Persistent Right Eye Pain and Swelling: Causes and Solutions

The right eye is swollen and painful all day, especially when focusing on close objects?

Hello Dr.
Wang, my left eye has a vision of 0.7 and a refractive error of +75 degrees (the optician said it is hyperopia), while my right eye has a vision of 0.1 and a refractive error of -125 degrees (myopia).
Both of my eyes are often red, and before my right eye became myopic, the positions of both eyes were similar.
After developing myopia, my left eye appears particularly droopy when looking at close objects, while the right eye does not.
Sometimes when I yawn, my left eye tears up, but the right eye does not.
Since the third year of junior high, I have experienced pain in my right eye.
Now, whether I look at things close or far, even when I’m not using my eyes much, my right eye feels uncomfortable.
The pain in my right eye has been particularly severe for almost two years now.
The clinic doctor said it is a disparity issue and advised me to wear glasses for both near and far vision.
However, when I tried to wear glasses, the pain in my right eye worsened, so I have not been wearing them.
Could you please tell me what my problem is and how I can improve it? Additionally, I noticed yellow fluid in both eyes yesterday, and there is severe pain, especially in the right eye.
I tried to remove it, but it keeps appearing, and it has persisted since yesterday afternoon until I went to sleep.
What could be the cause of this?

Xiao Hao, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/06

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, based on your description, it seems there may be other issues involved, not just a simple disparity problem.
It is advisable to seek further medical consultation.

Reply Date: 2016/04/06

More Info

Persistent right eye pain and swelling can be concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as vision changes, redness, and discharge. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing discomfort in your right eye for an extended period, which has not improved despite attempts to address it.

Possible Causes
1. Refractive Errors: You mentioned having different degrees of vision in each eye, with your right eye being significantly weaker. This disparity can lead to eye strain, especially if you are not wearing corrective lenses. The discomfort you feel could be due to your eyes working harder to compensate for the difference in vision.

2. Eye Fatigue: Prolonged use of screens or reading without proper breaks can lead to digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include discomfort, dryness, and visual disturbances, which can be exacerbated by uncorrected refractive errors.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome: Given that you experience redness and discomfort, dry eye syndrome could be a contributing factor. This condition occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation and inflammation.

4. Conjunctivitis: The presence of yellow discharge and pain could indicate an infection such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), which can be viral or bacterial. This condition often presents with redness, swelling, and discharge, and it can be quite uncomfortable.

5. Corneal Issues: Conditions affecting the cornea, such as keratitis or corneal abrasions, can also cause significant pain and discomfort. These issues may arise from prolonged contact lens wear, injury, or infection.

6. Allergic Reactions: Allergies can lead to red, itchy, and watery eyes. If you are exposed to allergens, this could explain some of your symptoms.

Recommendations for Improvement
1. Visit an Eye Care Professional: It is crucial to have a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They can assess your vision, check for refractive errors, and examine the health of your eyes to rule out any serious conditions.

2. Corrective Lenses: If refractive errors are confirmed, wearing the appropriate glasses or contact lenses can significantly reduce eye strain and discomfort. It may take some time to adjust to new lenses, but they are essential for your visual comfort.

3. Manage Eye Fatigue: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This practice can help reduce eye strain.

4. Use Artificial Tears: If dry eyes are a concern, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide relief. Ensure that the drops are preservative-free for more frequent use.

5. Maintain Eye Hygiene: If you suspect conjunctivitis, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes. If discharge persists, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotic eye drops if a bacterial infection is diagnosed.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the frequency and severity of pain, redness, or discharge. This information can be helpful for your eye care provider.

7. Consider Environmental Factors: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that you take regular breaks from screens. Reducing exposure to allergens and irritants can also help alleviate symptoms.

Conclusion
Your symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation by an eye care professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life. Please do not delay seeking medical attention, especially given the recent onset of yellow discharge and increased pain in your right eye.

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