Pain in the Eye
Eye pain is a sensation such as burning, throbbing, aching, stabbing or having a foreign object in or around the eye and it is an important symptom that highlights health problems. We are not going to discuss eye pain caused by injury or surgery in this blog.
There are many causes of eye pain such as infections, inflammation, problems with contact lens, dry eye, acute glaucoma, sinus issues, neuropathy, eyestrain, headaches, flu, etc. Usually the pain will go away with rest but it persists or causes loss of vision, it is advisable to seek medical attention urgently.
At times tired eyes, eye strain, eye discomfort, wrong eyeglass, wrong prescription of contact lens, eye muscle problems may cause pain in or around the eye. Resting and taking away glasses and lenses should do the work.
But in case if the pain is severe or continues more than 2 days or if you have have a poor vision with the eye pain, or if you have chronic disease such as arthritis or autoimmune problems, or chronic pain with redness, swelling, discharge or pressure in the eyes, then it is time to contact a medical professional.
When you see a doctor for eye pain, they usually will check your vision, eye movements and the back of your eye for symptoms. Usually an ophthalmologist who is an eye specialist will be able to see major eye conditions and may advise to undergo some eye tests such as slit-lamp examination, or fluorescein examination, or eye pressure, or pupillary response to light.
There are some natural and home treatment ways to cure eye-related problems and relieve eye pain. The option is purely for reducing eye strain and discomfort and are given below.
Saline or Saltwater
A time tested natural remedy to treat eye problems is saline or saltwater or alkaline water which helps suck dirt or discharge out of the eyes which normally blocked tear ducts that lead to problems to the eyes. It also has excellent antimicrobial properties which will be great for the health of the eyes. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 500ml of boiled water which has been cooled. Dip a clean cloth or cotton swab and wipe the eyes a few times in a day for excellent output.
Green Tea Bags
The cooled tea bags are good for the eyes because they contain great anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Just put the tea bags on top of the eyes to reduce stress, relaxes you, and soothe the inflammation and reduce the swelling.
Warm Compress
One of the easiest and great way to get away from any kind of eye-related pain and trouble is by using a warm compress and it is particularly useful for eye infections such as conjunctivitis, a stye, or a blepharitis and according to research by pressing the eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with a clean cloth soaked in warm water does provide relief from the eye pain, irritation, and clear out pus, dried-up crusts and pus.
Humidifier
If you have swollen eyes or feel discomfort especially in the morning, then install and use a humidifier that lowers the humidity by increasing the moisture content of the air which will make the tears evaporate, helps the eyes to stay moist, reduces the dryness, discomfort and eye pain.
Cold Compress
A cold compress also aids in giving relief from discomfort arising from certain eye diseases. Do not use ice directly on the eyelids but rather soak a clean cloth or cotton swab in cool water and use it as a cold compress by gently applying on the eyes to reduce the swelling due to eye injuries and infection and don't press too hard.
Rosewater
A common natural remedy to treat eye-related malady is by using rosewater. Dip a piece of clean cotton in rosewater and then gently rib the cotton over the closed eyelids and it can help aid in reducing pink eyes, conjunctivitis, and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Aloe Vera
To provide relief and soreness from eye pain, it is advisable to use the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial Aloe Vera gel by mixing 1 teaspoon of fresh Aloe Vera gel from its leave into 2 tablespoons of cold water and the take a cotton swab and dip into the mixture and place it on closed eyes for 10 minutes.
Holy Basil
Holy basil or Tulsi has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which helps fight different types of eye infections by soaking the holy basil leaves in boiled water for 10 to 15 minutes and after cooling the water, use it to wash the eyes or the mixture can be used as a warm compress also.
Hydration
Stay hydrated by drinking around 2 to 3 liters of water in a day or eat hydrating vegetables and fruits such as cucumber, bell peppers, broccoli, celery, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, oranges, honeydew etc. to keep the eyes hydrated.
Pollutants
Avoiding pollutants such as cigarette smoke, fire smoke, dangerous vapor, gas, and other types of air pollutants.
If you are working at a place where there will be exposure to pollutants or dangerous materials, always wear protective eyewear to keep the eyes moisture, avoid eye infection or eye pain.
Makeup
Incase of eye irritation or infection by using make-up products, then try to avoid using it for a few days until the eyes recover and are devoid of pain.
Sunlight
Try not to watch the sun directly, do not expose your eyes to any kind of bright light which can make you feel discomfort in the eyes or make your eyes dry. Always wear sun protection such as sunglasses especially during the summer. In case you are in front of a screen, take a break using a 20-20-20 rule that we look away every 20 minute at an object that is 20 feet away for a full 20 seconds.
Home Remedy
The use of coriander for cooking, traditional medicine, Ayurveda and Siddha has been prevalent and it is also one a remedy to lessen eye pain. Soak about 10 t0 20 grams of coriander seeds in water and after 30 minutes crush the seeds inside the water itself. Then use a muslin cloth to filter the water so that no residue remains in the water. Then take the water to sprinkle it on the eyes to ensure the infection does not spread and the eyes are safe.