Discomfort in One Eye: Causes and Solutions

Eye discomfort?

Recently, I've been experiencing a feeling of swelling in the muscles of my left eye, and wearing glasses has become uncomfortable (I usually have normal vision and don't frequently use a computer or phone).
Even when I rest my eyes, I still feel like my left eye is under strain, and I can feel it twitching when closed, with no significant improvement.
(Why is it only one eye that's affected? My right eye feels fine.) I went to an ophthalmologist to check my intraocular pressure, which was normal.
A few days ago, I got new glasses, but wearing them has made the discomfort more pronounced (I initially thought this was normal since my prescription had changed and I would just need to adjust).
However, the discomfort is still only in my left eye, while my right eye feels completely normal.
My vision feels uncoordinated between the two eyes, with one straining and the other functioning normally.
Should I get new glasses again? Or should I see an ophthalmologist, and if so, what should I ask them to check? What should I do?

Lingling, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/21

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, you may consider visiting an ophthalmologist to check again one week after the administration of the ciliary muscle paralytic agent.

Reply Date: 2016/02/21

More Info

Understanding discomfort in one eye can be a perplexing issue, especially when it seems isolated to just one side. Based on your description, it appears that your left eye is experiencing a sensation of swelling or pressure, and this discomfort persists even during rest. You also mentioned that the discomfort is exacerbated by wearing your new glasses, which you recently acquired due to a change in your prescription.
There are several potential causes for the discomfort you are experiencing in your left eye:
1. Eye Strain (Asthenopia): Even if you do not frequently use screens, eye strain can occur from various activities, including reading or focusing on objects for extended periods. This strain can lead to symptoms such as discomfort, fatigue, and a sensation of pressure in the eye. The fact that you feel your left eye is working harder than the right could indicate an imbalance in how your eyes are focusing.

2. Uncorrected Refractive Error: If your new glasses do not provide adequate correction for your left eye, it may lead to discomfort. Sometimes, a new prescription can take time to adjust to, but if one eye feels significantly worse, it might be worth revisiting your optometrist to ensure that the prescription is accurate for both eyes.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome: This condition can cause discomfort, especially if one eye is more affected than the other. Factors such as environmental conditions, allergies, or even the fit of your glasses can contribute to dryness in one eye, leading to a feeling of pressure or discomfort.

4. Muscle Imbalance or Binocular Vision Issues: If your eyes are not working together effectively, it can lead to symptoms like double vision or discomfort in one eye. This could be related to a condition known as convergence insufficiency or other binocular vision disorders.

5. Possible Inflammation or Infection: Although less common, inflammation of the eye (such as uveitis) or an infection could cause localized discomfort. If you notice any redness, discharge, or changes in vision, this would warrant immediate attention.

Given these possibilities, here are some steps you can take to address your discomfort:
- Revisit Your Eye Care Professional: Since you recently had your glasses adjusted, it would be wise to return to your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Explain your symptoms in detail, including the discomfort in your left eye and how it feels compared to your right eye. They may perform additional tests to assess your eye alignment, muscle function, and the accuracy of your prescription.

- Consider a Break from Glasses: If wearing your new glasses exacerbates the discomfort, try taking breaks from them to see if your symptoms improve. This can help determine if the glasses are contributing to the problem.

- Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Ensure that you are taking regular breaks from any visual tasks, even if they are not screen-related. The 20-20-20 rule is a good guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

- Stay Hydrated and Use Artificial Tears: If dry eye is a concern, staying hydrated and using lubricating eye drops can help alleviate discomfort.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the frequency and intensity of the discomfort. If it worsens or if you experience additional symptoms like vision changes, seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, while discomfort in one eye can stem from various causes, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional to determine the underlying issue and appropriate treatment. Your symptoms deserve thorough evaluation to ensure that your vision and eye health are not compromised.

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