Pain in the outside corner of the eye is a common discomfort with various potential causes. These range from minor irritations to underlying health conditions. This article explores the reasons for this localized pain.
Common Eye and Eyelid Issues
Many instances of pain in the outer corner of the eye stem from issues directly affecting the eye’s surface or the surrounding eyelids. Eye strain, often resulting from prolonged use of digital screens or extended reading, can manifest as discomfort around the eyes, including the outer corners. This occurs as the eye muscles work harder to maintain focus.
Similarly, dry eyes, characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, can lead to irritation and a gritty sensation that may feel more pronounced in the outer corner, especially when blinking.
Allergies can also cause irritation, leading to itchiness and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. Rubbing allergic eyes can intensify discomfort in the outer corner. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid margins, can cause redness, swelling, and itching along the lash line, which may extend to the outer corner of the eye, sometimes with flaky scales similar to dandruff.
Styes and chalazions are bumps on the eyelid that form when oil glands or hair follicles become blocked or infected. If these develop near the outer corner, they can cause localized pain and tenderness. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” is a general inflammation of the conjunctiva that can cause widespread eye discomfort, including a feeling of irritation or pain that can be felt in the outer corner.
Contact lens irritation or misuse, such as wearing lenses for too long or not cleaning them properly, can lead to dryness, redness, and pain in various parts of the eye, including the outer corner. Additionally, minor foreign objects or debris on the eye’s surface, like dust or an eyelash, can cause sharp pain or a scratching sensation, particularly noticeable when blinking as the eyelid moves over the particle.
Pain from Other Sources
Sometimes, discomfort felt in the outer corner of the eye originates from areas beyond the eye itself, manifesting as referred pain. Sinus infections or inflammation, particularly in the sphenoid or ethmoid sinuses located near the eye orbits, can create pressure and pain that radiates to the eye area. This pressure can be felt behind or around the eye, including the outer corner.
Tension headaches and migraines cause pain around the eyes. Migraines often present with throbbing pain localized to one side of the head and eye, potentially affecting the outer corner. Muscle tension from headaches can also extend to facial muscles, causing discomfort.
Uncorrected vision problems can also contribute to eye strain, as the eyes work harder to focus, leading to pain that might be felt in the outer corner. This type of pain often develops after extended periods of visual tasks.
Irritation or conditions affecting facial nerves can cause referred pain to the eye area. For example, facial nerve inflammation can result in sensations perceived as originating from the outer eye corner, even if the primary issue is with the nerve.
Skin irritation or dermatitis on the eyelid or surrounding skin can also cause pain. Conditions like eczema or allergic reactions can cause inflammation, dryness, and cracking, leading to localized pain and tenderness in the outer corner of the eye.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While many causes of outer eye corner pain are minor, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation by an eye care professional or doctor. Severe or worsening pain that does not subside with rest or home remedies warrants attention.
Any sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or a partial loss of vision, require immediate attention.
The presence of redness, significant swelling around the eye, or any discharge (pus or mucus) from the eye indicates a potential infection or inflammation that needs professional assessment. Increased sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, especially when accompanied by pain, can also signal a more serious underlying condition.
If the eye pain is accompanied by a headache, fever, or nausea, it could suggest a systemic issue or a more severe eye condition like acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is a medical emergency. Pain that occurs after an injury to the eye or exposure to a foreign object, particularly if the object appears embedded, necessitates immediate medical care to prevent further damage or infection.
If the pain persists for more than a few days despite attempted home remedies, or if you are concerned about your symptoms, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.