{"id":1324,"date":"2023-01-19T14:15:57","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T19:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1324"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:32","slug":"why-do-my-eyes-hurt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/why-do-my-eyes-hurt","title":{"rendered":"Why Do My Eyes Hurt?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The fact is that eye pain can stem from a wide range of things, from getting a little dust in the eye all the way to vision-threatening medical conditions. Don\u2019t panic\u2014most of the time, eye pain isn\u2019t serious. But it is<\/em> always best to check in with your eye doctor when you\u2019re experiencing pain to ensure it\u2019s not a symptom of an underlying issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will walk through some of the many possible explanations for eye pain, as well as discuss some remedies for soothing soreness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer: This guide does not constitute professional medical advice; it represents the opinion of its authors and is for educational or informational purposes only. The information in this guide should not be used as a substitution for advice provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Readers in urgent need of assistance should contact their eye doctor or visit the emergency room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Eye Pain Causes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Eye Strain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reading, embroidery, driving, drawing\u2014anything that keeps your eyes focused for extended periods can overwork your eyes, causing eye strain<\/a>. Prolonged exposure to screens (i.e., TVs, phones, computers, or tablets) can also lead to a particular type called digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pain from eye strain can feel like dull aching behind the eyes, or it might cause symptoms similar to dry eyes, including light sensitivity<\/a>, stinging, itching, or burning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At home, you can try resting your eyes for a while and using a cool compress to relieve soreness. Be sure to follow the 20-20-20 rule at the computer\u2014looking away from the screen every 20 minutes to focus on an object roughly 20 feet away for 20 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re regularly experiencing eye strain, you should talk to your eye doctor about reading glasses<\/a>, anti-fatigue glasses<\/a>, or other solutions that could help prevent daily eye strain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry Eyes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dry eyes<\/a> often cause surface eye pain. In addition to feeling dry and scratchy, your eyes might feel sensitive to light, or they may feel like they\u2019re stinging, itching, or burning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, while it might not make sense, dry eyes may leave your eyes feeling teary or watery. Dry eyes occur when your eyes\u2019 natural tear production isn\u2019t working as well as it should. Teariness caused by dry eyes isn\u2019t the right kind of tears to provide your eyes the relief they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lubricating eye drops can be helpful for treating dry eyes<\/a>. For more information, check out our guide: Eye Drops for Dry Eyes: Which Type Is Best for You?<\/a> If you\u2019re regularly experiencing dry eyes with minimal relief from over-the-counter remedies, please see your eye care professional so that they can make tailored recommendations for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foreign Debris and Scratches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common culprit for eye pain is foreign debris that gets in your eye, whether it\u2019s dust, dirt, makeup, an eyelash, or even a pesky little bug! For minor situations, there are steps you can take to get something out of your eye<\/a> at home, but when in any<\/em> doubt or experiencing an emergency, you should have someone take you to an emergency room for professional care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Particles that aren\u2019t easily dislodged from the eye can scratch the cornea (the surface of the eye). Also called \u201ccorneal abrasions<\/a>,\u201d these scratches are best left to your eye doctor for a professional assessment. Deeper scratches can become infected or lead to more serious issues when not properly treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinus Infections, Cluster Headaches, and Migraines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While they aren\u2019t technically eye conditions, headaches and migraines can sometimes originate behind the eyes, making them hurt. Cluster headaches can especially be intensely painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the sinuses are located around the eyes, so sinus congestion and infections can put pressure on the eyes, causing throbbing or aching pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should see a general physician for these conditions. Addressing these underlying conditions will help ease related eye pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Needing a New or Updated Eye Prescription<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes what makes your eyes hurt is an outdated (or absent) eye prescription<\/a>. One possible symptom of needing vision correction or a prescription change is eye fatigue, as your eyes are working overtime to compensate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More: How to Know if You Need Glasses<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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Eye pain?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t

Book a comprehensive eye exam. Our optometrists will assess your prescription needs and check for any underlying eye conditions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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Contact Lens Overuse or Irritation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contacts<\/a> are an effective and convenient option for vision correction\u2014if they\u2019re used and cared for properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot to keep in mind as a contact lens wearer, from hygiene and habits to how you handle them every day. Check out our one-stop guide “Contact Lens Care<\/a>” for more information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Misuse or overuse of contact lenses can lead to eye irritation<\/a>, soreness, light sensitivity, redness<\/a>, or even infection<\/a>. (These symptoms can also be caused by wearing contacts that haven\u2019t been prescribed by your eye doctor.) If you think you\u2019re experiencing any of these symptoms because of your contacts, check in with your optometrist<\/a>\u2014they\u2019ll know whether your prescription or contacts brand needs to be reevaluated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eye Conditions and Diseases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A great number of eye conditions and diseases<\/a> can be a source of eye pain. Some examples are below, but bear in mind that this isn\u2019t a complete list\u2014just a few conditions that can be responsible for your eyeballs hurting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n