Persistent Eye Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Q: Persistent Eye Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Hello： Based on your description, you may need further examination to determine the cause of your eye pain. <br>There are many potential causes for eye pain, including allergies, inflammation, infection, corneal injury, elevated intraocular pressure, blepharitis, and dry eye synd

Eye pain persists despite having seen a doctor?

Hello, the day before yesterday, I experienced pain from the lower part of my right eye to the outer corner, especially when blinking.
When I visited the ophthalmologist, the doctor pressed on my eyelid and asked if it hurt, to which I replied no.
They also checked for any growths, and the nurse measured my intraocular pressure, which seemed fine (the doctor did not specifically mention it).
Therefore, the doctor only prescribed allergy and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
However, my eye still hurts (pressing does not cause pain), particularly when I yawn, as I feel a sharp pain in the upper inner part of my eye, and the pain outside the eye has extended to the temple area.
I would like to know if I should go back to see the doctor again, and if no further conclusions are reached, what kind of examinations I should undergo at a larger hospital? Should I consider consulting a different specialty? Is there anything specific I should mention to the doctor during the consultation?

Nǐ hǎ, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/24

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Based on your description, you may need further examination to determine the cause of your eye pain.
There are many potential causes for eye pain, including allergies, inflammation, infection, corneal injury, elevated intraocular pressure, blepharitis, and dry eye syndrome.
Since you have already sought medical attention once without resolution, it is advisable to see a doctor again for further evaluation.
It does not necessarily have to be a large hospital; perhaps there were no obvious signs during your previous examination, but if symptoms have developed now, the physician may recognize the issue.
When you visit the doctor, it is recommended that you describe your symptoms in detail, including the location, intensity, frequency of the pain, and whether you have symptoms such as redness, tearing, or light sensitivity, to assist the physician in making a diagnosis.
Additionally, you can mention your medical history, medication usage, and other relevant information to help the physician make a more accurate diagnosis.
If necessary, the physician will refer you to the appropriate hospital and specialty.

Reply Date: 2023/03/24

More Info

Persistent eye pain can be a concerning symptom, especially when it affects your daily activities and quality of life. Given your description of pain localized around the right eye, particularly when blinking or yawning, and the extension of pain to the temple area, it is essential to consider a few potential causes and the appropriate steps for further evaluation.

Firstly, it is important to note that eye pain can arise from various sources, including ocular conditions, neurological issues, or even referred pain from other areas. Since your initial examination did not reveal any abnormalities, and the prescribed allergy and anti-inflammatory eye drops did not alleviate your symptoms, it may be time to seek further evaluation.

Here are some considerations and recommendations for your next steps:
1. Follow-Up with an Eye Specialist: If you have not already, it would be prudent to return to an ophthalmologist for a follow-up appointment. When you do, make sure to provide a detailed account of your symptoms, including the specific locations of pain, any triggers (like yawning or blinking), and the duration and intensity of the pain. This information can help the doctor in making a more accurate diagnosis.

2. Consider Neurological Evaluation: Given that the pain extends to the temple area, it may be beneficial to consult a neurologist. Conditions such as migraines, tension headaches, or even trigeminal neuralgia can cause referred pain to the eye region. A neurologist can perform a thorough assessment and may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any underlying neurological issues.

3. Additional Tests: If your symptoms persist, your ophthalmologist may consider additional tests such as:
- Visual Field Testing: To assess if there are any changes in your peripheral vision.

- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): To evaluate the retina and optic nerve for any abnormalities.

- Ultrasound of the Eye: To check for any structural issues that may not be visible during a standard examination.

4. Discuss Other Symptoms: When you see a doctor, be sure to mention any other symptoms you may have experienced, such as headaches, changes in vision, or any recent illnesses. This information can provide valuable context for your healthcare provider.

5. Document Changes: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers. This documentation can be helpful for your healthcare provider in understanding the pattern of your pain.

6. Consider Other Specialists: If the pain persists and no clear diagnosis is made, you might also consider consulting with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, especially if you have any sinus-related symptoms, as sinusitis can sometimes cause referred pain to the eye area.

In summary, persistent eye pain warrants further investigation, especially if initial treatments have not provided relief. A multidisciplinary approach involving both ophthalmology and neurology may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. Be proactive in your healthcare by communicating openly with your providers and advocating for the necessary tests to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your condition.

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