It usually starts small. A sting when you blink. That gritty, dry feeling that lingers. Eyes that just don’t feel quite right.
Maybe it clears overnight. Maybe it doesn’t. And by the time it starts interfering with your focus, you’re already wondering whether it’s just irritation or something worth getting checked.
Here’s what might be behind it, what you can do at home, and when it’s time to stop guessing.
What Sore Eyes Can Feel Like
Not all eye discomfort feels the same. Sometimes it’s a sharp, gritty feeling. Sometimes it’s just pressure or tiredness that builds across the day. But the pattern is usually the same, it doesn’t go away like it used to.
You might notice:
- A persistent itch or sting
- Sensitivity to light
- Excess tearing, redness, or puffiness
- A blurry, strained feeling after screens
- Sticky lashes when you wake up
These are common experiences, but they’re not always harmless. Especially if they’ve been hanging around longer than usual.
What Causes it?
Dry Eyes
Most people don’t realise how much the eyes rely on a stable layer of tears until that layer breaks down. For many, dry eye isn’t sharp pain. It’s that low-grade, nagging discomfort that builds throughout the day. Words start going blurry. The urge to blink gets stronger. The longer the screen time, the worse it feels.
It’s easy to brush off as tiredness, especially if you work indoors or wear lenses. But if the discomfort is showing up more often, particularly after extended device use, there are a few small, habit-based changes that can make a noticeable difference.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis doesn’t always look dramatic, but it has a way of getting your attention. One eye feels a little off. Then it’s red. Then there’s a sticky film that makes it harder to open in the morning. Some people describe it as “just really annoying,” but it’s still something that needs to be managed properly, especially if it’s contagious.
Certain types can cause more discharge than others — bacterial conjunctivitis, for example, often shows up with thick, yellow buildup around the lashes. Viral or allergic forms tend to be watery and itchy. Understanding those differences can help narrow down the cause before your appointment.
Blepharitis
This one creeps in quietly. It’s not always painful, just persistent. Your eyelids might feel crusty when you wake up, or the rims may look a little red, like they’ve been rubbed too hard. Some patients describe it as a gritty, tired feeling that doesn’t go away, no matter how many times they rinse their eyes.
Makeup, stress, weather, or even how thoroughly you remove mascara can all play a part.
If there’s a sore spot near your lash line and it hurts to blink, it could be a stye. These are caused by a blocked or inflamed gland in the eyelid, and while they can look concerning, they’re usually not serious.
The key is to leave it alone. Squeezing or poking tends to make things worse. A warm compress a few times a day usually speeds up healing. If it hasn’t improved after a few days, it might need a closer look.
A Foreign Object
Sometimes, it’s just something small like a lash, dust, or even pollen caught in the eye. The sensation might start as mild discomfort or excess tearing, but if it doesn’t go away, it can quickly become irritating.
If you’ve tried flushing with artificial tears and it’s still there, it’s best not to keep rubbing or poking. Even a tiny particle can cause a scratch if it’s sitting in the wrong place.
When It’s Something More
Not every case of sore eyes starts on the surface.
Sinus pressure can create discomfort behind the eyes. A corneal scratch can feel like persistent dryness. And more serious conditions like keratitis or iritis often show up as soreness that doesn’t improve, especially if light starts becoming uncomfortable or vision feels off.
If symptoms are changing from day to day or simply not improving, a full eye health check can help rule out anything more complex.
When to Get It Checked
Most cases of sore eyes settle within a few days. But if it’s been longer than that, or if any of these symptoms apply, it’s time to get checked:
- Sticky discharge every morning
- Sharp pain when blinking
- Trouble focusing or changes in vision
- New or worsening light sensitivity
Even if it’s something minor, knowing for sure can take the pressure off.
Support That Goes Beyond a Quick Fix
Sore eyes are frustrating, especially when the cause isn’t obvious. But getting to the bottom of it doesn’t have to be complicated.
EyeSelect has been part of the Browns Plains and Forest Lake communities for over 40 years, offering more than just prescriptions. The team takes time to listen, understand what’s changed, and find solutions that fit into your day-to-day life.
If your eyes haven’t felt right lately, you can book a check-up when the time feels right. No pressure. Just local support from people who care about helping you see clearly and feel better doing it.