2 Possible Causes For Eye Pain: An In-Depth Guide

Are you experiencing some form of eye pain? Do you often wonder what may be causing it? Eye pain usually indicates a problem with your eyes or vision. Here are two possible causes of your eye pain.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. The cornea bends light that enters your eye to help focus images on your retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.

It can cause pain and blurred vision and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. Other symptoms may include light sensitivity and redness in the affected eye.

Keratitis can be caused by infection, injury, or disease. Infectious keratitis is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is often associated with contact lens use since lenses can provide a portal of entry for microorganisms.

Injury-related keratitis can be caused by trauma to the eye. In some cases, keratitis can occur when your immune system overreacts to a foreign object in your eye, such as dirt, dust, or sand.

Finally, keratitis can be a symptom of underlying diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. These diseases can cause inflammation that results in eye pain and other symptoms.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing serious complications from keratitis. Treatment often depends on the cause of the inflammation and may include antibiotic eyedrops or a course of oral antibiotics if bacteria are the reason for infection. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to restore vision if the cornea is damaged.

If you suspect you may have keratitis, see an optometrist as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for sending images from your eye to your brain.

This condition is usually caused by increased pressure in the eye. The eye is filled with a fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid is constantly being produced and removed from the eye. However, sometimes the amount of fluid produced exceeds the amount removed.

When this happens, the pressure in the eye increases and can damage the optic nerve. Sometimes, this pressure can result in eye pain. This pain may be severe and may occur suddenly. Other symptoms of glaucoma include headache, nausea, and vomiting.

If you experience sudden, severe eye pain, it could be a sign of glaucoma. This condition can lead to permanent vision loss if it's not treated promptly. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, many people with glaucoma can maintain good vision.

Treatment for glaucoma typically involves medications to lower the pressure in the eye. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the fluid or improve the fluid drainage from the eye.

For more information on optometry, contact a professional near you.


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