If you’ve ever experienced eye pain, you might wonder, “Why do my eyes hurt when I look around?” This sensation can be distressing and concerning, especially if it persists. The good news is that there are several reasons why you might experience discomfort when moving your eyes. From common conditions like eye strain to more serious issues such as optic neuritis or acute angle closure glaucoma, understanding the potential causes of eye pain is crucial to managing and addressing it.

In this blog, we will explore the many causes of eye pain, the symptoms associated with these conditions, and the treatments available to help alleviate your discomfort. Whether the pain is related to digital eye strain or a more serious condition, this guide will help you understand the underlying issues and how to seek proper treatment.

Understanding Eye Pain: The Basics

Eye pain can take many forms. It may feel sharp or dull, constant or intermittent. The discomfort might occur when you look around or only during specific activities, such as looking at digital screens or in bright light. While some causes of eye pain are relatively mild and temporary, others may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.

The Anatomy of the Eye and How Pain Occurs

To understand why your eyes hurt, it’s important to know how the eye functions. The eye is a complex organ comprising many parts, including the optic nerve, cornea, extraocular muscles, and lens. These components work together to allow you to see and focus on objects. Pain in any of these areas can cause discomfort.

The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain, while the extraocular muscles control the eye’s movement. Eye strain, inflammation, and infection in any of these areas can result in eye soreness or eye fatigue when you move your eyes. Additionally, the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, can become irritated by dryness or foreign bodies, causing sharp, stabbing pain when looking around.

Common Causes of Eye Pain When Moving Eyes

There are several causes of eye pain when you look around. Some of the most common reasons include digital eye strain, eye muscle imbalance, and conditions affecting the optic nerve. Let’s explore these causes in more detail.

1. Eye Strain

One of the most common causes of eye pain is eye strain. This condition is often triggered by long periods of intense focus on digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes, and blurry vision, leading to discomfort when one moves one’s eyes around.

When you look at a digital screen for extended periods, your eyes may not blink as often, leading to dryness and irritation. Poor lighting, contrast, and unfocused vision can also worsen these symptoms. Eye strain is especially common in individuals who use intense screens for long periods or distances, such as while driving or working on a computer.

2. Digital Devices and Blue Light

The light emitted by digital devices can also contribute to eye pain. Blue light from screens can harm the eyes and increase discomfort, leading to symptoms like light sensitivity and eye soreness. Prolonged exposure to blue light can also disrupt sleep patterns, further exacerbating eye fatigue.

Using blue light filters on screens or wearing blue light-blocking glasses can help reduce these effects. In addition, taking regular breaks from digital devices and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) can help prevent eye strain and alleviate discomfort.

3. Eye Muscle Imbalance

Another cause of eye pain when moving your eyes is eye muscle imbalance. This occurs when the muscles that control eye movement do not work in harmony, leading to strain and discomfort. Conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or diplopia (double vision) can cause the eye muscles to become misaligned, leading to eye strain when you look around.

In some cases, eye muscle imbalance can also lead to headaches or cluster headaches, further contributing to eye pain. If you experience these symptoms, you must visit an eye doctor or a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

4. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are another common cause of eye pain when moving your eyes. When the eyes do not produce enough tears or evaporate too quickly, it can lead to irritation, discomfort, and eye fatigue. Dryness can also cause a scratchy feeling or the sensation of a foreign body in the eye, which can worsen when you move your eyes around.

In many cases, artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help alleviate dry eye pain by providing moisture to the eyes. If you suffer from chronic dry eyes, your eye doctor may recommend prescription treatments or lifestyle changes to address the underlying cause.

5. Optic Neuritis and Optic Nerve Disorders

Pain when moving your eyes may also be associated with conditions affecting the optic nerve, such as optic neuritis. This condition involves optic nerve inflammation and can cause eye pain that worsens when you look around. Optic neuritis is often associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis and can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss if not treated properly.

If you experience sharp eye pain and vision changes, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. An eye doctor can perform tests to diagnose optic nerve disorders and recommend appropriate treatment options.

6. Corneal Abrasion or Infection

A corneal abrasion or infection can cause intense eye pain when you move your eyes. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as red eyes, blurred vision, and increased light sensitivity. A foreign object in the eye, such as dust or a contact lens, can scratch the cornea, leading to pain and irritation.

If you suspect a corneal abrasion, you must visit an eye doctor immediately for treatment. Antibiotic eye drops or other treatments may sometimes be necessary to prevent complications and promote healing.

7. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

Acute angle closure glaucoma is a serious condition that causes a sudden increase in eye pressure, which can lead to severe pain, blurred vision, and headaches. If not treated quickly, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss. If you experience sudden and intense eye pain accompanied by vision changes, nausea, or vomiting, seek care at the emergency room or immediately contact your eye doctor.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience persistent or severe eye pain, you must consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis. In some cases, eye pain can be a symptom of a more serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Here are some signs that you should seek medical attention:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medication.
• Vision changes include blurred vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss.
• Eye pressure or the sensation of pressure behind the eye.
• Red eye that doesn’t improve with rest or eye drops.
• Headaches that accompany eye pain or worsen with eye movement.
• Light sensitivity or difficulty seeing in bright light.

Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

The first step in addressing eye pain is a proper diagnosis from an eye doctor. Your eye doctor will thoroughly examine, including checking for signs of eye strain, dry eyes, eye muscle imbalance, and more serious conditions such as optic neuritis or acute angle closure glaucoma. Depending on the cause of your eye pain, your doctor may recommend a range of treatments, including lubricating eye drops, prescription medications, or even surgery in some cases.

Preventing Eye Pain: Tips for Maintaining Eye Health

While some causes of eye pain are unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to prevent eye strain and maintain eye health:

1. Take Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
2. Use Proper Lighting: Ensure your workspace is well-lit and glare-free. This can help reduce eye strain and prevent discomfort.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated and reduce the risk of dry eyes.
4. Limit Screen Time: Take regular breaks from digital screens and avoid prolonged use of other digital devices.
5. Wear Proper Eyewear: If you wear glasses or contacts, ensure your prescription is current. If you experience frequent eye strain, consider investing in blue light-blocking glasses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eye pain when moving your eyes can be caused by various factors, from common conditions like eye strain to more serious issues involving the optic nerve or corneal infections. While most cases of eye pain are temporary and treatable, it’s important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like vision changes or light sensitivity.

By understanding the possible causes of eye pain and taking steps to protect your eye health, you can prevent discomfort and maintain healthy vision for years to come. If you’re experiencing persistent eye soreness or discomfort, make an appointment with your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-my-eyes-hurt

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17796-eye-pain

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-do-my-eyes-hurt#:~:text=These%20symptoms%20can%20develop%20due,a%20doctor%20about%20their%20symptoms.