Many people experience eye discomfort at some point in their life. Some situations require no medical intervention. Others are more severe and can indicate an underlying health issue. It is best never to ignore unexplained eye pain.

Where Is the Pain Coming From?

The first step is to figure out where the pain is coming from. Our eyes are made up of different parts, each serving a different purpose.

• Eyelids – The exterior covering of the eye.
• Extraocular muscles – Muscles that rotate your eyes.
• Nerves – Internal network that carries information to the brain.
• Orbit – Also known as the eye socket, this is the part of the skull that houses the eye.
• Iris – The colored area of the eye that surrounds the pupil.
• Conjunctiva – Thin covering that protects the sclera.
• Sclera – Known as the whites of the eye.
• Cornea – Clear structure in front of the eye that directs light rays.

Common Causes of Eye Pain

Many conditions can cause eye pain. Some of the more common include:

• Foreign body – If something gets in your eye, it can cause persistent discomfort until it is removed. Most things can be washed out with water or artificial tears.
• Corneal abrasions – Corneal abrasion refers to a scratch on the cornea. This can happen from rubbing your eye or trauma. A doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops to help heal the injury.
• Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis is better known as pink eye. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that occurs due to infection or allergy.
• Corneal infections – Also known as keratitis, corneal infections can be caused by a virus or bacteria.

If you experience eye pain or other symptoms, seek medical advice right away. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey now to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.