from scratchy irritation to intense and debilitating
pain. Much eye pain in the form of burning and
itching arises from minor and treatable causes that
affect the structures around the eye rather than
the eye itself. Eye pain that is throbbing, stabbing,
deep, or accompanies visual disturbances may
suggest conditions such as GLAUCOMA.
Eye pain that is sudden and severe,
accompanies partial or complete loss of
vision, prevents movement of the eye,
or follows TRAUMA TO THE EYE or face
requires emergency medical attention.
When there is the possibility of pene-
trating eye injury, loosely patch both
eyes to minimize movement.The diagnostic path begins with careful exami-
nation of both eyes, which may include OPHTHAL-
MOSCOPY, FLUORESCEIN STAINING when the doctor
suspects CORNEAL INJURY, TONOMETRYto measure the
pressure inside the eye, and SLIT LAMP EXAMINATION
for further assessment of the RETINAand other
structures of the inner eye. The doctor may place
an anesthetic medication (numbing eye drops) in
the eye to determine whether the pain is coming
from the surface of the eye, in which case the pain
will go away, or from within the eye, in which
case the pain will persist. Often the doctor will
also conduct basic tests ofVISUAL ACUITYsuch as a
SNELLEN CHARTreading.
People who wear contact lenses should remove
them at the first sign of discomfort. Treatment for
eye pain targets the underlying cause. Most minor
causes resolve without complications or perma-
nent VISION IMPAIRMENT. Causes such as severe
corneal injury (BURNS, lacerations), glaucoma, and
ORBITAL CELLULITISseriously threaten vision and can
result in permanent and complete vision loss
without urgent and appropriate treatment.
See also RETINAL DETACHMENT.
eye strain The sensation of tiredness and irrita-
tion of the eyes, often accompanying long periods
of time involved in performing the same task such
as reading, computer work, watching television,
playing video games, and assembly work. EYE
strain generally results from overuse of the mus-
cles that move the eyes. The overuse tires the
muscles, which become less responsive to the
focusing needs of the eyes. The difficulty generates
temporary vision disturbances such as blurring,
and may also cause muscle tension headaches.
Insufficient blinking, which causes the eyes to
become dry and irritated, often accompanies the
overuse.
These measures can help relieve eye strain:- Blink frequently.
- Use artificial tears to improve the moisture con-
tent of the eyes. - Make sure lighting is of the appropriate inten-
sity and placement. - Reduce glare and reflection.
- Look away from close tasks every 10 to 15 min-
utes to focus on objects in the distance. - Wear reading glasses or CORRECTIVE LENSES to
accommodate PRESBYOPIA. - Wear eye protection when in environments
that are dusty or windy, and when in the sun.
Contrary to popular belief, eye strain (such as
reading in dim light) does not cause permanent
VISION IMPAIRMENT. However, eye strain may result
from undetected vision impairment, such as ASTIG-
MATISMand HYPEROPIA, that affect the eye’s ability
to focus on near objects. An ophthalmologist or
optometrist should evaluate eye strain that persists
despite efforts to improve the visual environment.
See also ERGONOMICS; HEADACHE; MUSCLE; OCCUPA-
TIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY; VISION HEALTH.90 The Eyes