Eye pain is a troublesome and troublesome problem. Most eye problems can be treated on their own quickly with simple general remedies. However, in some cases, eye pain is associated with other conditions, such as eye strain, infection, or allergies, and requires special treatment. If in doubt, consult a GP or ophthalmologist, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
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Method 1 of 5: Treating Common Eye Pain
Step 1. Wash with eye cleanser
If you haven't done any treatment yet, wash your eyes with a commercial eye cleanser, or water if that's all you have. This method is sufficient to solve eye problems caused by contaminants such as dirt. Make sure the water and/or liquid is between 15°C and 37°C. If you use water, use sterile or bottled water. However, care must be taken to ensure that bacteria, other contaminants, or irritants do not enter the eye, which is quite susceptible to damage and infection.
- Seek immediate medical attention if the cause of eye pain is chemical burns or other contaminants. You will be given instructions to wash your eyes or not.
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Observe the following eyewash guidelines:
- For mild chemicals, such as soap or shampoo, wash your eyes for five minutes.
- For medium and heavy irritants, such as chilies, wash for at least 20 minutes.
- For impermeable corrosives, such as acids (eg, batteries), wash for 20 minutes. Seek medical help.
- For see-through corrosion, such as alkaline (for example, bleach or drain cleaners), wash for at least 60 minutes. Seek medical help.
Step 2. Try using over-the-counter eye drops
Eye drops are designed to relieve itching and redness, and restore dry eyes by replacing the tear film, which helps keep the eye moist and tears evenly distributed over the entire surface of the eye. Artificial eye drops or tears can be purchased without a prescription and are available in many brands. Usually, the way to find the best brands is to try one at a time or consult a doctor. In some cases, you may need to combine several brands. In cases of chronic dry eye, eye drops should be used even if there are no symptoms. Each brand gives different instructions. So, stick to what it says on the label.
- Eye drops are just an adjunct treatment and not a substitute for natural tears. This is especially useful for people who often experience dry eyes.
- To reduce the risk of allergies or sensitivities in dry eyes so as not to further irritate them, use preservative-free eye drops.
- Over-the-counter eye drops can be used about four to six times a day as needed.
Step 3. Rest your eyes
Let your eyes rest by avoiding bright light sources. You can sit in a dark room or wear the blindfold that some people use to get a better night's sleep. Just being in the dark for an hour or two can greatly reduce the pain of overexposure to light.
If possible, try to avoid using the computer or television for at least one day. Constantly working at a computer can strain your eyes, and watching TV can cause dry and itchy eyes. Most people will feel eye strain after three to four hours of staring at a screen. Check out the proactive tips in Method 2
Step 4. Use a compress
Cold compresses are effective for relieving eye pain because it helps constrict the blood vessels in the eyes so they don't feel hot. Compresses can also treat pain due to injury because it can reduce the stimulation of eye nerve endings. You can make your own compresses in the following ways:
- Take a clean spoon and a glass of ice water. Make sure all tools and your hands are clean to avoid getting bacteria into your eyes. Put the spoon in the glass and let it sit for about three minutes. Then, lift the spoon and place its back against your eyes. Repeat this method for the other eye. Spoons are metal that retains cold longer than towels and cloths.
- Take an ice cube and put it in a bag or wrap it in a clean towel. Then, place it on one eye. Leave it for five minutes. Repeat this process with the other eye, also for five minutes. Do not apply ice directly to the eye as this can damage the eye and the soft skin around it. Hold the compress for a minimum of five minutes and a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes. Don't press too hard.
Step 5. Stop wearing contact lenses for a while
If you wear contact lenses, remove them and replace them with regular glasses. Contact lenses can make your eyes dry and itchy if you don't moisturize them often or if they're not positioned properly.
- Once removed, check to see if the contact lenses are dirty or torn. Replace if something seems wrong.
- There are types of contact lenses that are breathable and don't cause dry eyes as much as other types. Ask for examples or explanations from a professional ophthalmologist.
Step 6. Call the doctor
If the pain is so severe that it is difficult for the eye to function, consult a doctor immediately. Intense eye pain should not be ignored and can be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should look for safety by consulting a doctor. What's more, if the eye problem doesn't improve for a few weeks or even a few days, there may actually be a problem deeper than just dirt. Your doctor can diagnose your problem and give you the right treatment.
If you can see a scratched eyeball or experience additional symptoms, such as changes in vision, vomiting, headache, or nausea, go to the ER immediately
Method 2 of 5: Determining the Problem
Step 1. Observe for possible eye strain
Remember again how much time you spend staring at the screen each day. Eye strain from working at a computer or watching TV for a long time can cause dryness and itching. Usually, eye strain occurs due to lack of blinking, being too close to the screen (less than 50 cm), or not wearing the prescribed lenses even though they are actually needed. Cases of eye strain are increasing due to the increasing number of screen types that are used daily, not only televisions and computers, but also mobile phones.
- Symptoms are itchy and dry eyes, pain, a sensation of a foreign object in the eye, and a feeling of tiredness in the eye.
- You can take care and preventative measures to treat eye strain. See inside information here for more information.
Step 2. Find out if you have an infection
Eye pain can also be caused by an infection, such as conjunctivitis, which is often called a sore. If your eyes look red and a bit cloudy, you may have conjunctivitis. Symptoms vary, such as discharge (pus or tears), pain at seeing light, and fever. Conjunctivitis is a common, but difficult, condition that can be treated at home or with antibiotics from a doctor depending on the severity and type of infection. Click here for more detailed information.
Another possible infection is a stye, which is an infection in the eyelids due to bacteria from cosmetics or contact lenses blocking the glands of the eyelids. Symptoms are pain when blinking, pain to see light, red eyes, and eye pain. Usually, a warm compress for 20 minutes every four to six hours can clear this block
Step 3. Determine if you have any allergies
One of the most common conditions that cause eye pain and irritation is allergies. If you have an allergy, your body perceives a normally harmless substance as a threat and responds by releasing excess histamine. This causes itchy skin, swollen throat, and itchy, watery eyes. If you experience these symptoms, click here.
- Itchy eyes are usually not the only symptom of an allergy. If your eye pain is accompanied by itching in other parts of your body, sneezing or runny nose, you may have an allergy.
- Most people who have allergies notice that symptoms are more pronounced during the spring or fall, when pollen counts are at their peak. There are also people who feel that their allergies are related to certain animals, such as cats or dogs.
Step 4. Confirm this diagnosis with the doctor
You must inform your eye doctor about eye pain so that it can be properly diagnosed and treated. If the symptoms worsen or worsen, contact your doctor immediately to avoid serious complications.
Method 3 of 5: Overcome Eye Pain from Screens
Step 1. Take a break from the screen
For a while, avoid working on the computer or watching television. Instead of watching TV, try reading a book. Force your eyes to focus on something other than the screen. If you have to work at a computer, make sure to take frequent breaks.
- Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take your eyes off the computer screen and look away 20 feet (6 meters) for 20 seconds. If you're working, do something else during these 20 seconds, like make a call or charge something.
- If you can, try to stand up and move around a bit. Lean back and close your eyes for a few minutes.
Step 2. Blink more often
Blinking produces refreshing and hydrating tears. Most people don't blink often enough when working at a computer, and that causes dry eyes. Since many people blink less than normal when working at a computer, dry eyes are a result of prolonged computer use.
Try to be aware of how much you blink and do it more often
Step 3. Consider light and contrast
Lower the screen brightness. The default settings for most computers are much higher than required and can cause eye strain. Use a low setting in a dark room and a higher setting in a light room. Thus, the intensity of light entering the eye will be consistent. Also check for glare on the computer screen. High glare can cause eye strain because the eyes have to work harder to see something on the screen. To check this, turn off the screen. This way, you can see the reflected light and notice the level of glare.
- When watching TV, use soft light in the room by using one or two lamps. That's better for the eyes than there is a huge contrast between a bright TV screen and a dark environment.
- Don't look at your phone or use the computer in bed. A bright screen that contrasts with a dark room will create a lot of strain on the eyes. This will dry out your eyes even more and make it difficult for you to sleep.
Step 4. Adjust the font and contrast settings of the document
Change the font size or increase the size of the document to read it on a computer. Reading letters that are too small will force the eyes to focus. Look for a font size that doesn't force you to get closer to the screen.
Also pay attention to the contrast settings in the document and make some changes. Black print on a white background is the most comfortable contrast for reading. If you spend a lot of time each day reading documents with unusual color contrasts, try changing them to black and white
Step 5. Consider the position of the screen
Make sure you sit far enough away from the screen. Position the computer 50 to 60 cm from you with the center of the screen 10 to 15 degrees below your eyes. Sit up straight and try to maintain this posture throughout the day.
If you wear bifocals, you may tend to push your head back so you can see from under the glasses. To adjust for this, buy new glasses just for working on the computer or try lowering the monitor so you don't have to tilt your head back
Step 6. Use artificial tear drops
Artificial tears, which are available without a prescription at drugstores or pharmacies, can help with dry eyes caused by too much screen time. Try to find eye drops that do not contain preservatives, which can be used as often as possible. If you are using eye drops with preservatives, use them up to four times a day. If you're not sure which artificial tear drops will work best, talk to your doctor.
Step 7. Consider buying glasses or special contact lenses for computers
There are many special glasses and contact lenses that help people who have to stare at screens all day long. The product changes the color of the screen to make it more pleasing to the eye. Most are designed to read print, not screens. So, look for options that are specific to computer use.
- However, this is the final step. The best way to avoid eye strain, of course, is to avoid screens. If you always have to work in front of a screen, consider buying glasses or contact lenses specifically designed for computer work.
- Make sure your contact lens or eyeglass prescription is correct and up to date. The wrong prescription can make the eyes work harder and increase the chances of eye strain. Talk to a professional ophthalmologist if you have problems with your vision.
Method 4 of 5: Treating Conjunctivitis
Step 1. Determine the type and severity of the conjunctivitis
You can determine the severity of conjunctivitis by recognizing the symptoms. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include red or swollen eyes, blurred vision, eye pain, feeling of grit in the eye, excessive tearing, itching, photophobia or sensitivity to light.
- Viral conjunctivitis is the result of a viral infection, such as influenza, and unfortunately there is no quick treatment. Most people who experience this type of conjunctivitis also have the flu or a cold. The best treatment option is to use home remedies to ease the pain. This type of conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own in two to three days, but can last up to two weeks.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is generally caused by the same bacteria that cause a sore throat and is the most common type of conjunctivitis. Bacteria live on the surface of the skin and cause infection due to unhygienic practices such as frequent eye rubbing, not washing hands properly, or wearing unclean contact lenses. This type of conjunctivitis is characterized by thick, yellow discharge from the eye, and can lead to vision loss if not treated quickly with antibiotics.
- Other types and causes of conjunctivitis include the entry of foreign objects into the eye, exposure to chemicals, allergies, sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia and gonorrhea).
Step 2. Get the right treatment
If you want to get rid of conjunctivitis quickly, read the article How to Get Rid of Pink Eyes Fast. In general, the treatment of conjunctivitis should be according to its type and cause. It is best to consult a doctor to find out the best type of treatment for your case.
- Conjunctivitis due to bacteria can be treated with antibiotics in the form of eye drops. These eye drops require a prescription from a doctor and are not available without a prescription. Some examples of antibiotic eye drops are Bacitracin (AK-Tracin), Chloramphenicol (Chloroptic), and Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan). Complete antibiotic treatment even if symptoms subside within three to five days. If the infection is due to chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe Azithromycin, Erythromycin, or Doxycycline. If the infection is due to gonorrhea, you will be given an intramuscular injection of Ceftriaxone and the drug Azithromycin.
- Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own after two to three days and doesn't require antibiotics or prescription medications.
- Treat allergic conjunctivitis with allergy medications, such as antihistamines (for example, over-the-counter Benadryl). In addition, most eye drops contain a compound called tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, which acts as a depressant and constricts the superficial blood vessels in the eye so they are less noticeable. In some cases, the allergic reaction will go away on its own if you avoid contact with the allergen.
Step 3. Clean your eyes regularly
Flush your eyes with cold water regularly to prevent the infection from getting worse. Use a warm cloth or towel to rub the area around the eyes.
Step 4. Avoid conjunctivitis transmission
Stop the transmission of conjunctivitis by washing your hands and not touching your eyes. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be spread easily by hand-to-hand contact. By washing your hands and not touching your eyes, you are less likely to catch conjunctivitis.
Also, tell others not to touch their eyes after coming into contact with you
Step 5. Consult a doctor
Call your doctor if the conjunctivitis gets worse or causes intense pain. In addition to diagnosing the type of conjunctivitis, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics and other treatments that aren't available over-the-counter at pharmacies.
Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions regarding the type, dosage, and frequency of the medication to maximize its benefits and treat conjunctivitis effectively
Method 5 of 5: Treating Eye Irritation due to Allergies
Step 1. Avoid contact with allergens
If your eyes hurt from allergies, your best bet is to remove the allergen or stay away from the environment where the allergen is present.
- If you don't know what triggers your allergies, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can do a skin test that will accurately tell what's causing the allergy in your body.
- Seasonal allergies are common and usually reach their peak in the spring when the plant develops and releases pollen. Try to stay indoors as much as possible during the day when pollen counts are highest. Don't mow the grass or garden because that can make the pollen fly.
- Other common allergens are cats and dogs. Direct contact with a cat or dog will affect the person who has this allergy and they will continue to feel it for several days after the initial contact.
- Food allergies are quite rare, but can cause severe swelling and itching of the eyes. Food allergies tend to be more severe and accompanied by stomach pain or itching in the skin and throat.
Step 2. Use the hypertonic sodium chloride liquid remedy
It helps reduce puffiness and pain in the eyes. Hypertonic sodium chloride is available over-the-counter and comes in liquid or ointment form and is a great alternative to eye decongestants. This medication helps reduce pain, and also absorbs excess fluid in the eye because it contains a lot of salt. The options are:
- Muro 128 5% liquid medicine: Use one or two drops in the affected eye every four hours, but do not use it for more than 72 hours in a row.
- Muro 128 5% Ointment: To use this ointment, pull the lower eyelid of the affected eye and drop a small amount of the ointment into the eyelid, once a day or as directed by the doctor.
Step 3. Try an eye lubricant
Eye lubricants are often used for cases of corneal ulcers that occur because the body does not produce enough tears. This lubricant helps moisturize and refresh the eyes. Most eye lubricants are available without a prescription, including Visine Tears Dry Eye Relief, Visine Tears Long Lasting Dry Eye Relief, Tears Naturale Forte, and Tears Plus.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging before use. Adhere to the correct amount and frequency.
- If you can, avoid using lubricants that contain preservatives, as some people are sensitive to preservatives and their eyes may become red, hot, and itchy.
Step 4. Consult a doctor
Your doctor can determine the cause of the allergic reaction and prescribe stronger medications to relieve your symptoms.
If you find signs of allergies, your doctor will refer you to an allergist. Allergists specialize in treating patients suffering from allergies
Warning
- If the pain is so intense that you have trouble seeing or doing anything, see a doctor right away. Your doctor can identify the type and cause of your eye pain and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Rubbing your eyes too long or too aggressively will only make the problem and pain worse.
- Avoid eye decongestants as they can restore redness. This means that if you stop using it, you will experience redness that is more severe than before. You may be addicted to these eye drops.
