Sore eyes in or near one or both eyes are an uncomfortable sensation. It may feel dusty, tender or tired in your eyes. Sore eyes can be induced by unnecessary eye rubbing. Sore eyes may result from airborne irritants, including smoke and smog, as well as other environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals or even excessive sunlight. A very common cause of sore eyes is poor lubrication of the surface of the eye by tears, which is also called dry eye.
From prolonged near work, such as reading or focusing on a computer screen, you may get sore eyes. An incorrect eyewear prescription contributes to eye fatigue that leads to soreness. Often causing sore eyes is excessive contact lens wear.
Allergy or infection-induced inflammation also leads to sore eyes. These disorders may affect only the eyes, or they may be systemic, such as hay fever or common cold, affecting other areas of the body. Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is a common cause of eye soreness, which is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the whites of the eye.
Along with sore eyes, you may have many other symptoms, including eye pain, redness, itchiness, swelling, tearing, or eye discharge. A common symptom that normally improves on its own with rest is sore eyes without eye pain. Your health care provider should evaluate sultry eyes followed by eye pain and other signs, including fever, discharge, redness, abrupt changes in vision, or red and swollen eyelids. Your health care provider can urge you to use artificial tears, antihistamines, antibiotics, or simply rest, depending on the underlying cause.
Sore eyes are not extreme in most situations. If you have sore eyes associated with eye pressure, fever, discharge, redness, abrupt changes in vision, or red and swollen eyelids, seek urgent medical attention (call 911).
If your symptoms of sore eyes are recurrent or causing you concern, seek prompt medical attention.