Eye Ache

Eye ache is commonly experienced as a burning or a straining sensation in the eyes. To treat such problems, resting the eyes for a while can relieve the pain due to straining. However, some causes of eye problems can cause severe symptoms like decreased vision and severe pain.

Eye ache can occur in the eye, around the eye, or both and can be described as an aching, burning, throbbing, or stabbing sensation. Sometimes a person can experience the presence of a foreign particle in the eye. It is important to identify the cause of the pain for the appropriate treatment.

• Foreign bodies like dust or pollen particles entering the eye
• Eye surgery
• Sinus related problems
• Stye, which is an eye infection
• Viral infections like flu
• Infection or injury

• Pink eye or conjunctivitis, which is the inflammation of the eyelids
• Burns
• Eye strain due to working on the computer for a long period
• Migraine, where a person may experience eye ache and headache
• Contact lens related complications
• Glaucoma, an eye disease which impairs vision

After identifying the cause, it is important that you contact a medical practitioner, if the cause is serious. Some of the causes can affect your eyesight if not treated on time. However, for minor problems try these home remedies to get relief.

Here, are some safe to use eye ache remedies which you can try.

• Rest for a few hours if you are facing eye pain due to strain.
• Over-the-counter eye drops, called artificial tears can relieve you from common problems like dry eyes, pain, irritation, etc. Read the label on the bottle, and use it accordingly.

• If you are sensing a dull ache in your eyes, it could be related to migraines. In such cases, take 1 or 2 aspirin tablets every eight hours, to get relief from the pain.

• If you are experiencing pain due to prolonged watching of TV or staring at the computer screen then simple eye exercises can help. Take a pencil and focus on it, bring it near your nose and move it away. Repeat this exercise for a minute every 20 minutes.

• You could be experiencing the pain, due to glasses which slide off your nose. So get glasses which fit you properly. Also an outdated eyeglass prescription can cause this condition.

• To cool off your eyes and reduce the burning or irritation sensation, place two cotton pads dipped in rose water over your eyes. Alternatively wash your eyes with cold water and place slices of cucumber over your eyelids. This remedy will greatly help to soothe the pain.

• If you are experiencing eye irritation or problems due to your contact lens then avoid wearing them for a while.

It is important that you seek medical help for eye care, in the following cases.

• If the above home remedies don't provide relief, and the pain persists for more than 2 days.
• If you are experiencing severe pain.
• If you have low immunity, or suffer from a condition like diabetes.

• If you have undergone an eye surgery recently.
• If the pain is not associated with eye strain or infections which are viral.
• If you have other symptoms along with the ache like swelling, redness, eye pressure, and decreased vision.

When visiting an eye doctor (ophthalmologist), try to describe as many symptoms as possible which are related to the eye ache. After a discussion of the symptoms, the doctor may perform some tests and exams to exactly diagnose the cause, and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.