Key Takeaways
- Screen use, close work, dry eye, and inflammation can all lead to sore eyes.
- Eye strain and eye alignment issues are linked to many vision-related headaches, even if you have 20/20 vision.
- Chemical splashes, objects in the eye, and blows to the eye call for quick action.
- Sudden vision changes or severe pain with other symptoms are red flags.
- Regular screen breaks, eye drops, and protective eyewear can help you stay comfortable.
Your eyes might ache after an afternoon at your laptop or sting when you step out into bright sunlight. It helps to know what’s behind the discomfort so you can decide what to do next.
Your eyes can hurt because of eye strain, dry eye, inflammation, an injury, or a more serious health concern. Some improve with home care, while others need prompt attention. If the pain keeps coming back, the optometrists at Calgary Trail Vision Centre can check your vision and eye health together during a comprehensive eye exam.
Common Causes of Sore Eyes
Everyday eye pain often starts with something you can address, like your screen habits or dryness. Each one has its own signs.
Eye Strain from Screens and Close Work
You’ve probably felt it after an evening of scrolling on your phone or finishing a report on your computer. Your eyes feel heavy and ready to close. Focusing up close for hours keeps the muscles inside your eyes working without a break.
An outdated or incorrect glasses prescription can add to this strain. Along with tired eyes, you may notice these signs:
- Your vision looks blurry at times.
- Bright light feels uncomfortable.
- Your eyes feel worn out well before the end of the day.
Dry Eye
Dry eye happens when your tears can’t keep the surface of your eyes moist and comfortable. Your eyes may feel gritty or itchy, a bit like there’s sand under your eyelids. Some people also notice blurry vision or headaches.
Eye drops or ointment can bring relief. Ask your optometrist to help you choose a product that suits your eyes.
Inflamed or Swollen Eyes
Inflammation can bring pain in and around the eye. You might feel discomfort each time you glance to the side or walk into a brightly lit room.
Book a visit with your optometrist, who can look for the source of the inflammation and recommend treatment.
How Eye Problems Can Lead to Headaches
A headache after a long workday may start with your eyes. Eye strain is linked to many vision-related headaches.
Eye alignment problems can also play a role, even if you read 20/20 on a vision chart. That chart measures how sharp your vision is. It doesn’t test how well your eyes work as a team. Watch for a few of these signs of a vision-related headache:
- Pressure around your eyes
- Aching temples
- Tight muscles in your neck and shoulders
Eye Injuries That Need Quick Care
Accidents happen in the kitchen, at work, and on the soccer field. A quick response can help protect your eye.
Chemical Splashes
If a household cleaner or other chemical splashes into your eye, follow these steps:
- Hold your eye open under a steady stream of clean water right away.
- Keep rinsing for about 15 minutes.
- Contact your optometrist or get emergency care once you finish rinsing.
Objects in Your Eye
Even an eyelash or a speck of dust can feel huge. Try not to rub your eye, since rubbing can scratch the cornea, which is the clear front surface of your eye.
Rinse gently with clean water or eye wash. If an object is stuck in your eye, leave it in place for the eye doctor to remove.
Blows, Cuts and Punctures
After a blow from a ball or an elbow, hold a cold compress gently against the area and keep your head raised.
Cuts and punctures need care right away. Cover the eye gently with a shield, without adding pressure, and seek care immediately.
What Is a Red Flag for Eye Pain?
Some signs point to a problem needing prompt attention.
Changes in Your Vision
Get care quickly if you notice any of these changes in your eyes or vision:
- Sudden vision loss
- Double vision
- Pupils that look like different sizes
- One eye that bulges
- One eye that moves differently from the other
Pain Paired with Other Symptoms
Strong eye pain with red eyes and blurry vision also needs prompt care. A headache can be a warning sign too when it comes with:
- Jaw pain when you chew
- Tender muscles
- Night sweats
- Blurry vision
- A whooshing sound in your ears
How to Ease Sore Eyes
Small habits can help your eyes feel more comfortable through the day. Look away from your screen often, especially during long work sessions or homework time. Keep eye drops handy for dry, scratchy moments.
Wear protective eyewear during sports and yard work, or when you clean with strong products.
When to Book an Eye Exam
Home care can help with mild discomfort. But consider booking an eye exam if:
- Your pain or dryness persists or worsens despite home care
- You get headaches after reading or screen time
- Your glasses prescription feels out of date
Book an Eye Exam to Find Out Why Your Eyes Hurt
Sore eyes can make it hard to get through a workday or enjoy a good book. The optometrists at Calgary Trail Vision Centre use detailed diagnostic testing to look into what’s behind your discomfort. From there, they’ll talk you through treatment options that fit your eyes and your daily routine.
Book an appointment and get answers about your eye pain.
