Like any other part of your body, it’s only natural that your eyes will experience irritation and pain at times. However, because your eyes are so sensitive and so vital to your everyday life, sudden eye pain can cause panic. If you begin to experience eye pain, there are several common ways to address it.
Dry Eyes
During particularly dry times of the year, especially during winter, it’s common for your eyes to be affected by the lack of humidity in the air. One of the most common reasons for eye pain during the winter months is the dry air that comes with the season. If you’re experiencing dry and painful or itchy eyes, consider investing in a humidifier for your home, and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
Snow Blindness
It’s a common misconception that sunglasses only need to be worn during the summer. In reality, the sun can damage your eyes all year long, plus, the sun reflecting off of the snow on the ground in the winter can actually cause significant damage to your corneas. To avoid snow blindness (meaning damage to the eyes from the sun reflecting off of snow or ice) make sure to wear your sunglasses whenever it’s sunny and you’re planning on leaving the house.
Pink Eye
Many people think that pink eye is reserved for children, however, pink eye can affect anyone regardless of age. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a very common eye infection that’s extremely easy to spread. Pink eye will make your eyes hurt and ache, itch, and swell. To avoid pink eye, make sure to always wash your hands thoroughly and avoid contact with those who’ve been infected.
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Corneal Abrasion
Unfortunately, just as you may scratch your arm, cheek, or nose by accident, it’s also possible for you to scratch your eye. Corneal abrasions (cuts on the eye) are more common than you’d think, especially regarding contact lens wearers. If your eye hurts and you feel as though it may have been due to a corneal abrasion, make sure to see an optometrist as soon as possible.
The Need For Glasses Or A New Prescription
One of the most common and most easily fixable causes of eye pain is a need for new or adjusted glasses. If you haven’t worn glasses in the past, and your eyes are beginning to consistently hurt or are struggling to keep focus, it may be time for you to wear glasses. If you’re already wearing glasses and you’re finding that you’re experiencing eye pain, it may be time to adjust your prescription. Either way, it’s best that you consult one of Hakim Optical’s many expert optometrists.
Eye Pain Could Be Indicative Of Something More Serious
Unfortunately, at times eye pain could possibly be indicative of something more severe. While of course any eye diseases or illnesses will present in the eyes, but sometimes diseases of the body like diabetes present in the eyes before anywhere else. Severe or unexplained eye pain could mean a plethora of issues including glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve), Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), Iritis (inflammation of the iris), or a moderate to severe eye infection. This is why if you ever experience persistent eye pain, it’s imperative that you book an appointment with an optometrist to catch the issue before it has a chance to worsen.
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