The experience of eye discomfort is a common symptom of various illnesses, such as a cold or the flu. This pain is typically a secondary effect of the body’s generalized response to infection. While the discomfort can be significant, it usually indicates a larger systemic process rather than a severe, isolated problem with the eyes themselves. Understanding the causes of this eye pain, from the body’s internal defenses to physical pressure, can help you manage the symptom effectively.
Systemic Inflammation and Fever
When the body detects an invading virus or bacteria, the immune system initiates inflammation. This process involves releasing inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, into the bloodstream. These mediators cause the general feeling of being unwell, including body aches and fatigue (myalgia).
The delicate extraocular muscles that control eye movement are susceptible to this generalized muscle ache. Moving your eyes or applying light pressure to the eyelids can cause a dull, aching sensation deep within the eye socket. This discomfort results directly from the inflammatory response affecting the muscle tissue.
Fever can exacerbate eye discomfort by causing dehydration. Reduced fluid intake and increased body temperature decrease tear production, leading to dry eyes. This dryness causes a gritty, irritating sensation on the eye’s surface.
Referred Pain from Sinuses and Headaches
Congestion and swelling of the paranasal sinuses are a significant source of eye pain during illness. These air-filled cavities are located close to the eyes, including the frontal sinuses above the eyes and the ethmoid sinuses between them. When a respiratory infection causes the sinus lining to swell, mucus becomes trapped, and pressure increases.
This mechanical pressure transmits to surrounding structures, causing a deep, throbbing pain or fullness perceived behind or around the eyes. This is referred pain; the inflamed sinus is the source, but the pain is felt in the eye area. The discomfort often worsens when bending forward due to the shift in fluid and pressure inside the sinuses.
Headaches frequently accompany systemic illness and can manifest as pain near the eyes. Illness-related tension headaches or migraines cause discomfort focused in the orbital or periorbital area. This pain is distinct from the generalized ache of systemic inflammation, often presenting as a sharp or concentrated pressure point.
Distinguishing Primary Eye Infections
Sometimes, eye pain is caused by a localized infection rather than being a secondary symptom of general illness. The most common primary eye infection occurring alongside a cold or flu is Conjunctivitis, or pink eye. This condition involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
Viral conjunctivitis, which often accompanies respiratory infections, presents with watery discharge, redness, and a gritty or burning sensation. Unlike systemic eye pain, conjunctivitis often involves noticeable discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together upon waking. The eye may also feel intensely itchy.
A more serious localized issue is Keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye. Keratitis is characterized by severe symptoms, including intense pain, significant light sensitivity (photophobia), and noticeable blurring of vision. The severity of the pain and vision change helps distinguish Keratitis as a localized problem requiring prompt medical attention.
Immediate Relief and Warning Signs
For generalized eye discomfort caused by inflammation and sinus pressure, several home strategies can provide relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, help reduce the systemic inflammation responsible for muscle aches, including those in the extraocular muscles. Applying a clean, warm compress to the eye and sinus area can help alleviate pressure and encourage sinus drainage.
Staying hydrated is important to maintain healthy tear production and thin out nasal secretions, reducing sinus congestion. Resting in a dark room can ease discomfort if you are experiencing mild light sensitivity. If the eyes feel dry, preservative-free artificial tears can provide soothing moisture.
While most eye pain during an illness resolves on its own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. You should seek urgent care if you experience sudden vision loss, severe and worsening pain, or extreme light sensitivity that makes it difficult to keep your eyes open. Other warning signs include the inability to move the eye, seeing halos around lights, or having a headache accompanied by eye pain and a stiff neck.