What can cause sudden sharp eye pain, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing?

Seek immediate care at an emergency department or emergency eye service if any of the following occur: severe or increasing pain, sudden loss of vision or major change in vision, eye trauma or chemical exposure, eye bleeding or severe accompanying systemic symptoms. These signs can require rapid intervention.

• Severe or progressively worsening pain
• Sudden loss of vision or marked decrease in vision
• Eye trauma or chemical exposure
• Eye bleeding or severe general symptoms

This is not a medical diagnosis; seek professional help immediately for emergency signs.

These symptoms can arise from different problems. An online assessment cannot provide a definitive diagnosis; only an exam can determine the cause.

• Irritation or small wound on the cornea (for example, corneal abrasion)
• A foreign body or debris in the eye
• Surface infection or deeper eye infection/inflammation
• Inner-eye inflammation such as uveitis

Possible causes are for information only; a specialist evaluation is required for a definite diagnosis.

The following steps are generally low risk and may help until you have a formal diagnosis; they do not replace medical care.

• Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them and do not put them back in
• Wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any eye drops or medicines by yourself

These suggestions do not replace medical treatment; see a clinician if symptoms persist or worsen.

An eye specialist (ophthalmologist) is the appropriate clinician for these complaints. In urgent situations emergency medicine or eye services may assess you first. The exam typically includes a visual acuity test, inspection of the eyelids and ocular surface, and corneal staining or other tests if needed. The specialist will recommend follow-up or further tests based on findings.

• Initial assessment: visual acuity and basic eye exam
• Ocular surface inspection; corneal staining if indicated
• Specialist-directed follow-up or referral based on findings

Specific treatment decisions are made by the examining clinician.