Pain in the eye can be caused by infections such as stye. A stye(sty) is an infection which results in a lump along the edge of the eyelid. Painful eyes can result in a great deal of discomfort for children and adults.
Eye pain can be caused by disease, as well as physical trauma. Pinkeye (conjunctivitis), eyelid inflammation, chemical burns and corneal ulcerations can all cause eye pain. Chemical burns that penetrate below the cornea can lead to cataracts and glaucoma.
Eye pain is sometimes experienced by persons suffering from a sinus infection or glaucoma. With glaucoma, the increase in pressure in the eye causes the pain. With a sinus infection, inflammation in the sinuses which are located behind the eyes may result in painful eyes.
Eye pain can also be experienced as a result of direct trauma to the eye during a car accident, work related injury, fighting among children, or other situations in which the eye receives a blow from a foreign object.
Eye pain is experienced as a dull throbbing or a stabbing feeling in the eye. Persons also report a gritty feeling in the eye when they are suffering from eye pain.
Pain that is felt in the outer part of the eye is known as ocular pain. This is the type of pain that is experienced when a person is suffering from conjunctivitis or an eye ulcer.
Eye pain that is felt within the eye or behind the eye is known as orbital pain. This type of eye pain is caused by trauma to the eye, glaucoma and migraines. Cutting fried foods, caffeine and other migraine triggers from your diet can help to relieve eye pain if your eye pain is brought about by migraines.
An ophthalmologist would be able to determine the exact cause of your eye pain. If you are experiencing problems with your vision, or having intense pain in the eye, you should see your doctor or ophthalmologist, or visit the emergency room of a hospital near to you as quickly as possible.