The eyelids are made of skin that is thin and sensitive to the environment. The eyes are one of the most vulnerable organs in the body, so it should come as no surprise that problems with the eyelids can cause pain.
The most common cause of eyelid pain is dry eye syndrome. This can be caused by a lack of tears or by other factors. Other causes for pain may include allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and more. This article will explain a few reasons why your eyelids hurt.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of your eye. It is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection and can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops, such as prednisolone acetate and erythromycin.
Cause of Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva can become inflamed (red) and irritated for many different reasons. Inflammation can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or irritants in the eye. It is also possible that there are no clear causes for conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
- Redness or swelling of one or both eyes
- Blurry vision
- Itchy, watery, or swollen eyes
- A gritty feeling in the eye
- Dryness of the eyes
- Difficulty sleeping due to irritation
Conjunctivitis Treatment
To treat conjunctivitis, you should wash your hands frequently to avoid transmitting the infection from one person to another. You should also avoid sharing towels or washcloths with others.
You should use antibiotic ointment in both eyes to prevent infection from spreading to other areas of your body. If you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids and rest until your fever goes down.
Chalazion
Chalazion are benign growths on the eyelids. They are caused by an accumulation of glandular secretions, which are called Chalazia. The pain you are feeling is most likely due to the inflammation of the chalazion or due to it being infected.
Chalazion Treatment
The best course of action is to have it removed. There are a few ways to do this depending on how deep it is. Surgery may be needed if it is deep enough that they cannot be reached with a needle.
If not, then they would just use an electric needle to remove the fluid inside the chalazion.
Eye Injuries
It is not uncommon for the eyelids to hurt when someone has an eye injury. The pain can be excruciating and can sometimes require surgery.
The eye lid is made up of many muscles that are attached to the inside of the eyeball. These muscles are used for blinking, which can cause severe pain when they are inflamed.
Treatment for Eye Injuries
One of the most common injuries to the eye is a scratched cornea. This can be a painful and serious injury that can lead to a loss of vision.
Treatment for a scratched cornea includes the use of eye drops and eye ointments, often antibiotic in nature. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication and recommend that you avoid vigorous activities while your eyes heal.
Contact Lenses
It is normal to suffer from eye fatigue or dry eyes when you wear contact lenses. As the lenses touch the surface of your eyes, your natural tear film becomes disrupted and you may experience dryness. Contact lenses can also cause redness and irritation if they’re not properly fitted.
Treatment for Irritation due to Contact Lenses
If your eyelids are hurting due to contact lenses, it may be worth using a lubricating eye drop that has no preservatives (preservatives can irritate your eyes). If needed, you should also consider switching to a different type of lens – perhaps try silicone hydrogel or extended wear contacts.
Ocular Herpes
Ocular herpes is a viral infection of the eye and the surrounding area. It is also called herpes simplex keratitis or herpes iritis. The most common cause of ocular herpes is the HSV-1 virus.
This is usually associated with cold sores around the mouth and face and it can spread to the eyes if you rub your eyes after touching an infected area. Some other causes of ocular herpes include: HSV-2, which is usually associated with genital herpes, and varicella zoster, which is a virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
Ocular Herpes Symptoms
Symptoms of ocular herpes include pain, itchiness, redness, and blisters. People who have ocular herpes are more likely to experience it in both eyes at the same time.
Ocular Herpes Treatment
Ocular herpes can recur frequently and can be difficult to treat with medication. It is a condition that often goes untreated because it does not always produce symptoms.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you are experiencing any type of pain or discomfort in your eyelids, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Your eyelids are one of the most sensitive parts of the body, and they may be experiencing physical trauma that requires medical attention.
How to Care for Sore Eyelids?
Sore eyelids can be caused by a number of different things. One potential cause is dryness. To combat this, you can use a humidifier in your bedroom and use lubricating eye drops to keep the eyes moist.
Additionally, you should regularly wash your face and question what products you are using on your face. If you are using a product that is too harsh for your skin, it could be irritating the skin around the eyes and causing it to become red or sore.
Preventing Sore Eyelids
Sore eyes can be caused by a number of different factors, but the most common cause is dry eye. In order to prevent sore eyelids, it’s important to keep your eyes well moisturized. Your eyelids will also be less likely to become sore if they are clean and free from bacteria.
Conclusion
Sore eyelids are a common symptom of dry eye. This condition occurs when the protective layer of the tear film over the eye starts to deteriorate, which can cause irritation, redness, and dryness.
Although it may seem like a relatively harmless symptom, it’s important to not ignore sore eyelids. These symptoms could also be a sign of an underlying medical condition that should be addressed right away.
