Conditions that cause eye inflammation

• Blepharitis — which is eyelid inflammation.
• Iritis — which is inflammation of the colored part of the eye.
• Keratitis — which is inflammation of the cornea.
• Optic neuritis — which is inflammation of the optic nerve.
• Scleritis — which is inflammation of the white part of the eye.
• Uveitis — which is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.

Other conditions

• Allergies — Injury, such as from a blunt trauma or burn.
• Chalazion — caused by clogged oil glands on the eyelid.
• Cluster headache
• Complication of eye surgery.
• Contact lens problem.
• Corneal abrasion (scratch): First aid
• Corneal herpes infection.
• Dry eyes
• Eyelid infection.
• Foreign object in the eye: First aid
• Glaucoma — which is part of a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve.
• Migraine
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Stye (sty)

Seek emergency medical care

Call 911 or your local emergency number for eye pain if:

• It is severe or accompanied by a headache, fever or more sensitivity to light.
• Your vision changes suddenly.
• You also experience nausea or vomiting.
• It is caused by a foreign object or chemical splashed in your eye.
• You suddenly begin to see halos around lights.
• You have swelling in or around your eyes.
• You have trouble moving your eye or can't keep it open.
• You have blood or pus coming from your eyes.

Make a doctor's appointment

Contact your eye surgeon if you're experiencing eye pain and you've had eye surgery in the past or if you've recently had eye surgery or an eye injection.

Seek medical attention if:

• You have eye pain and you wear soft contact lenses.
• You have a weakened immune system.
• Your eye pain is not improving after 2 to 3 days of medicine.