the-counter eye drops are effective in relieving itching and redness, as well as reducing dryness by creating a tear film that lubricates the eye and helps spread tears evenly across the surface. Artificial tears are available without a prescription and come in many brands at pharmacies. You can try different products or ask your doctor which brand is most suitable. In some cases, you may need to use several brands of eye drops together. If you have chronic dry eyes, you may need to use artificial tears even when there are no symptoms. Each brand comes with its own instructions, so be sure to read the label carefully.

• Artificial tears provide supplementary eye care but cannot replace natural tears. This product is especially useful for individuals with dry eyes.
• Preservative-free eye drops reduce the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivity, especially when your eyes are already dry.
• Over-the-counter eye drops can be used 4-6 times a day or as needed.

Rest your eyes. You should give your eyes a break and avoid bright light. You can do this by sitting in a dark room or wearing an eye mask, similar to what some people use while sleeping. Even just 1-2 hours in the dark can significantly alleviate eye pain caused by excessive exposure to light.

• If possible, try to avoid looking at computer screens or televisions for at least one day. Prolonged eye strain from working on a computer or watching TV can lead to dry eyes and itching. Most people experience eye fatigue after 3-4 hours of screen time. See Method 2 for more specific recommendations.

Cold compress. Applying a cold compress can be an effective way to relieve eye pain quickly. This therapy constricts blood vessels in the eye, reducing inflammation. It can also help relieve eye pain caused by injury by numbing the nerve endings in the eye. Here's how you can create a cold compress for your eyes:

• Use a clean spoon and a cup of cold water. Make sure all tools and your hands are clean to avoid introducing bacteria into your eyes. Immerse the spoon in cold water for about 3 minutes, then remove it and press the back of the spoon against your eye. Repeat the process for the other eye. The spoon is useful because metal stays cold longer than cloth or fabric.
• Put some ice cubes in a bag or wrap ice in a clean cloth and apply it to one eye. Hold it for about 3-5 minutes, then switch to the other eye. Do not apply ice directly to the eye, as this could harm the eye or the delicate skin around it. Apply the cold compress for at least 5 minutes, but no more than 15-20 minutes. Avoid pressing hard on your eye during the compress.

Stop wearing contact lenses. If you typically wear contact lenses, remove them and wear glasses for a while. Contact lenses can cause dryness and irritation if they are not properly lubricated or positioned in the eye.

• After removing your contacts, check for any dust or scratches on the lenses. Reinsert your contacts only if everything appears to be fine.
• Some special types of contact lenses are more breathable and can reduce dryness. You can ask eye care professionals to recommend or provide more information about these types of lenses.

Contact a doctor. If you experience severe eye pain or difficulty seeing, you should contact a doctor immediately. Severe eye pain is a serious condition that should not be ignored and may indicate a more serious issue. For safety, it’s best to consult a doctor. Additionally, if your eye pain persists for several weeks or days, the problem may not be as simple as a speck of dust in the eye. A doctor can help diagnose the problem and provide an appropriate treatment plan.

• If you notice your eyeball is scratched or if you experience other symptoms like changes in vision, vomiting, headache, or nausea, go to the emergency room immediately.

Notice eye strain. Think about how much time you spend in front of a screen each day. Eye strain from extended periods of computer work or TV watching can cause dry and itchy eyes. Typically, this is due to infrequent blinking, focusing on a screen that is too close (less than 50 cm away), or not wearing glasses when needed. Eye strain is increasingly common with the use of screens like TVs, computers, and smartphones.

• Symptoms include dry, itchy, and sore eyes, a sensation of something in the eye, and general eye fatigue.
• There are treatments and preventive measures you can take to address eye strain.

Recognize when your eyes may be infected. Eye pain may result from an infection, such as conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Symptoms can include eye discharge (pus or tears), light sensitivity, and sometimes fever. Pink eye is common and uncomfortable, but it can be treated at home or with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, depending on the severity and type of infection.

• Another condition is a stye, which is an eyelid infection caused by bacteria from makeup or contact lenses blocking glands in the eye. Symptoms include pain when blinking, eye discomfort with light sensitivity, and redness. Typically, a warm compress for 20 minutes, 4-5 times daily can help clear a stye.

Determine if you might be allergic. One of the most common causes of eye pain and irritation is an allergic reaction. Allergies occur when the body mistakenly perceives harmless substances as threats, releasing excess histamine, which leads to itching, throat swelling, itchy eyes, and tearing.

• Itchy eyes are not the only sign of an allergy. If you also experience itching elsewhere on your body, sneezing, or a runny nose, these may be signs of an allergic reaction.
• Most people with allergies notice these symptoms most often in the spring or fall, when pollen levels are highest. Others may be allergic to animals like dogs or cats.

See a doctor for a diagnosis. It is important to tell your doctor about your eye pain so they can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. If your symptoms worsen or your discomfort increases, contact your doctor immediately to avoid serious complications.

Take breaks from the screen. Avoid working on your computer or watching TV for extended periods. Instead of watching TV, consider reading a book. Make sure your eyes focus on something other than a screen. If your job requires screen use, remember to give your eyes frequent breaks throughout the day.

• Try following the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. Use this time to do other tasks like making a call or organizing documents.
• If possible, stand up and move around a little. You can also lean back in your chair and close your eyes for a few minutes.

Blink more often. Blinking helps produce tears, which soothe and hydrate the eyes. Most people don't blink enough when using a computer, and eye dryness can occur from prolonged screen time.

• Try to be mindful of how often you blink and make an effort to blink more frequently.

Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen. You should lower the screen brightness. Many computers have default settings that are too bright and can lead to unnecessary eye strain. Set the brightness lower in dim rooms and higher in well-lit rooms for a more stable light intensity. Also, check for screen glare, as it forces your eyes to work harder to see details clearly. Turn off the screen to inspect for reflections and assess glare.

• When watching TV, consider turning on one or two desk lamps to create a softer light environment. This will be easier on your eyes than the contrast between the bright TV and a dark room.
• Avoid looking at your phone or computer screen before bed. The bright screen contrasted with the darkness in the room puts extra stress on your eyes and makes it harder to fall asleep.

Adjust the font size and contrast for easier reading. Increase the text size or zoom in to read on your computer screen. When the text is too small, your eyes have to work harder to focus. Choose a font that doesn’t force you to get too close to the screen.

• Also, pay attention to the contrast of the text and adjust it if necessary. Black text on a white background provides the most comfortable contrast for reading. If you often read text with unusual color contrasts, try changing it to black-and-white text.

Check the position of your screen. Ensure you're sitting at an appropriate distance from the screen. Your computer screen should be about 50-60 cm away from your eyes and positioned slightly below eye level at a 10-15 degree angle. Sit upright and maintain this posture throughout the day.

• If you wear bifocals, you may tend to tilt your head back to view through the lower part of the lenses. To correct this, you could purchase a pair of glasses specifically designed for computer work or lower the screen to avoid tilting your head back.

Use artificial tears. Artificial tears, available over-the-counter without a prescription, can help alleviate dry eyes caused by prolonged screen time. Try to choose preservative-free lubricating eye drops, which you can use as needed. If using preservative-containing eye drops, limit usage to a maximum of 4 times a day. Consult your doctor if you're unsure which artificial tear product is best for you.

Consider protective glasses for computer use. There are various types of eyewear designed to help reduce eye strain for those who spend long hours in front of a screen. Some glasses even change the screen's color to make it more comfortable for the eyes. Most regular eyeglasses and contact lenses are intended for reading print on paper, not for screen use, so buying glasses designed for computer work may be a worthwhile investment.

• However, this should be your last resort. The best way to prevent eye strain is, of course, to avoid staring at a screen. If you must work on the computer for extended periods, consider investing in glasses specifically made for screen use.
• Ensure that your prescription glasses and contact lenses are up to date with your vision requirements. Wearing incorrect glasses can strain your eyes, increasing the risk of eye fatigue. Consult an eye care professional if you have vision concerns.

Identify the type and severity of red eye. Knowing the symptoms of red eye helps determine the severity of the condition. Symptoms include: red or swollen eyes, blurred vision, eye pain, a gritty feeling in the eyes, excessive tearing, itching, and sensitivity to light.

• Viral conjunctivitis, caused by viruses like the flu virus, doesn’t heal quickly. Most individuals with this form of red eye also have the flu or a cold. The best treatment is home remedies to ease discomfort. This type of red eye typically resolves in 2 to 3 days but may last up to 2 weeks.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by the same bacteria that lead to sore throats and is the most common type. These bacteria live on the skin's surface and spread through poor hygiene, such as rubbing your eyes, not washing hands properly, or using unclean contact lenses. This type of red eye is characterized by yellow discharge and can rapidly cause vision loss if untreated with antibiotics.
• Other forms of red eye include those caused by foreign objects in the eye, exposure to chemicals, allergies, or sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia and gonorrhea).

Find the right treatment method. To recover quickly from conjunctivitis (pink eye), check out the article Fast Healing for Conjunctivitis. In general, it is important to treat the condition based on the specific type of conjunctivitis and its cause. It is highly recommended to consult a doctor for the most effective treatment for your case.

• Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics in the form of eye drops, available by prescription. Some examples include bacitracin (AK-Tracin), chloramphenicol (Chloroptic), ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan), and others. Make sure to complete the full antibiotic course, even if symptoms improve after 3-5 days. If the infection is due to chlamydia, your doctor may prescribe Azithromycin, Erythromycin, or Doxycycline. For gonorrhea, an injection of Ceftriaxone along with oral Azithromycin will be prescribed.
• Viral conjunctivitis often resolves on its own within 2-3 days without the need for antibiotics or prescription medications.
• Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamines like over-the-counter Benadryl. Many eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride help constrict blood vessels, reducing visible redness on the surface of the eye. In some cases, avoiding the allergens can allow the condition to resolve on its own.

Wash your eyes regularly. You should rinse your affected eye with cool water frequently to prevent further infection. Gently rub the skin around your eye with a warm cloth.

Avoid spreading pink eye. You can prevent the spread of pink eye by avoiding touching your eyes. Conjunctivitis spreads easily through direct contact. By washing your hands and refraining from touching your eyes, you can help prevent passing the infection to others.

• Additionally, encourage others to avoid touching their eyes after coming into contact with you.

Consult a doctor. Contact your doctor if the symptoms of conjunctivitis worsen or cause severe pain. Besides providing a more accurate diagnosis of the type of conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and other necessary medications.

• Ensure you follow the doctor's instructions regarding the type, dosage, and frequency of medication to maximize its effectiveness and benefits.

Avoid contact with allergens. If the eye pain is caused by an allergy, the best approach is to eliminate the allergen or leave the environment where the allergen is present.

• If you don't know what the allergen is, consult a doctor. They can conduct a skin test to identify what exactly you're allergic to.
• Seasonal allergies typically occur in the spring, when many plants bloom and release pollen into the air. It's advisable to check the local pollen index online and stay indoors on days when pollen levels are high. Avoid activities like mowing the lawn or gardening, as they can spread pollen further.
• Pet allergies are another common type. Direct contact with cats or dogs can affect those allergic to them, and symptoms may persist for days after exposure.
• Food allergies, though less common, can cause severe swelling and itching in the eyes. Food allergies are often more serious, as they are usually accompanied by stomach discomfort or itching in the skin or throat.

Use an isotonic saline solution. This solution can help reduce swelling and alleviate eye pain. Isotonic saline solutions are available over-the-counter as eye drops or ointments and serve as a suitable alternative to decongestant eye drops. This treatment helps soothe the eyes and absorb excess fluid due to its high salt content. Some good options include:

• Muro 128 eye drops, 5% concentration: Apply 1-2 drops to the affected eye every hour, but do not use it for more than 72 consecutive hours.
• Muro 128 ointment, 5% concentration: Gently pull down the lower eyelid and apply a small amount of ointment to the eye. Apply once a day or as directed by your doctor.

Try using ocular lubricants. Ocular lubricants are commonly used for corneal ulcers caused by insufficient tear production. These products help to moisten and soothe the eyes. Most ocular lubricants are available without a prescription, including Visine Tears Dry Eye Relief, Visine Tears Long Lasting Dry Eye Relief, Tears Naturale Forte, and Tears Plus.

• Read the usage instructions on the label before applying. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage and frequency for eye drops.
• If possible, avoid products with preservatives, as some people are sensitive to them and may experience symptoms such as eye redness, burning, or itching.

Consult a doctor. A doctor will identify the cause of the allergy and may prescribe stronger medications to help relieve symptoms.

• If signs of an allergy are detected, the doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist. Allergy specialists are experts in treating patients with allergies.

• If your eyes are in intense pain, affecting your vision, or hindering your ability to perform normal eye activities, you should contact a doctor immediately. The doctor will determine the type of condition, its underlying cause, and provide appropriate treatment options.
• Rubbing your eyes for an extended period or too vigorously will only worsen the situation.
• Avoid using decongestant eye drops, as this type of medication can cause rebound redness, meaning your eyes will return to their previous red state or become even worse once you stop using the drops. There is a risk of becoming dependent on the medication.