Can eye pain come from headaches?

Yes, tension and certain forms of headache can manifest as pressure or pain around the eye. Conversely, strained vision can also promote headaches. Medical examination is advisable for unclear or persistent symptoms.

Is eye pain normal with screen work?

A tired, strained feeling after prolonged screen time is common and usually harmless. Breaks, conscious blinking, and looking into the distance help. If the pain persists, an examination is worthwhile.

What should I do if I have a foreign body sensation in my eye?

Blinking and natural tear fluid often flush out small particles on their own. Do not rub your eye. If the sensation persists or there is severe pain, the eye should be examined professionally.

Eye Pain — Causes, Assessment & the Right Specialty

Eye pain can vary greatly: from a superficial burning sensation and feeling of a foreign body to a deep, pressing pain in or behind the eye. Often a harmless irritation or strain is behind it, but sometimes also inflammation. The accompanying circumstances are important, such as whether vision is impaired or the eye appears red.

Possible causes

Eye strain

Prolonged reading or screen work fatigues the eye muscles and can lead to pressing discomfort around the eye.

Surface irritation

A foreign body, dry eyes, or a minor corneal injury cause a burning, stinging sensation.

Inflammation

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, eyelid margins, or deeper eye structures can trigger pain with redness and light sensitivity.

Radiating causes

Sinus irritation or tension in the head-neck area can manifest as pain around the eye.

Typical steps at the doctor's office

1The ophthalmologist asks about the type and location of the pain, accompanying symptoms, and possible triggers such as a foreign body or prolonged screen work.
2She checks visual acuity and intraocular pressure and uses the slit lamp to assess the cornea, conjunctiva, and the inside of the eye; a foreign body is usually removed directly during this examination.
3The treatment depends on the cause — ranging from avoiding irritants and using artificial tears to targeted treatment of inflammation or elevated eye pressure.

What you can do yourself

Give your eyes rest and temporarily reduce screen time.
Avoid rubbing and remove contact lenses if irritation occurs.
Ensure good lighting and pleasant, not too dry room air.
A brief rest with closed eyes can relieve tension.

When a doctor's visit makes sense

A deep, severe eye pain with a hard eyeball, nausea, deteriorating vision, or coloured rings around lights can be an acute glaucoma attack and requires immediate attention at an eye emergency department. If eye pain persists, intensifies, or is accompanied by redness, sensitivity to light, or altered vision, you should seek ophthalmological advice. Early assessment is also advisable for contact lens wearers.

Frequently asked questions

Can eye pain come from headaches?: Yes, tension and certain forms of headache can manifest as pressure or pain around the eye. Conversely, strained vision can also promote headaches. Medical examination is advisable for unclear or persistent symptoms.
Is eye pain normal with screen work?: A tired, strained feeling after prolonged screen time is common and usually harmless. Breaks, conscious blinking, and looking into the distance help. If the pain persists, an examination is worthwhile.
What should I do if I have a foreign body sensation in my eye?: Blinking and natural tear fluid often flush out small particles on their own. Do not rub your eye. If the sensation persists or there is severe pain, the eye should be examined professionally.

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