What Causes Eye Pain, and How Can It Be Treated Naturally?

Question

I recently started experiencing eye pain, and I was trying to figure out what might be causing it. From what I understand, eye pain can occur due to infections, dryness, strain, or underlying medical conditions, but how do you know whether it's something minor or a serious issue?

I read that eye pain can be classified as surface pain (caused by irritation or dryness) or deep pain (caused by internal eye problems like glaucoma or optic neuritis). What are the most common reasons for eye pain, and when should someone see an eye specialist?

One thing that concerns me is whether screen time and poor eye care habits make eye pain worse. What are the best ways to reduce eye strain and prevent long-term vision problems?

Are there any Ayurvedic or natural treatments that help relieve eye pain and improve eye health? I’ve heard that Triphala eyewash, Rose Water, and Netra Basti (eye oil therapy) can help with eye relaxation and pain relief—do these actually work?

If anyone has dealt with eye pain, what was the cause, and what treatments helped the most? Did home remedies, eye drops, or lifestyle changes make the biggest difference?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Eye pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections (like conjunctivitis), dryness (often from screen time), strain, or more serious issues like glaucoma or optic neuritis. It’s important to differentiate between surface pain (irritation or dryness) and deep pain (which could signal internal problems). Common causes include overuse of digital devices (leading to digital eye strain), dry eye syndrome, eye injuries, or more serious conditions like a retinal detachment or glaucoma. If the pain is sharp, persistent, or accompanied by visual changes, you should see an eye specialist immediately. Prolonged screen time and poor eye care habits (like insufficient sleep or inadequate hydration) can definitely worsen eye strain and lead to discomfort. To reduce strain, it's important to practice the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds), ensure proper lighting, take regular breaks, and stay hydrated. Ayurvedic treatments like Triphala eyewash, rose water, and Netra Basti (eye oil therapy) are popular natural remedies and are believed to help with eye relaxation and pain relief. While there’s anecdotal support for these remedies, their effectiveness may vary, and they should be used cautiously alongside advice from an eye care professional. For those who have dealt with eye pain, treatments like warm compresses, eye drops for dryness, lifestyle changes, and proper rest have often been helpful. However, it's essential to seek professional evaluation to rule out serious conditions.

What Causes Eye Pain, and How Can It Be Treated Naturally? - #15496

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions