Eye Pain and Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Q: Eye Pain and Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Hello： Long-term use of contact lenses can lead to allergic conjunctivitis, which I believe your doctor has managed for you. <br>Additionally, prolonged contact lens wear can cause dry eye syndrome, and the symptoms of dry eye can lead to corneal erosion, resulting in a foreign b

Eye pressure and pain?

Hello, I have significant astigmatism in both eyes, approximately 300 degrees.
I have been wearing contact lenses for a long time, but recently my eyes have been experiencing pressure, pain, and a foreign body sensation.
After consulting a doctor, I was told it was due to allergies and the presence of styes, which are not healing.
However, the pressure and pain sometimes occur and sometimes do not, even when I switch to glasses.
Additionally, I experience headaches that can lead to nausea.
Interestingly, wearing glasses tends to make my eyes feel dry, while wearing contact lenses does not cause this issue as much.
What could be wrong with my eyes? The headaches are becoming increasingly bothersome.
Furthermore, my job requires me to look through a microscope and at small objects, and I also have allergic rhinitis.
Could there be a correlation? Thank you.

Xiao Zhen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/12

Dr. Feng Jiefan reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Long-term use of contact lenses can lead to allergic conjunctivitis, which I believe your doctor has managed for you.
Additionally, prolonged contact lens wear can cause dry eye syndrome, and the symptoms of dry eye can lead to corneal erosion, resulting in a foreign body sensation and pain.
This type of pain can sometimes trigger headaches.
When wearing contact lenses, the symptoms may be masked, and discomfort is often felt only after removing the lenses.
Furthermore, considering the nature of your work, it is important to evaluate whether your prescription is appropriate and whether your working hours are excessively long, as these factors need careful assessment to identify the underlying issues.
Sincerely, Dr.
Feng Chieh-Fan, Ophthalmology.

Reply Date: 2005/06/12

More Info

Eye pain and discomfort can arise from a variety of causes, and understanding these can help in finding appropriate solutions. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that may be linked to several factors, including your astigmatism, prolonged use of contact lenses, and possibly underlying allergies.

Causes of Eye Pain and Discomfort
1. Astigmatism: With a significant degree of astigmatism (around 300 degrees), your eyes may struggle to focus properly, leading to visual discomfort. This can cause eye strain, especially during tasks that require fine detail, such as using a microscope. The strain can manifest as pain, discomfort, or even headaches.

2. Contact Lens Use: Long-term use of contact lenses can lead to dryness and irritation, particularly if the lenses are not properly fitted or if they are worn for extended periods. Contact lenses can also exacerbate any underlying allergies or sensitivities, leading to symptoms such as a foreign body sensation or pain.

3. Allergies: Given your history of allergic rhinitis, it is possible that your eye symptoms are related to environmental allergens. Allergies can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eye), leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, and discomfort. Allergic reactions can also contribute to the development of styes (chalazia), which can cause localized pain and swelling.

4. Eye Strain: Prolonged periods of focusing on small details, such as when using a microscope, can lead to eye strain. This is often accompanied by symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and discomfort. The discomfort may be more pronounced if you are already experiencing issues with your vision.

5. Dry Eye Syndrome: Switching between contact lenses and glasses can lead to fluctuations in tear film stability. If you find that wearing glasses makes your eyes feel drier, it could be due to the lenses not providing adequate moisture or the frames not fitting well, leading to discomfort.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Consult an Eye Care Professional: It is crucial to have a comprehensive eye examination to assess your vision and eye health. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can evaluate your astigmatism, check for any signs of eye strain or dryness, and determine if your contact lenses are appropriate for your eyes.

2. Consider Lens Options: If you are experiencing discomfort with contact lenses, discuss with your eye care provider about trying different types of lenses, such as daily disposables or lenses designed for dry eyes. They may also recommend specific brands that are more suitable for your eye condition.

3. Manage Allergies: If allergies are contributing to your symptoms, consider using antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines to alleviate symptoms. Keeping your living environment free from allergens (like dust and pet dander) can also help reduce your symptoms.

4. Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Ensure that you are following proper hygiene when handling contact lenses. This includes washing your hands before touching your eyes or lenses and ensuring that your lenses are cleaned and stored properly.

5. Take Breaks and Rest Your Eyes: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain and discomfort.

6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help maintain overall hydration, which can benefit your eyes as well.

7. Use Artificial Tears: If you experience dryness, consider using preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated, especially when using screens or during allergy seasons.

8. Evaluate Your Work Environment: If your work involves prolonged use of a microscope or screen, ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your eyes and neck.

Conclusion
Eye pain and discomfort can stem from various sources, including astigmatism, contact lens use, allergies, and eye strain. A thorough examination by an eye care professional is essential to determine the underlying causes and appropriate treatments. By addressing these factors, you can improve your eye comfort and reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

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