Symptom

Eye pain

Severe eye pain is an emergency

Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review

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When to get urgent help

  • Severe eye pain, especially with reduced vision
  • Pain with nausea, vomiting or halos around lights
  • Pain after an injury or chemical splash
  • Pain with marked light sensitivity or a very red eye

Common causes

Eye pain has many causes. These are common ones, with the conditions to read about next.

Corneal abrasion (scratched eye)Sharp pain and a feeling of something in the eye after a scratch.StyeA tender, painful lump on the eyelid.UveitisA deep, aching, painful red eye with light sensitivity.BlepharitisSore, burning eyelids and a gritty feeling.Dry eyeBurning, stinging or gritty discomfort.GlaucomaSudden severe pain with halos and nausea can be acute glaucoma, an emergency.Acanthamoeba keratitisDisproportionate pain in a contact lens wearer, especially after water exposure.Corneal ulcerPainful red eye with blurred vision; urgent assessment.

What can help

  • Warm compresses ease a stye or blepharitis
  • Lubricating drops help surface dryness and grittiness
  • Treat severe pain, or pain with vision loss, as an emergency

Frequently asked questions

When is eye pain an emergency?

Severe eye pain, especially with reduced vision, nausea, halos around lights, or after an injury or chemical splash, needs immediate care.

Why does my eye hurt but look normal?

Dry eye, eye strain and early surface problems can cause discomfort with little to see. Persistent or severe pain should still be assessed.

What is the difference between sore and painful eyes?

Mild soreness is often from dryness, strain or blepharitis, while significant pain, especially with vision changes, points to causes that need prompt attention.

Your next step

Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Patient resourcesFind care where you live →

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

Trusted sources

For general background, these organisations provide eye-health information. This list is further reading, not a record that they reviewed this article.