Identifying The Source Of Eye Pain: Common Causes

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The eyes are one of the smaller organs of the body; however, they are also one of the most delicate. As such, eye pain should never be ignored, as it is almost always the result of a disease, condition, or other abnormality. Knowledge about some of the more common causes of eye pain can help point you in the right direction should you ever experience this discomfort. 

Irritant-Induced

Certain environmental elements can serve as irritants to the eyes, including allergens such as tobacco smoke and pet dander. Often, the irritant is the indirect cause of eye pain. Exposure to these elements often causes people to rub their eyes aggressively, which can agitate the eyes and lead to pain over time. Speaking to your doctor about eye drops that can help minimize the irritants' impact can help you avoid rubbing your eyes and avoid pain. 

Eye Pressure

Pressure around the eyes can also lead to pain. Pressure can occur for a multitude of reasons, but poor sinus drainage is a common culprit. When the sinuses are impeded, fluid builds up in the cavities around the eye, which causes pressure and pain. However, eye pressure pain that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vision changes and light sensitivity, could be caused by something more serious. 

Infection

Infection is a more concerning root of eye pain. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can make their way into the eye if you touch your eyes often or even fail to clean your eyes properly. As the infection-causing pathogen spreads, inflammation can settle around the eyes, which can lead to discomfort. Eye infection can also result from widespread infection in the body that has spread to the eyes. In either case, antibiotic treatment is generally necessary to rid the body of the pathogen. 

Poor Contact Lens Care

Wearing contact lenses has many advantages, but these benefits come with a cost. Wearing contact lenses longer than they have been prescribed, such as overnight, failing to properly clean these lenses, or wearing contact lenses that are worn and no longer fit correctly are all instances that can lead to pain. Wearing these corrective devices requires you to be diligent in your efforts to keep the lenses in good condition if you want to avoid discomfort.

Again, always take eye pain seriously. While details about these common causes are meant to be informative, make sure you visit an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis. Reach out to local eye care services to learn more.

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