Emergency Eye Pain Relief

Eye pain can have many causes. For the most common--dust, dirt, dry air, and allergens--you can usually find a home remedy that will eliminate the problem or afford you significant relief. For more persist and serious causes of eye pain, a doctor should be consulted as quickly as possible.

Pain Relief

Simply blinking, which stimulates the production of tears, may help. Tears flush out common invaders, such as dirt and dust. If blinking doesn't do it, try using your eyelids to push a foreign object out. Gently grab the eyelashes of your top lid and pull them over the bottom lid. This helps your bottom lashes brush the speck off the inside of your upper lid.

If you're still experiencing discomfort, try using water to flush the foreign object out of your eye. Splash as much water as you can onto your eyes. You could also try artificial tears, which will not only help flush an object out of your eye but also hydrate and refresh your eye once the irritant is gone.

If your eyes are dry and itchy because of allergies, consider using a cold compress to reduce the itch. Place a wet washcloth or towel over your closed eyes. Leave the wet towel on your eyes for up to 20 minutes.

Aromatherapy can help with dry eyes. Valerie Ann Worwood, author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," recommends placing several drops of tea tree oil in a humidifier. This especially works well in an area with a high-powered air conditioning system, such as your office.

If you have a painful sty on your eye, drain it with a warm compress as soon as you notice it. Put a warm, damp washcloth over your closed eyes for at least five minutes. Continue this four times a day for two weeks, or until the sty is gone.

When to See a Doctor

If you have acute eye pain, it's possible that something has scratched your cornea. Try keeping your eyes shut for half an hour. If your eye still hurts afteward, is red, or has lost vision, call your doctor immediately.

If you're experiencing dry eyes, consult your doctor if your eye remains red after frequent use of artificial tears, your vision changes or if you have pus or discharge coming out of your eye.