When to Worry About Sudden Eye Pain

Most eye discomfort is minor and temporary. Maybe you got dust in your eye, spent time staring at a screen all day, or woke up with dry, gritty eyes. But when eye pain comes on suddenly, you should pay attention.

While some causes of eye pain are relatively harmless, others can threaten your vision if they aren’t treated quickly. Clayton Stevens, MD, can help you identify the source of your pain with emergency eye care at his practice, Stevens Eye Care, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Not all eye pain is the same

Eye pain can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort. The type of pain you're experiencing often provides clues about what's causing it, including:

Throbbing pain
Pain when you move your eyes
A sharp or stabbing sensation
Deep aching behind one or both of your eyes
Pressure inside your eye

Even if the pain seems manageable, don’t delay getting care if it comes on suddenly or is accompanied by vision changes.

Warning signs that require immediate attention

You should never dismiss sudden eye pain, especially when it’s paired with other symptoms. It may indicate a serious eye condition that necessitates quick treatment.

Seek immediate care if you experience:

Sudden blurred vision
Decreased vision
Flashes of light
Increase in floaters
Red eyes that also hurt
Halos around lights
Extreme sensitivity to light
Swelling around your eye
Nausea or vomiting along with eye pain
Chemical exposure
An eye injury

These conditions could lead to vision loss if you delay treatment.

Serious conditions that can cause sudden eye pain

Several eye conditions can cause sudden pain and require Dr. Stevens’ professional intervention.

Acute glaucoma

Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when pressure inside the eye rises rapidly. This condition often causes severe pain, redness, blurred vision, headaches, and nausea. Because permanent vision loss can occur quickly, glaucoma symptoms should always be treated as an emergency.

Corneal injury or infection

Your cornea is the front surface of your eye. Scratches, infections, or ulcers affecting your cornea can cause significant pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity. If you wear contacts, you may be at higher risk for certain corneal infections.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation that develops inside your eye, and it can come on fast. Redness, pain, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light may appear all at once. Early treatment is important to prevent complications.

Retinal problems

Retinal tears and detachments don’t usually cause pain, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them.

If you’re noticing flashes of light, new floaters, or any changes in your vision, those are serious signs that your eye needs attention. The sooner you’re evaluated, the better the chances of protecting your vision.

Getting the care you need

When you're experiencing sudden eye pain, a comprehensive eye examination can help determine the cause and the appropriate treatment. At Stevens Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate your symptoms and identify potentially serious conditions.

Our team provides a wide range of services, including:

Comprehensive eye exams
Glaucoma diagnosis and management
Retinal evaluations
Dry eye treatment
Cataract care
Emergency eye evaluations

When it comes to eye pain, it’s always better to be cautious. Some eye emergencies can progress rapidly, and early treatment often leads to better outcomes.

If you're experiencing sudden eye pain, redness, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms, contact Stevens Eye Care right away. Call us now or schedule an appointment online.