Experiencing eye pain while sick is a common and often uncomfortable symptom that can accompany various illnesses. This discomfort typically arises as part of the body’s broader response to infection, rather than indicating a direct problem with the eyes themselves. The sensation can range from a dull ache to a sharper pain, often leaving individuals wondering about its underlying cause.
Reasons Your Eyeballs Hurt When Sick
When fighting an infection, the body’s immune system activates a generalized inflammatory response. This systemic inflammation can result in widespread aches and pains, including discomfort in the muscles surrounding the eyes and within the eye itself. For example, uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, can cause pain and light sensitivity, and may be a symptom of conditions affecting multiple body systems.
Sinus pressure frequently causes discomfort and pain around the eyes because the sinuses are located near the eye sockets. When nasal passages and sinuses become inflamed and swollen, as commonly occurs with colds or the flu, the increased pressure can radiate to the areas surrounding the eyes, leading to aching or a dull pressure sensation.
Fever and dehydration also play a role in general bodily discomfort, which can extend to the eyes. A fever indicates the body is actively fighting an infection, and higher fevers can lead to more severe dehydration. Reduced fluid intake due to illness can result in dry eyes and a feeling of soreness.
Illnesses can also trigger or worsen headaches, which frequently manifest with eye pain or sensitivity to light. Migraines, for instance, often begin with pain around the eye and temple, sometimes accompanied by visual disturbances. Cluster headaches commonly cause intense pain in or around one eye, alongside other localized symptoms. Sinus headaches, linked to congestion and inflammation in the sinuses, can also cause pain across the forehead, cheeks, and behind the eyes.
Some illnesses can directly lead to eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. This condition involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. Viral conjunctivitis, often caused by cold viruses, can lead to eye irritation, redness, and mild pain, and typically begins in one eye before spreading to the other.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Eye pain when sick often appears alongside other symptoms that can help identify the underlying illness. General body aches, fatigue, fever, and chills are common indicators of a systemic infection as the immune system responds.
Respiratory symptoms, such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, sore throat, and coughing, are also frequently observed. These symptoms are particularly common in viral infections like the common cold or influenza.
Headaches, including tension, sinus, or migraine-related types, often occur concurrently with eye pain. Light sensitivity can also be present, making bright environments uncomfortable.
If eye pain is related to an eye infection like conjunctivitis, specific eye symptoms may appear. These include redness of the eye, itching, or a discharge that can be watery or thick and may cause crusting around the eyelids. Swollen lymph nodes, especially in front of the ears, can also be a sign of a viral infection affecting the eyes.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While eye pain during illness is often a temporary symptom, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention. Seek care if the eye pain becomes severe or worsens significantly, or if it is accompanied by a stiff neck, severe headache, or confusion. These combined symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Any changes in vision, such as new blurriness, double vision, or a sudden loss of vision, require urgent medical evaluation. Extreme sensitivity to light, beyond typical discomfort, is also a concerning symptom.
New or worsening eye discharge, increased redness, or noticeable swelling around the eye also warrant consulting a healthcare provider. If the eye pain is accompanied by a high or persistent fever that does not subside after several days, or if overall symptoms worsen significantly rather than improving, medical advice should be sought.
Home Remedies for Eye Discomfort
For temporary relief from eye pain when sick, several home remedies can be helpful. Resting your eyes and getting adequate overall body rest. Limiting screen time and reading can also help reduce eye strain.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or clear soups, helps keep eyes moist, counteracting dryness that can contribute to discomfort.
Applying a warm compress to closed eyelids can soothe soreness, particularly if it is caused by dryness or sinus pressure. A cool compress can reduce inflammation and provide relief if eyes are swollen or irritated.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage general aches and reduce eye pain. Always follow dosage instructions carefully. Using a humidifier can increase moisture in the air, which may help alleviate dryness and discomfort in the eyes.