Sudden, sharp eye pain can be startling and uncomfortable. Whether it came out of nowhere while you were working, caused you to wince while reading, or hit you during an otherwise ordinary day, sharp eye pain shouldn’t be ignored.
Sharp eye pain can indicate a variety of causes, ranging from simple dry eyes or a foreign object in the eye to more serious underlying conditions, such as glaucoma. Fortunately, many of these causes are easily solvable; for those that aren’t, your optometrist can guide you to recovery.
What Is Eye Pain?
Eye pain is an umbrella term for any discomfort or ache inside or around the eye. Some types of pain may feel dull or throbbing, while others appear suddenly and cause a sharp, stabbing sensation.
Anyone can experience sharp eye pain, but some people are more prone than others. You might be at higher risk if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Contact lens wearers
- Individuals with existing eye conditions like glaucoma or dry eye
- Allergy sufferers, especially during pollen-heavy months
- Those who work on screens or digital devices for extended periods
- People with migraines or sinus issues
What Parts of the Eye Can Feel Pain?
Sharp eye pain can originate from different areas, such as:
- Debris, scratches, or infections often cause pain on the eye (cornea).
- Pain inside the eye may indicate a condition involving the optic nerve, retina, or other internal eye structures.
- Discomfort around the eye, muscles, or eyelids may be associated with sinus problems, migraines, or tension headaches.
Understanding the source can help narrow down the cause of the pain.
Top 5 Common Causes of Sharp Eye Pain
If you’re wondering, “Why does my eye suddenly hurt?”, here are five of the most frequent culprits to consider.
1. Debris in the Eye
Something as small as a fleck of dust or an eyelash can irritate your eye and cause sharp pain. If pain is accompanied by a feeling that something is stuck, this is often the cause. Rubbing your eye can make it worse by scratching your cornea, so avoid doing this and try flushing your eye with saline or clean water instead.
2. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches, though less common than migraines, can cause severe pain behind or around one eye. These headaches come in cycles and often feel sharp and intense. Cluster headaches can also lead to symptoms such as redness or tearing in the affected eye.
3. Contact Lens Problems
If you wear contact lenses, issues such as a torn lens, improper hygiene, or lenses left in for too long can all trigger red, irritated, and painful eyes. Ill-fitting lenses can even cause corneal scratches, which lead to sharp discomfort.
4. Uveitis
Uveitis refers to inflammation in the eye’s middle layer (uvea). It may occur due to autoimmune diseases, infection, or trauma and often brings sharp, stabbing pain along with redness and sensitivity to light.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious condition caused by high pressure within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. Acute angle-closure glaucoma, in particular, can cause sudden, intense pain, along with blurred vision, nausea, and halos around lights. This is an emergency, and it requires immediate medical attention.
Other Possible Causes of Sharp Eye Pain
Sometimes, sharp eye pain stems from less common causes. Here are a few additional possibilities worth considering.
- Eye Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), can cause discomfort. While conjunctivitis is usually marked by itchiness and redness, infections can sometimes cause more direct pain.
- Dry eye syndrome: When the eyes don’t produce enough tears or are unable to maintain lubrication, sharp, dry pain may occur, especially if left untreated or worsened by extended screen time.
- Migraine: Migraine headaches are well-known for causing throbbing pain on one side of the head. However, they can also be accompanied by stabbing pain in one eye or changes in vision, such as seeing flashes of light.
- Corneal Abrasion: Scratching the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, can cause significant pain. This often occurs due to improper contact lens use or foreign objects accidentally coming into contact with the eye.
- Optic Neuritis: This inflammation of the optic nerve can result in sharp pain, often when moving your eyes. It may also cause visual changes, such as blurriness or reduced colour perception. Optic neuritis is commonly linked to autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Sinus Infection: If your sinuses are infected or inflamed, the pressure can radiate outward, leading to discomfort around your eyes. The sharp pain may worsen when you bend forward or lie down.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some causes of sharp eye pain are minor and temporary, others require prompt attention. Here are instances when it’s essential to contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible:
- The pain is sudden and severe.
- You experience changes in vision, such as blurred or double vision, halos, or blind spots.
- Your eye appears red, swollen, or has unusual discharge.
- The pain lasts longer than a day or worsens over time.
- You’re experiencing additional symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, or light sensitivity.
Taking quick action can prevent potential complications, especially in conditions like acute glaucoma or optic neuritis. When in doubt, consult an eye care professional to protect your vision and health.
Take Care of Your Eyes Today
Our eyes do so much for us, helping us work, play, and connect with the world around us. Sharp eye pain can be a warning sign that something isn’t quite right, so it’s essential to listen to your body and act early.If you’re dealing with persistent or recurring eye pain, Pinehouse Eyecare is here to help.
Schedule a visit with one of our optometrists today to protect your vision and find relief.
