Sore Eyes Causes

Since our childhood, we have heard that conjunctivitis spreads by looking into the person's eyes. This is untrue! This contagious infection spreads by direct contact with the infected eye (touching the eye or touching any personal articles) or by coming in contact with the bodily fluids of the person suffering from conjunctivitis.

Sore eye is really bothersome as the vision is affected and the person is unable to see things around him or her clearly. It can affect just one eye or both. Soreness is usually accompanied by swelling, burning sensation and irritation. Sometimes, water-like discharge may occur, which makes it difficult to open eyes in the morning. People of any age group can develop this problem, including children and the elderly.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is the most prevalent cause of eye soreness. It is an eye condition where inflammation occurs in the thin membrane called conjunctiva that covers the inner part of the eyelids and eyeball. Basically, there are three different forms of conjunctivitis. One is the bacterial conjunctivitis, second is viral conjunctivitis, and the third one is chemical conjunctivitis which is triggered by allergens or harsh chemicals that are present in soap, shampoo, etc.

In all the three cases, eyes turn red and itchy. It also leads to watery discharge from the eyes. The infective conjunctivitis is highly contagious in nature and can spread easily from one person to the other. This can happen because of direct contact or through the contact of handkerchief, towels and tissue papers used by the person suffering from it.

Dust, smoke, pollution, pollen grains are the main triggers of these allergies. It occurs commonly in summer when the suspended particles in the air enter the eyes. The two common symptoms are constant itchiness and watering. It often makes eyes photosensitive and one experiences pain on exposure to light. Other symptoms like runny nose and sore throat are also observed.

Our eyes are covered with a thin layer of tear that provides a lubricating effect to the eyes. When the tear gland or the lacrimal gland that produces tears dry up, the condition is known as dry eyes. As a result, there are less tears and the eyes turn sensitive.

Excessive strain can make them sore. Eyes tend to get fatigued and tired if you spend long hours working on the computer or television. This is because while doing such tasks, you blink very less and the eyes dry out. It results in blurred vision, and headache. The symptoms worsen further if the indoor air is dry, like inside a heated or air-conditioned room.

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are treated with eye drops that contain antibiotic ingredients. Warm compression by placing warm, wet cloth is highly beneficial for infective conjunctivitis as it prevents the growth of germs.

For allergic conjunctivitis, frequent flushing of eyes with plain tap water is a must. In cases of other form of allergies, anti-inflammatory eye drops and oral antihistamine medicines are prescribed.

For dry eyes, drops and ointments are given that can improve the production of tears. Eye strain due to prolonged use can be relieved by taking frequent breaks in between and blinking the eyes quite frequently.

You can prevent most of the causes with the help of proper eye care.

• Wash your eyes at least 2-3 times in a day to clean up the dust and germs accumulated in them. This will reduce chances of infections and allergies.
• Never touch your eyes with unwashed hands.
• Do not share your towels, napkins, handkerchief and eye cosmetics with others.

Disclaimer: This story is meant for educational purposes only. It is not to be substituted for doctor's advice and treatment.