Eye pain causes and treatment

Causes and treatment options of aching eyes

Eye pain can have various causes. Often they occur unilaterally and especially when moving the eye. Not always the eye itself, but its environment is affected. For example, the symptoms also occur in headaches (such as migraine or cluster headaches). Among the most common triggers include conjunctivitis, bacterial infections, corneal inflammation and dry eyes. Foreign bodies in the eye can also cause the discomfort. If the pain occurs suddenly and does not disappear after a short while, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause.

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• Causes and treatment options of aching eyes
• Painful eyes in conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis)
• Eye pain due to corneal inflammation (keratitis)
• Blurring of the eyes / snow sickness
• Dry eye pain (sicca syndrome)
• Inflammation of the inside of the eye (uveitis)
• Retinal inflammation (retinitis) and inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body (iridocyclitis)
• Eye pain in inflammation of the outer skin of the eyeball (scleritis)
• Inflammation of the vitreous (endophthalmitis)
• Inflammation of the lacrimal sac (Dakryozystitis) and the lacrimal gland (Dakryoadenitis)
• Pain in inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)
• Painful barley grain (Hordeolum)
• Pain in eye movement caused by eye muscle inflammation (ocular myositis)
• ocular tumors
• Glaucoma case can cause eye pain
• Foreign body in the eye
• Eye pain from vision defects and with wrong glasses / contact lenses
• Eye pain from the PC
• Treatment of eye pain
• Naturopathy for eye pain

Painful eyes in conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis)

Eye pain is often one of the symptoms of conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis). Other complaints may include redness of the affected eye, itching, a foreign body sensation, eye burning and increased tears. In addition, small protrusions, called follicles, can form in the conjunctiva.

A conjunctivitis with aching eyes is triggered, among other things by infections with bacteria or viruses, allergies and other diseases such as rheumatism. If it is a bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, the conjunctivitis is contagious. If the conjunctiva is due to an allergy or external stimuli, it is not infectious.

In a rheumatic disease as the cause of inflammation there is no risk of infection.

Eye pain due to corneal inflammation (keratitis)

Corneal inflammation (keratitis) is an infection of one or more layers of the cornea (cornea). Most bacteria are the cause of inflammation, which is sometimes accompanied by significant eye pain. Even viruses, such as herpes simplex virus (herpes keratitis) or - in very rare cases - fungi are sometimes the trigger of keratitis. In addition, a very dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), acid or caustic acid burns, superficial UV eye injury and damage to the trigeminal nerve can cause corneal inflammation.

In addition to the pain, a keratitis - depending on the depth of the inflammation - manifests itself by a slight to dense turbidity of the affected area, which can appear as a whitish spot, reddening of the eye and increased flow of tears and secretions, as the conjunctiva is usually affected at the same time. Not infrequently, corneal inflammation develops due to the long wearing of contact lenses. Even dirty or defective lenses can trigger an infection. Elderly people with a weakened immune system are more likely to suffer from keratitis.

Blurring of the eyes / snow sickness

When intense UV-B radiation hits unprotected eyes, sunburn on the cornea and conjunctiva (photoconjunctivitis and keratitis) can result, with painful, small epithelial injury, loosening of the corneal epithelium, and the death of epithelial cells accompanied. Such blindness of the eyes can occur, for example, if you are in the snow or on the beach without sunglasses. Even when welding without goggles, the eyes can be damaged. As snow, sand and water reflect the UV radiation, the eyes are exposed to additional indirect radiation in such an environment.

Blinding of the eyes usually manifests itself after a delay of about three to twelve hours after exposure to UV radiation. The affected then have bilateral very strong eye pain, have a foreign body sensation in the eye and have to close their eyes again and again, as they are extremely sensitive to light (eyelid cramp). In addition, the eyes are watery and vision problems can occur. The ophthalmologist also detects conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation.

In most cases, the symptoms go back one to two days without leaving lasting damage. The patient is being treated with eye ointment and analgesics and should be bed rested.

A common cause is the hours of work and staring at the PC. Picture: Picture-Factory - fotolia

Dry eye pain (sicca syndrome)

Dry eyes (Sicca syndrome) can greatly reduce well-being. For example, sufferers often report a foreign body sensation in the eye, eye burning and eye pain, reddened eyes, itching and photosensitivity.

The dryness is a consequence of lack of wetting of the eye by tear fluid. The most common causes of the sicca syndrome include tobacco smoke, airflow through the air conditioning or the blower in the car, computer vision (Office Eye Syndrome) and hours on the computer (Gamer Eye). But dry eyes can also be the result of a disease, such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatic diseases and thyroid disorders.

In addition, the intake of certain drugs, a higher age and female sex hormones favor the development of the sicca syndrome.

Inflammation of the inside of the eye (uveitis)

Under the term uveitis ophthalmologists summarize various diseases of the inner eye. In this case, parts of the uvea (vascular skin) are inflamed, which is composed of three layers: iris, radiator (ciliary body) and choroid (choroid). Some of these inflammations can be associated with severe pain in the eyes. Depending on which area of ​​the inner eye is affected, other symptoms, such as marked deterioration of vision, streaks, lint or flakes, redness of the eye, photosensitivity, and increased lacrimation may occur.

Uveitis may develop as a result of another infectious disease. For example, when measles or herpesviruses enter the eye, they can infect the inside of the eye just like bacteria, fungi or other agents. Autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks body-specific structures - such as rheumatic diseases (for example, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile chronic arthritis or Reiter's disease) or inflammatory bowel diseases (for example Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) as well as sarcoidosis - often cause uveitis.

Sometimes, however, the cause of inflammation of the inside of the eye is not clear if it occurs independently of another condition.

Retinal inflammation (retinitis) and inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body (iridocyclitis)

Eye complaints may be due to retinal inflammation (retinitis). Usually not only the retina but also the underlying choroid is affected (chorioretinitis). Frequently, retinal inflammation occurs concomitantly with another disease, such as rubella, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, AIDS and rheumatic diseases.

Even with an iridocyclitis (inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body) the eye findings are often based on another cause. In both cases, the underlying disease must be treated to also improve the eye inflammation.

Eye pain in inflammation of the outer skin of the eyeball (scleritis)

An inflammation of the so-called dermis (outer skin) of the eyeball is sometimes accompanied by severe eye pain - usually a pressure pain - which can radiate into the half of the face of the affected eye. The inflammation can cause edematous swelling of the dermis in combination with edema of the eyeball and edema of the conjunctiva, which can lead to impaired vision.

Not always the cause of a leather skin inflammation of the eyeball can be clarified. Doctors then speak of idiopathic scleritis. About half of the cases are associated with a systemic underlying disease, such as rheumatic diseases, Crohn's disease, gout or autoimmune diseases.

Inflammation of the vitreous (endophthalmitis)

Doctors refer to inflammation inside the so-called vitreous body as endophthalmitis. It is considered to be a particularly severe form of ophthalmia, as it often results in complete loss of vision. Symptoms of inflammation of the vitreous include visual impairment, eye pain, acute redness of the eye, and swelling of the conjunctiva. In most cases, a bacterial infection is the cause of the disease, the pathogens often reach the vitreous, for example in the course of an eye operation or an injury from the outside. Rarely, secondary inflammation of the vitreous occurs due to a general systemic infectious disease.

If the inflammation spreads from the vitreous body to the entire eye, the disease is referred to as panophthalmitis. It is the most serious form of eye inflammation, as it often leads to complete loss of vision and sometimes the entire eye. The strong infection causes increased accumulation of pus and the inflamed tissue gradually dies. The infection can spread to the other eye.

This disease is usually the cause of injuries that invade germs. In rare cases, the pathogens can also reach the eye via the bloodstream and cause panophthalmitis, for example as a result of blood poisoning.

Inflammation of the lacrimal sac (Dakryozystitis) and the lacrimal gland (Dakryoadenitis)

Pain in the eye can also be attributed to inflammation of the lacrimal sac, which is usually noticeable by a clearly recognizable reddening of the tissue around the inner eyelid angle of the eye. In addition, the area is swollen and painful pressure sensitive. From the so-called tear puncture comes pus. In some cases, an abscess develops that can cause further complications, such as the development of life-threatening encephalitis (brain inflammation) in the worst case scenario. If the pus builds outward and creates an open connection, it is a lacrimal sac fistula.

In most cases, dacryocystitis is due to drainage of the tear fluid, which is accompanied by a large increase of bacteria inside the lacrimal sac.

Inflammation of the lacrimal gland (Dakryoadenitis) makes itself felt by a swollen and painful Augenoberlid. Quite often an abscess arises. In addition, a fistula can form.

Pain in inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)

Inflamed eyelids are characterized by redness and swelling of the affected area, which is usually accompanied by pain, burning and sometimes itching. The eyelashes are stuck through dry secretions and can fail. The causes of eyelid inflammation are manifold. For example, allergic reactions to cosmetics, infectious Lidentzündungen caused by bacteria or viruses and general skin diseases cause the symptoms. Sometimes an inflamed eyelid also occurs as a result of conjunctivitis.

Painful barley grain (Hordeolum)

The barley grain (Hordeolum) is also one of the Augenlidentzündungen. There is also a noticeable and painful swelling with redness of the eyelid. Doctors distinguish between a Hordeolum externum, (inflammation of the minor glands, sweat glands in the eyelid, or the Zeis glands, sebaceous glands in the eyelid) and the Hordeolum internum, in particular the meibomian glands, the sebaceous glands on the edge of the lid , are affected.

In the case of a barley grain, pus forms, which can break through externally in the case of a hordeolum and inwardly in the case of a hordeolum internum. Most of the barley grain is due to a local bacterial infection with staphylococci or more rarely with streptococci. In normal decay, the disease is without complications or serious health problems. The barley grain usually breaks up within a few days and heals on its own. If the barley grain does not break, a lid abscess can form. Therefore, in such a case, the ophthalmologist will make a surgical opening and remove the pus buildup.

People who repeatedly suffer from barley grain may have a weakened immune system. For example, the eye disease can be an indication of diabetes. Also, the use of cosmetics in the eye area and wearing contact lenses may favor a recurring barley grain.

Painful eyes with optic nerve inflammation (Neuritis nervi optici) If acute dull pain occurs behind the eye or in the area of ​​the eye socket, the cause may be inflammation of the optic nerve. Those affected also often suffer from a decrease in visual acuity to complete loss of vision.

Optic nerve inflammation may be due to central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, toxic influences such as excessive alcohol consumption or infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, diphtheria and typhus fever. An expansion of inflammation of the middle eye skin (uveitis) on the optic nerve is also possible. In addition, certain diseases of the cardiovascular system and extreme hypertension are considered risk factors for optic nerve inflammation.

Pain in eye movement caused by eye muscle inflammation (ocular myositis)

Muscle inflammation on the eye affects those muscles that are responsible for the movement of the eye. Consequently, ocular myositis eye movements are very painful. In addition, the eye can emerge. Many sufferers also suffer from a swollen conjunctiva.

Mostly, the inflammation of the muscles is associated with scleritis or uveitis. It can also occur in the Basedow's disease (autoimmune thyroid disease) or more rarely in flu or other infections. Even a so-called "pseudotumor" of the eye socket (inflammatory tissue of unknown origin) can cause ocular myositis.

ocular tumors

Pain in the eye area may also be due to tumors. However, these are less common than other cancers. In adults, the most common malignant tumor of the eye is choroidal melanoma; in children, retinoblastoma usually occurs.

Depending on where the tumor occurs, it can cause a variety of discomforts. Often the affected people do not notice him for a long time. Tumors on the outer lid, on the other hand, are usually already visible to the ophthalmologist with the naked eye. If a tumor inside the eye is suspected, the ocular fundus must be examined by ophthalmoscopy. In addition, ultrasound examinations and other imaging techniques help with the diagnosis.

Glaucoma case can cause eye pain

Glaucoma (glaucoma) can cause various symptoms depending on its type.

In so-called primary open-angle glaucoma, no complaints usually occur over a long period of time. At a later stage of the disease, visual field defects occur during vision. Without timely treatment threatens the person blinded.

In an acute glaucoma case, however, occur directly complaints. So the eye is red and the eyeball feels unusually hard with light pressure on the closed eye. The pupil stops responding to light and may cause eye pain. In addition, there are visual disturbances. Many patients also have headaches and nausea and vomiting.

Foreign body in the eye

If a foreign object gets into the eye, it can cause an uncomfortable feeling or severe pain. Often the "troublemaker" is an eyelash, a tiny insect or a speck of dust. These foreign bodies are either rinsed out with the tear fluid without assistance from the eye or can be removed carefully, for example, with a handkerchief.

If the symptoms persist longer, an ophthalmologist should be consulted. If a piece of wood, glass or metal splinters into the eye, immediate medical help is necessary. Even with other sharp-edged foreign bodies in the eye treatment is required immediately, because in the worst case the injury by the object is so severe that the loss of sight threatens. In no case should such a foreign body be removed on your own.

Eye pain from vision defects and with wrong glasses / contact lenses

Visual defects affect vision and affect it in different ways. Often the eyes are permanently overworked, causing them pain and burning. Examples of this include squint, farsightedness and presbyopia. Even in myopia, the eyes are often stressed very much, in order to be able to better recognize objects in the distance in this case. With glasses or contact lenses in the correct eyesight, the problem can usually be solved.

Conversely, eye pain - often in conjunction with headache - may also be due to an improper visual aid. Thus, among other things, the sphere (dioptric values), the cylinder (in the case of astigmatism) and the axis (position of the cylinder and direction in which a corneal curvature is to be compensated) change, so that the values ​​of the previous spectacle lenses or contact lenses are no longer prone to refractive error Correct enough.

Eye pain from the PC

Seeing on the screen places high demands on our eyes. Without consciously perceiving it, people with a VDU workstation look back and forth several thousand times between monitor and keyboard or documents. The eyes have to "adjust" each time. As a result, many people experience headaches, eye pain, reddened eyes, blurred vision and vision problems, rapid fatigue, muscle tension, and a decline in performance throughout the day.

To prevent these complaints, you should regularly take a ten-minute break after about 50 minutes of video work. Meanwhile, you can move, have a drink and let fresh air into the office. The view into the green also offers rest for the eyes and the head. An eye rim massage can also provide relaxation. For this, the thumb tips are placed on the temples. With gentle pressure is then massaged with the index fingers of the bone edge of the eye sockets, which should be started at the nose root at the top of the eye socket. During the massage, inhale and exhale deeply.

Treatment of eye pain

The therapy depends on its cause. If a foreign body triggers the symptoms, the treatment initially consists of removing the foreign body with special instruments. For this, the patient receives a local anesthetic through eye drops.

In many eye diseases, eye drops are used for therapy. Image: Gerhard Seybert - fotolia

If the cornea is superficially damaged, eye ointments and cooling compresses provide relief until the minor injuries are healed on their own after a few days. If there are major injuries that do not heal, the ophthalmologist can remove the surface of the cornea with fine equipment so that the top layer can heal better.

If the pain is due to inflammatory, bacterial processes, such as often in conjunctivitis, provide antibiotic ointments or drops relieving the symptoms. If an infection is caused by viruses, also cortisone-containing eye drops can be used, as these contribute to a reduction of the inflammation.

In the case of burns caused by intense UV radiation, the therapy consists mainly of antibiotic-containing eye ointments, which are given to both eyes several times a day. Since those affected usually suffer from very severe eye pain, painkillers can also be used. Cooling compresses also provide relief. Patients should also avoid eye movements and protect their eyes from light. Most complaints resolve after a few days.

Eye pain can also occur as a concomitant symptom of another underlying disease, such as multiple sclerosis. In such a case, the actual illness must be treated in order to achieve an alleviation of the eye symptoms.

Naturopathy for eye pain

Eye pain can often be treated with simple home remedies and naturopathic procedures. Thus, the medicinal plant eyebright (Euphrasia) can be used especially for lighter eye inflammations. The extracts of Euphrasia provide especially in conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation relief. They are available in the form of homeopathic eye drops. Aconitum napellus, Arsenicum album, Dulcamara and Hepar sulfuris calcareum are other homeopathic remedies used in conjunctivitis. Hepar sulfuris is used in addition to Apis and Silicea for the treatment of a barley grain. In addition, fennel tea compresses can alleviate the symptoms of inflammation, whereby strict hygiene is required in order to avoid carry-over of the pathogens.

If the symptoms are due to dry eyes, according to experience of Ayurveda aloe vera gel and rose water can be used externally for cooling. At the same time, they provide moisture. For internal use is licorice, which should also have a moisturizing and cooling effect.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) relies on eye herbs on medicinal herbs, which have, inter alia, a relation to the liver meridian. The treatment of acupuncture points on this meridian, according to TCM also compensate for energy-related weaknesses. If there is a functional cause, craniosacral osteopathy can provide relief by making the inflow channels permeable to all vessels with mechanical pressure or tension.

Naturopathy can provide pain relief with harmless cause. In the case of injuries of the eye or persistent complaints, however, an ophthalmologist should always be consulted. (No)