• Allergies
• Cluster Headaches
• Pink Eye

Why Do You Have Sharp Eye Pain?

Medically reviewed and edited by Debra England, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, NBC-HWC

What is Sharp Eye Pain?

Sharp eye pain is a sudden, intense feeling of discomfort that may resemble a stabbing, burning, or shooting sensation.

The duration of sharp eye pain may vary depending on what’s causing it.

Mild causes of sharp pain may lead to discomfort that lasts for a few hours or days. More serious causes can result in persistent pain lasting several days or weeks.

It’s important to keep an eye on your symptoms to determine if you need medical help or other forms of treatment.

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What Causes a Sharp Pain in the Eye?

Sharp eye pain can be caused by a number of mild to severe factors that may require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications like vision loss.

Eye dryness or infection

When the eyes are dry, they may become red, irritated, and painful. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Wearing contact lenses incorrectly

• Lack of moisture due to prolonged exposure to irritants like smoke or wind

• Eye strain

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

• A foreign body — like dust or eyelashes — in the eye

• Allergic reaction

Sinus infection

Sinusitis is a common condition that occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and infected. This can cause pressure around the eyes, leading to pain, headaches, and other symptoms.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are caused by factors like stress, anxiety, and tight neck or shoulder muscles.

These headaches cause pressure to build up in the forehead and around the eyes which triggers a painful sensation.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects the optic nerve. If left untreated, the condition can cause irreversible damage to the nerve, which may lead to vision loss and blindness.

Glaucoma usually causes a sudden, intense pain in the eye accompanied by blurred vision, halos around lights, and nausea.

Cluster headaches

These are headaches that occur in cycles, with multiple episodes developing over several weeks or months.

Cluster headaches can cause severe pain around the eyes, as well as other symptoms such as tearing, redness, and nasal congestion.

Sclera pain

The sclera is the white part of the eye, and pain in this area is commonly caused by infections, allergies, or injury.

Sclera pain may also be an indication of a more serious condition, such as scleritis or uveitis that requires prompt medical attention.

Migraine

Migraines are types of headaches that cause intense pain, accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity.

Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulge in the blood vessel that can cause sudden, severe eye pain. You may also experience vision changes and other neurological symptoms.

Can Sharp Eye Pain Be Treated?

The treatment for sharp eye pain depends largely on the underlying cause.

In some cases — like with dryness or infection — pain can usually be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and eye drops.

Other conditions may require prescription medications, surgery, and other professional interventions to address the underlying cause.

If you’re concerned about the cause of your eye pain or your current treatment regime isn’t working, it’s recommended to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

How Do You Prevent Sharp Eye Pain?

The best way to prevent sharp pain in the eyes is to take care of them. Proper eye care may include:

• Taking frequent breaks when working on a computer or when doing other activities that require close focus

• Using proper lighting to reduce eye strain

• Wearing protective eyewear during activities that can cause injury or dryness

• Eating a diet rich in vitamins that support eye health

• Wearing your glasses and contact lenses as prescribed

When Should You See a Doctor About Your Eye Pain?

Although sharp eye pain is rarely a medical emergency, it’s important to know when to see your doctor.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent and intense eye pain that impacts daily activities

• Vision changes

• Redness around the eye

• Unusual discharge from the eye

It’s also recommended that you see your doctor if you have a history of eye problems or a sudden onset of symptoms that are affecting your vision.

Where Can I Learn More About Sharp Eye Pain and Related Conditions?

If you’re struggling with sharp eye pain or are concerned about any of your symptoms, you can speak to a board-certified physician or nurse from the comfort of your home.

Head over to LifeMD to schedule a telehealth appointment.

Debra England, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, NBC-HWC

Debra has been working with patients for 15 years. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a national board-certified health and wellness coach who takes a whole-person approach to care. She utilizes a blend of conventional, functional, integrative, and lifestyle medicine interventions. Debra’s experience spans across chronic illness, pain, fatigue, and stress management, as well as rheumatology, orthopedics, traumatic brain injury/post-concussion care, urgent care, telemedicine, and mental health specialties. In her free time, Debra enjoys skiing, the Great Outdoors, music, and family time.

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