What causes sudden sharp pain in eye?

Overview

Sudden sharp stabbing pain in the eye is very uncomfortable and alarming. There are a variety of causes for sharp eye pain, ranging from simple causes, such as dry eye, to more severe ones, like glaucoma.

This article explores the causes of shooting eye pain and the possible treatment of stabbing eye pain. Sharp, sudden pain in the eye can also be a medical emergency, and help should be sought accordingly.

What causes a sharp stabbing pain in the eye?

Eye pain, called ophthalmalgia, is relatively common but rarely results from a severe condition—most cases of sudden eye pain in one eye resolve without treatment. A sudden, sharp pain in the eye is also described as a shooting, stabbing, or burning pain.

Depending on the location of the stabbing pain in the eye, eye pain can be divided into two categories:

A. Ocular pain: This type of pain occurs on the eye’s surface

B. Orbital pain: This type of pain comes from within the eye.

Eye pain localized to the surface is usually felt as a scratching, burning, or itching sensation. More profound pain within the eye can feel like aching, stabbing, or throbbing.

Eye pain alongside vision loss may be a medical emergency and requires an evaluation in person.

Sharp pain in the eye can arise from various conditions or irritants. If you experience persistent discomfort even after rinsing your eye with saline solution, seeking evaluation from an eye specialist is crucial.

Debris in the eye

One of the most frequent causes of sharp pain is debris such as dust or dirt. These foreign substances can irritate the eye’s surface, leading to significant discomfort. If you suspect debris in your eye, try flushing it out with saline or water.

Dry eyes 

This condition occurs when the lacrimal glands produce insufficient tears, and the eyes aren’t properly lubricated. Dry environments, poor air quality, or Sjogren’s Syndrome can lead to dry eyes. This condition can be temporary. Corneal nerves can become irritated, painful, and hypersensitive if the eyes dry excessively. Eye drops are often prescribed to increase the production of tears and help improve lubrication. However, it may take several weeks for these drops to be effective for some people.

Infection

Infections of the eye are typically viral or bacterial and, if left untreated, can worsen. An infection can arise from an injury or contact lenses that were improperly cleaned before use. Sinusitis is primarily an infection of the sinus cavities that can cause tenderness, a pressure sensation behind the eyes, or a sharp pain. Untreated infections tend to spread to surrounding areas, leading to further complications.

Conjunctivitis

“Pink eye” referred to as conjunctivitis, occurs due to a bacterial infection, viral infection, or an allergic reaction. All these cause inflammation of the eye’s membrane that covers the eye’s white part, and the membrane lines the eyelid. The inflammation engorges the blood vessels in the membrane more prominent, making the eyes appear pink.

Contact lens issues

Discomfort from wearing contact lenses may result from improper fit or debris under the lens. If you experience blurry vision or sharp pain, remove and inspect your lens carefully.

Corneal abrasion

A scratch on the eye’s surface (corneal abrasion) can cause sharp pain. It requires medical assessment to prevent complications.

Inflammation

Inflammation can cause pain in different areas of the eye. A few common conditions that arise due to inflammation that lead to sharp pain in the right eye or pain over the left eye or in both eyes include:

• Blepharitis: This condition causes inflammation on the eyelids, especially at the lid margin from where the eyelashes emerge.
• Iritis: Inflammation occurs in the colored part of the eye, termed the Iris.
• Keratitis: This condition may cause throbbing pain in the eye and involves the cornea, the front surface of your eye.
• Scleritis: Inflammation occurs in the white part of the eye, resulting in a throbbing pain in the eye or a sharp needle-like pain in the eye that wakes you at night.

Glaucoma

A serious eye condition affecting the optic nerve, glaucoma can cause severe pain, visual disturbances, and even blindness if untreated. Immediate medical attention is necessary for acute symptoms like sudden eye pain and blurry vision.

Regular eye exams are essential, especially for people over 35, to detect conditions like glaucoma early and protect their vision.

Cluster headaches

These intense headaches can affect the eye, causing symptoms like redness, drooping eyelids, and tearing. Treatment involves medications to manage the headaches and identify triggers.

Uveitis

Inflammation of the uvea, often due to autoimmune disorders, eye trauma, or infections, can cause sharp eye pain. Treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory eye drops or medications prescribed by an eye specialist.

Chemical burns

A household chemical/cleaning product, fertilizer, drain cleaner, nail polish remover, or any such liquid can cause a chemical burn. The pain can start as a needle-poking sensation in the eye and can be intense. It is advised to rinse the eye with saline solution or water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. 

Headaches (cluster, “ice pick,” or migraine)

A sudden sharp pain in the eye for a second or a sharp pain in the eye and head can be due to severe headaches. Pain resulting from a migraine is often located behind one eye pain. Cluster headaches may cause sharp eye pain in one eye or around it. Ice pick headaches lead to a sharp stabbing pain in the eye that comes and goes or a sharp needle-like pain in the eye for a second; this pain can affect the temple region and lasts for a few seconds.

Map-dot fingerprint dystrophy

Cellular abnormalities beneath the cornea are the hallmarks of this condition. The layers of the cornea aren’t attached as well, and the outermost layer comes off easily, even during sleep, particularly REM sleep, where rapid eye movement occurs. The areas where the surface layer comes off expose nerves, resulting in excruciating pain. This condition can worsen as time passes, leading to corneal erosions. 

How do you relieve stabbing eye pain?

The treatment plan depends on the cause of the pain or the condition. Some forms of treatment options include:

Treatment for dry eye:

• Eye drops/ artificial tears
• Punctal plugs that help prevent tear drainage
• Using a humidifier 
• Treatment of underlying medical problems

Treatment for Infections/pink eye:

• Some mild eye infections resolve without treatment
•  Anti-viral or antibiotic eye drops or ointment

Cluster headache treatment includes:

• Triptan medicines, such as sumatriptan
• Anti-inflammatory (steroid) medicines such as prednisone
• Injections of dihydroergotamine (DHE)

Treatment for Corneal abrasion may include:

• Eye patch over the eye to promote healing speed and decrease comfort
• Antibiotic drops/ointment to help prevent infection
• Over-the-counter pain medications 
• Artificial tears to keep the eye lubricated

Treatment for glaucoma may include:

• Prescription eye drops that help lower the eye pressure, preventing damage to the optic nerve
• Laser treatment is helpful in draining fluid out of the eye
• Surgery is done to help drain fluid if laser treatment is unsuccessful

Treatment for uveitis or scleritis usually involves steroid medications and is aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing vision loss:

• Prescription eye drops 
• Oral Steroids 
• Steroid injections in or around your eye 
• Implant surgery (a small device into your eye provides small doses of steroids over time)

What is the prevention of eye pain?

Eye pain prevention starts with eye protection. The following are ways you can prevent eye pain:

Wear protective eyewear

Wearing goggles or safety glasses when playing sports, exercising, mowing the lawn, or working with hand tools can prevent many causes of eye pain, such as scratches and burns. Construction workers, welders, and people who work around flying objects, chemicals, or welding gear should always wear protective eye gear.

Handle chemicals with caution

Direct chemicals and potent agents such as household cleaners, detergents, and pest control. Spray away from your body when using them.

Exercise caution with children’s toys

Avoid giving your child a toy that can injure their eyes. Toys with spring-loaded components, toys that shoot, and toy swords, guns, and bouncing balls can all injure a child’s eye.

Contact lens hygiene

Clean your contacts thoroughly and routinely. Wear your glasses on occasion to allow your eyes time to rest. Don’t wear contacts longer than they are intended to be worn or used.

It is not always possible to prevent eye pain. However, the following strategies can help reduce the risk of conditions that cause eye pain:

• Keeping the eye area clean
• Washing the hands regularly, especially before touching the face
• Avoiding picking at the eyes or popping styes
• Monitoring for signs of sensitivity or allergy when using new skincare products or cosmetics

When should I be worried about eye pain?

Eyes are related to vision, and it is essential to consult a doctor to prevent any complications. Some situations that warrant an emergency check-up include:

• Injury to the eye, including trauma, burns or chemical exposure
• Foreign body
• Halo around lights
• Blurred vision
• Bulging eyeballs
• Double vision 
• Inability to move the eyeballs
• Vomiting, along with the pain

Consult a doctor

Eyes and vision are sensitive matter, so if you’re experiencing sharp eye pain and are unsure about the cause, it’s time to consult a doctor at Your Doctors Online.

If you have an infection like pink eye, a prescription can be provided immediately. It is essential to rule out serious causes such as glaucoma or an underlying condition. In some cases, an emergency visit/evaluation may be required. 

FAQs about sharp stabbing pain in the eye