Why Do My Eyes Hurt When I Move Them? Causes and Relief

Experiencing eye pain when you move your eyes can be quite unsettling. It’s a common complaint, and you’re not alone if you’ve felt this discomfort. The sensation can range from a mild ache to sharp pain, and it might hurt to look up, down, or side to side. Understanding why your eyes hurt when you move them is the first step towards finding relief. This article will explore several potential causes, from common conditions to more specific issues, and guide you on when to seek professional help.

Common Causes of Eye Pain When Moving Eyes

Several conditions can lead to eye pain that intensifies with movement. These can range from infections and inflammation to injuries and strain. Let’s delve into some of the primary culprits:

Sinus Infections

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occur when the sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen, often due to a viral or bacterial infection. These cavities are located around your nose and eyes, including areas above, below, and between your eyes. When your sinuses are inflamed, the pressure and swelling can directly impact the tissues surrounding your eyes, leading to pain that worsens with eye movement.

Symptoms of a sinus infection that may accompany eye pain include:

Throbbing pain and pressure around the eyes and forehead.
Nasal congestion or a runny nose.
Loss of smell or taste.
Headache.
Facial pain or pressure.
Postnasal drip (mucus draining down the throat).
Sore throat.
Fever.

If you are experiencing these sinus symptoms alongside eye pain that increases when you move your eyes, a sinus infection could be the underlying cause.

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. When this nerve becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, particularly when you move your eyes. The exact cause of optic neuritis is often unknown, but it is believed to be linked to autoimmune disorders where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the optic nerve.

The pain associated with optic neuritis is often described as an aching sensation behind the eye that is aggravated by eye movements. Other symptoms of optic neuritis can include:

Blurred vision or vision loss in one eye.
Dimmed vision or reduced brightness of colors.
Difficulty with color vision.
Flashes of light when moving your eyes.

If you suspect optic neuritis, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly as it can sometimes be associated with more serious conditions.

Eye Injuries

Physical trauma to the eye can undoubtedly cause pain, and this pain will often be exacerbated by eye movement. Eye injuries can occur in various ways, such as:

Sports-related injuries.
Accidents at home or work.
Foreign objects entering the eye.
Chemical exposure.

Eye injuries can range from minor abrasions to more severe conditions that can impact vision. Along with pain, symptoms of an eye injury may include:

Redness and swelling.
Bruising around the eye.
Changes in vision, such as blurriness or double vision.
Sensitivity to light.
Watering or discharge from the eye.

Protective eyewear is crucial in preventing eye injuries, especially in work and sports environments.

Eye Strain

Eye strain, also known as asthenopia, is a very common condition that develops when your eyes become tired from intense use. Activities that can lead to eye strain include:

Prolonged reading.
Extended computer or digital screen use.
Driving for long distances.
Focusing on detailed tasks for extended periods.

While eye strain is usually temporary and resolves with rest, it can cause discomfort and pain in and around the eyes, which may worsen with eye movements as the muscles around the eyes are fatigued. Symptoms of eye strain can include:

Eye pain or soreness.
Headaches.
Blurred vision.
Dry or watery eyes.
Sensitivity to light.
Difficulty concentrating.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inner surface of your eyelids. It’s often caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants.

Pink eye can cause eye pain, along with other characteristic symptoms such as:

Redness in the white of the eye.
Itching or burning sensation.
Gritty feeling in the eye.
Discharge from the eye, which can be clear, white, yellow, or green.
Crusting of the eyelashes, especially in the morning.

While the pain associated with pink eye is usually mild, the inflammation can contribute to discomfort when moving your eyes.

Eye drops are a common treatment for pink eye and other eye irritations.

Treating Eye Pain When You Move Your Eyes

Treatment for eye pain that worsens with movement depends entirely on the underlying cause. It’s essential to identify the root issue to address it effectively.

Home Remedies

For mild eye pain, especially if related to eye strain or minor irritation, some home remedies can provide relief:

Over-the-counter eye drops: Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help alleviate dryness and irritation.
Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to your closed eyes can reduce inflammation and soothe pain.
Warm compress: For some conditions, like eye strain, a warm compress might be more soothing.
Rest: Giving your eyes adequate rest, especially from screens and close work, is crucial for eye strain.
Aloe vera: Some people find relief by applying aloe vera mixed with water to closed eyes using cotton swabs, but caution should be exercised to avoid direct eye contact and ensure purity of aloe vera.

Medical Treatments

If home remedies are insufficient or if you suspect a more serious condition, medical treatment is necessary. Medical options include:

Prescription eye drops: For infections like bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops or ointments will be prescribed. For inflammatory conditions, steroid eye drops might be used.
Oral medications: For sinus infections, antibiotics or decongestants may be prescribed. For optic neuritis or other inflammatory conditions, oral steroids or other immunomodulatory medications might be necessary.
Allergy medication: If allergies are causing eye pain, antihistamines or mast cell stabilizer eye drops or oral medications can help.
Surgery: In rare, extreme cases, such as severe eye injuries or certain eye diseases, surgery may be required.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Pain

It’s important to know when self-care is sufficient and when to seek professional medical advice. Consult an eye doctor or healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

Severe eye pain.
Sudden changes in vision, such as vision loss, double vision, or blurred vision.
Redness in the cornea (the clear front part of your eye).
Unusual sensitivity to light.
Eye injury.
Symptoms of pink eye, especially if accompanied by significant pain or vision changes.
Eyes or eyelashes crusted with mucus.
Headache accompanied by eye pain.
Eye pain that doesn’t improve with home care or worsens over time.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for many eye conditions to prevent complications and protect your vision.

Bottom Line

If you’re wondering, “Why Do My Eyes Hurt When I Move Them?” it’s important to remember that various factors can contribute to this discomfort. While some causes, like eye strain, might be minor and easily addressed with rest, others, such as sinus infections or optic neuritis, require medical attention. Paying attention to accompanying symptoms and seeking timely medical advice will help ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment for your eye pain. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your eye pain and get appropriate care.