Eyes hurt when moving them primarily due to several possible causes such as eye strain, dry eye syndrome, sinus infections, optic neuritis, or inflammation around or inside the eye. Pain may arise from conditions like sinusitis causing pressure near the eyes, dry eyes due to inadequate lubrication, sties or infections on the eyelids, or optic neuritis which inflames the optic nerve and worsens pain with eye movement. Migraines, eye injuries, or serious conditions like glaucoma can also cause such pain. The exact cause often depends on the type of pain, whether it is constant, occurs at specific times, or affects one or both eyes, and requires careful evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Eye Pain When Moving Eyes

• Dry Eyes: Insufficient tear production causes itching, stinging, and pain on movement.
• Sinusitis: Inflammation in the sinuses can press around the eyes causing pain.
• Sties: Infection on the eyelid can feel like having sand in the eye and cause discomfort.
• Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve leads to pain exacerbated by eye movement, often linked to autoimmune disorders.
• Migraines & Headaches: Can cause eye pain, sometimes with redness and watering.
• Other Causes: Trauma, infections, glaucoma, and foreign bodies.

If eye pain on movement persists, worsens, or is accompanied by vision changes, redness, or other symptoms, it is important to seek medical or ophthalmologic evaluation to identify and treat underlying causes promptly.