Why do my eyes hurt when I look around?

A variety of factors could be causing your eyes to pain as you move them. Eye pain can be a sign of weariness or eyestrain. When you have a migraine headache or a sinus infection, the region around your eyes may have pain. Eye pain can sometimes be a sign of a more serious illness, such as uveitis.

Damage to the cornea, often known as corneal abrasion, can also cause this.

Read on to learn more about why you could be experiencing eye pain when moving your eyes and how to get some relief.

Causes of pain in the eyes when you look around

Eye strain is the most common cause of pain when moving your eyes. A sinus infection or an accident could also be to blame. Let’s look at the most common causes of eyes that hurt when you move them.

Dry eye

Dry eye is a very prevalent problem. When the tear ducts do not generate enough tears to keep the eyes moist, this condition develops.

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of dry eye:

• eyes that are itchy
• burning or stinging
• light sensitivity
• hazy vision
• redness

Dry eye is more common in elderly persons, women, and people who do not get enough vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids. Dry eye is also more common in people who have autoimmune diseases like lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome.

If someone spends a long period looking at a screen, they may not blink as often, resulting in dry eye. This condition can be made worse by air conditioning, smoking, and wind.

Dry eye is treated with hydrating eye drops as well as prescription medicine that helps the body to produce more tears. If tear ducts that drain too quickly are the source of dry eye, a surgical operation to restrict them may be beneficial.

Eyestrain

When the eyes become fatigued, eyestrain develops. When someone is undertaking a work that requires them to focus their eyes for long periods of time, this can happen. As a result, your eyes may become hurting, watery, or dry.

Eye strain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• driving
• reading
• looking at displays (screens)
• being exposed to bright lights

Eyestrain can be alleviated by resting the eyes. Every 20 minutes, the National Eye Institute (NEI) recommends taking a 20-second break from tasks like reading by glancing at an item 20 feet away.

Screen brightness can be adjusted, glare from lights and windows can be reduced, and taking regular breaks from driving can also assist. Eye strain and headaches can also be caused by an inappropriate prescription for eyeglasses. Because vision varies with time, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor on a frequent basis.

Fungal infection

Fungi can also cause infections in the eyes. People who work on farms or in gardens, as well as those who wear contact lenses, are more likely to acquire fungal eye infections. People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, and illnesses requiring corticosteroid treatment are all at risk.

A fungal eye infection can lead to the following symptoms:

• blurred vision
• sensitivity to light
• tearing
• discharge
• eye pain
• redness

It’s critical to seek medical help as soon as possible if you’re experiencing these symptoms. All types of fungal eye infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), require prescription medicine. Antifungal eye drops, medication, or, in some situations, surgery may be used to treat the infection.

Sinus infection

A sinus infection can be identified by pain in the cheekbones, forehead, and eyes, as well as a clogged nose and fever. Antibiotics might be prescribed by a doctor to treat a sinus infection.

Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headaches can cause discomfort around the eyes, on one side of the face or head, as well as in the neck and shoulders. Nausea, impaired vision, and light or sound sensitivity are all possible side effects.

Scratched cornea

The cornea is a clear film that covers the front of the eye and protects it from the elements. When putting in contact lenses, applying cosmetics, or rubbing one’s eyes, the cornea might be scratched. As a result, you’ll experience eye pain as well as:

• a sensation as if something is stuck in one’s eye
• eyes that are red and watery
• light sensitivity
• blurry vision

A doctor may prescribe eye drops, a patch to shield the eye, or a specific contact lens to speed up the healing process for a scratched cornea.

Pink eye

Pain, redness, pus, and burning in the eyes are all symptoms of pink eye. When you have this illness, the conjunctiva, or clear coating of the white component of your eye, appears red or pink. Pink eye is a contagious disease.

Iritis

Iritis (sometimes known as anterior uveitis) is a condition in which the iris becomes inflamed. Genetic factors may have a role. It is often impossible to pinpoint the etiology of iritis. Iritis causes redness, tears, and a throbbing sensation in one or both eyes.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure builds up inside your eyeball, causing vision issues. As the pressure inside your eyeball rises, glaucoma can become progressively uncomfortable.

Optic neuritis

The optic nerves are damaged by optic neuritis. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurological disorders have been connected to this syndrome.

Sty

A sty is a swollen region around your eyelid that is usually the result of a bacterial infection. Stys are generally painful to the touch and can cause pain across the eye area.

Eye pain treatment

If your pain is light and not accompanied by additional symptoms such as blurred vision or mucus, you may be able to treat your eye pain at home, or you may need to consider prescription or over-the-counter medicine.

Home treatments for eye pain can help to clear irritants from your eyes and relieve pain some of which include:

• Rubbing, chemical exposure, and allergies can cause burning and itching in the eyes, which can be relieved by applying a cool compress to the affected area.
• Fresh cotton swabs can be used to apply aloe vera diluted with cold water to your closed eyelids.
• Many causes of eye pain can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops.
• Wear sunglasses when you’re outside if you have eye pain, and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
• Excessive screen time should be avoided, as should rubbing your eyes.
• Handwashing frequently can help prevent bacteria from migrating from your eye to other regions of your body.

Medical treatment for eye pain

Medicated drops are the most common medical treatment for eye discomfort. To treat an infection, antibiotic eye drops and eye ointment may be recommended.

If your eye pain is caused by an allergy, you may be offered oral anti-allergy medicine to lessen the severity of your symptoms.

Surgical intervention is sometimes required to treat an eye problem. Before scheduling surgery in these circumstances, a doctor will discuss your alternatives with you. Only if your eyesight or health are in jeopardy will surgery for your eye pain be recommended.

Summary

Your eyes could be hurting as you move them due to a multitude of circumstances. Eye pain can indicate tiredness or eyestrain. The area around your eyes may hurt if you have a migraine headache or a sinus infection. Eye pain might be a symptom of a more serious ailment.