Pain in the Corner of Your Eye: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

A weird ache in the corner of your eye can feel extra personallike your eyeball is trying to start drama.
The good news: many “corner-of-the-eye” pains come from common, fixable issues (dry eye, irritation, a stye,
allergies, or a grumpy tear duct). The not-so-fun news: a smaller group of causes need prompt medical attention,
especially if you have vision changes, severe pain, or light sensitivity.

This guide breaks down what that corner pain can mean, the symptoms that help narrow it down, what you can safely
do at home, and when it’s time to call an eye doctor. (Standard reminder: this is general information, not a
diagnosis. Eyes are delicate divasget them checked if anything feels “off.”)

First, which “corner” are we talking about?

There are two corners (called canthi): the inner corner (near your nose) and the
outer corner (near your temple).

• Inner corner pain often points to your tear drainage system (puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac,
  nasolacrimal duct) or irritation on the inner eyelids.
• Outer corner pain may relate to eyelid inflammation, dry eye, the tear-producing gland (lacrimal gland),
  or “surface” irritation from wind, screens, and contact lenses.

Common symptoms that travel with corner eye pain

Corner pain rarely shows up alone. These “bonus symptoms” help identify the likely cause:

• Redness (on the white of the eye or along the eyelid margin)
• Swelling near the corner or on the eyelid
• Tearing (watery eyes) or discharge (watery, mucusy, or thick/pus-like)
• Itching (often allergy-related)
• Gritty/burning feeling (classic dry eye / irritation)
• Light sensitivity (photophobia) or blurred vision
• Pain with eye movement or deep, aching pain
• Headache, nausea, halos around lights (red flag symptoms)

Causes of pain in the inner corner of your eye (near your nose)

1) Blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction)

When tear drainage slows down, tears can pool and irritate the inner corner. You might notice persistent tearing
(watery eye) and crusting on the lashes. Blockage can also set the stage for infection because stagnant tears are
basically a bacteria lounge.

Clues: lots of tearing, crusting, mild tenderness near the inner corner, recurrent “pink eye.”

2) Tear duct infection (dacryocystitis)

Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac (part of the tear drainage system). This often causes
painful swelling and redness near the inner corner, sometimes with pus-like discharge and fever.
This is one of those “don’t wait it out for a week” problems.

Clues: tender swelling at inner corner, redness, discharge, fever, feeling unwell.

3) Canaliculitis (infection of the tiny tear drainage channels)

Canaliculitis can mimic a stye or conjunctivitis but tends to center around the tear drainage opening. It may cause
localized inner-corner redness, discharge, and a “something’s stuck here” sensation.

Clues: inner-corner irritation that keeps returning, discharge, tenderness near the punctum.

4) Pink eye (conjunctivitis) or irritation on the inner eyelid

Conjunctivitis inflames the thin membrane covering the white of your eye and inner eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis
often comes with watery discharge and cold symptoms; bacterial conjunctivitis is more likely to cause thicker,
sticky discharge; allergic conjunctivitis tends to itch and may affect both eyes.

While conjunctivitis isn’t “corner-only,” it can make the inner corner feel sore because that’s where the inner eyelid
folds and where tears collect.

Clues: redness, discharge type matters (watery vs thick), itchiness (allergy), recent cold.

5) Sinus pressure or sinus infection (referred pain)

The sinuses sit close to the eye sockets. Inflammation can create pressure and tenderness around the eyesoften worse
when bending forward. This can feel like inner-corner discomfort even when the eye itself is healthy.

Clues: nasal congestion, facial pressure, worse when bending, thick nasal mucus.

Causes of pain in the outer corner of your eye (near your temple)

1) Dry eye (and “screen-time eye”)

Dry eye happens when your tears don’t lubricate your eye well enough. Screens make it worse because people blink less
while staring at devices (your eyes: “Hello? Hydration?”). Dryness can sting more at the corners because that’s where
tear film can break up.

Clues: burning, gritty feeling, fluctuating blur, worse with screens, wind, AC, or late in the day.

2) Blepharitis (inflamed eyelid margins) and meibomian gland dysfunction

Blepharitis is irritation and inflammation along the eyelid edges. It can cause redness, crusting, and soreness that
you may feel near a cornerespecially if the outer lid margin is irritated. Meibomian glands (oil glands) can clog,
making tears evaporate faster and feeding the dry-eye cycle.

Clues: crusty lashes, eyelid redness, burning, recurrent styes, dry eye symptoms.

3) Stye (hordeolum) or chalazion

A stye is a tender, inflamed bump usually caused by an infected oil gland. A chalazion is more of a clogged-gland
lump that’s often less painful. Either one can show up closer to a corner depending on which gland is involved.

Clues: localized bump, tenderness, swelling, discomfort when blinking.

4) Allergies and irritation (makeup, skincare, wind, chlorine)

Allergies can inflame the eye surface and eyelids. Products (mascara, eyeliner, retinol creams, fragranced skincare)
can also irritate the lid margins or migrate into the eyeoften pooling at the corners.

Clues: itching, watery eyes, seasonal pattern, symptoms in both eyes, recent new product.

5) Lacrimal gland inflammation (dacryoadenitis)

The lacrimal gland (your tear-producing gland) sits in the upper outer area of the eye socket. Inflammation can cause
pain and swelling near the upper outer corner. Causes include infections and inflammatory conditions.

Clues: swelling/tenderness in the upper outer eyelid area, discomfort that feels “above” the eye.

Causes that can hurt anywhere (and may need urgent care)

1) Foreign body or corneal abrasion (scratch)

A tiny speck of dust, a lash, or a scratch on the cornea can cause sharp pain, tearing, and a gritty sensation.
Abrasions often hurt more when blinking and may make the eye very sensitive to light.

Clues: sudden pain after rubbing/trauma, sensation of something in the eye, tearing, light sensitivity.

2) Keratitis (corneal inflammation/infection), including contact lens–related problems

Keratitis can be infectious or noninfectious and may cause significant pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity.
Contact lens wear increases riskespecially if you sleep in lenses, overwear them, or expose them to water.
If you have contact lenses and new eye pain + redness, it’s safer to treat that as urgent until proven otherwise.

Clues: contact lens use, worsening pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, trouble opening the eye.

3) Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye and can cause pain, redness, blurry vision, floaters, and light sensitivity.
Symptoms can come on quickly and can be serious because inflammation can damage delicate eye structures.

Clues: photophobia, blurred vision, floaters, deep ache, redness that doesn’t feel “surface-level.”

4) Scleritis

Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera (the tough white outer coat of the eye). It often causes deep, severe pain
that may worsen with eye movement and can threaten vision. This is an eye-doctor-now situation.

Clues: severe deep ache, pain with eye movement, significant redness, tenderness.

5) Acute angle-closure glaucoma (medical emergency)

This is less common, but it’s a big deal: sudden pressure build-up can cause severe eye pain,
headache, nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, halos around lights, and eye redness. If these symptoms show up together,
treat it like an emergency.

Clues: sudden severe eye pain + headache + nausea/vomiting + halos/blur.

How clinicians figure out what’s going on

Eye corner pain is diagnosed by combining your symptoms with an exam. Depending on what you report, an eye care
professional may:

• Check vision and pupils (quick way to spot “urgent” patterns)
• Look at eyelids, lashes, and tear duct openings for swelling, crusting, or discharge
• Use fluorescein dye to look for scratches or corneal damage
• Examine the eye with a slit lamp (microscope)
• Measure eye pressure (important if glaucoma is a concern)
• Dilate pupils to look for inflammation inside the eye (uveitis) or other problems
• Evaluate sinuses or facial symptoms if referred pain seems likely

Safe at-home care (for mild symptoms) and what to avoid

If symptoms are mildno vision changes, no severe pain, no major light sensitivityyou can often try gentle care for
24–48 hours. Think of it as “supportive eye spa,” not “DIY eye surgery.”

What you can do

• Stop rubbing (it feels good for two seconds and then your eye files a complaint).
• Take a contact lens break and switch to glasses until symptoms resolve.
• Use artificial tears (especially for dryness/irritation). Start with preservative-free if you’ll use them often.
• Warm compress for styes or eyelid inflammation: warm (not hot) cloth on closed lid, several minutes, a few times a day.
  This can help clogged glands loosen up.
• Cool compress for allergy itching or mild surface inflammation.
• Gentle lid hygiene if blepharitis is suspected: clean eyelid margins carefully (avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing the eyeball).
• Pause eye makeup and replace old products if you suspect contamination or irritation.
• Use the 20-20-20 habit for screens: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

What to avoid

• Don’t “pop” a stye or squeeze corner swelling. This can worsen infection or spread inflammation.
• Don’t keep wearing contacts through pain/redness “to see if it calms down.”
• Don’t share towels, makeup, or eye drops if infection is possible.
• Be cautious with “redness-relief” drops (vasoconstrictors). They can rebound and may mask symptoms.
  If you’re unsure, stick to lubricating drops and ask a clinician.

Medical treatment options (what a clinician may recommend)

Treatment depends on the causeso the goal is to match the fix to the problem instead of playing eye-drop roulette.
Here’s what care often looks like:

Dry eye / eyelid gland problems

• Artificial tears, gels/ointments (often at night), environmental changes (humidifier, avoiding direct airflow)
• Lid hygiene and warm compresses for gland dysfunction
• For persistent cases: prescription anti-inflammatory drops or procedures (decided by an eye professional)

Stye / chalazion

• Warm compresses and gentle lid care
• If infected or not improving: clinician may prescribe medication or consider in-office treatment

Conjunctivitis

• Viral: usually supportive care (compresses, lubricating drops) while it runs its course
• Bacterial: may require antibiotic drops/ointment depending on severity and risk factors
• Allergic: allergen avoidance, antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer drops, cool compresses

Tear duct blockage or infection

• Infection (dacryocystitis) often needs antibiotics; recurrent cases may need procedures to improve drainage
• Blockage evaluation can include irrigation/probing or imaging, and sometimes surgery if chronic

Corneal abrasion / keratitis / uveitis / scleritis / glaucoma

• These require professional evaluationtreatment may include antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, or pressure-lowering medications
• Some conditions can threaten vision if delayed, so timing matters

When to seek urgent care (don’t “wait and see”)

If any of the following show up, it’s time to get prompt medical help (same day or emergency care depending on severity):

• Sudden vision changes (blur that doesn’t clear, loss of vision, new blind spots)
• Severe pain or pain that rapidly worsens
• Significant light sensitivity (you want to hide from daylight)
• Halos around lights, headache, nausea/vomiting (especially together)
• Eye injury, chemical exposure, or suspected foreign body you can’t flush out
• Contact lens wear plus pain/redness/light sensitivity
• Fever or spreading facial swelling near the inner corner
• Copious pus-like discharge, eyelids stuck shut, or intense redness

Prevention tips (because your eyes deserve nice things)

• Practice contact lens hygiene: clean as directed, don’t overwear, don’t sleep in lenses unless approved, and keep lenses away from water.
• Replace eye makeup regularly and avoid sharing it (your mascara should not have roommates).
• Manage eyelid health if you’re prone to blepharitis: consistent lid hygiene can reduce flare-ups.
• Protect your eyes during yardwork, DIY, or sports with appropriate eyewear.
• Take screen breaks and set up your workspace to reduce eye strain.
• Address allergies proactively during your peak seasons.

Quick FAQ

Can a sinus infection cause pain in the corner of the eye?

Yes. Sinus inflammation can create pressure around the eyes and nose and may feel like inner-corner painespecially if
it comes with congestion and facial pressure and worsens when bending over.

Is corner eye pain usually serious?

Often it’s not (dry eye, stye, mild irritation), but it can be serious when paired with vision changes, severe pain,
light sensitivity, contact lens use, or systemic symptoms like fever.

What if it hurts but my eye looks normal?

Deep eye pain with a relatively “quiet-looking” eye can still be important (for example, certain inflammatory
conditions). If pain is persistent, severe, or comes with headache/vision symptoms, get evaluated.

Real-life experiences: what people commonly report (and what it often turns out to be)

Eye corner pain is one of those symptoms that can feel oddly specific, so people tend to describe it in vivid,
very human ways. Here are a few common “experience patterns” clinicians hear, plus what they frequently mean.
(These are not diagnosesjust relatable examples to help you recognize what category you might be in.)

Experience #1: “It feels like a tiny pebble is living in my eye.”

This is one of the most classic descriptions of surface irritationdry eye, a minor scratch, or a
small foreign body. People often say the discomfort spikes when blinking and improves briefly after using lubricating
drops. A telltale detail: the pain started after wind, dusty cleaning, yardwork, or rubbing the eye while removing
makeup. If the sensation is mild and there’s no vision change, gentle flushing with clean water/saline and artificial
tears may help. But if the “pebble” feeling is intense, the eye becomes very light-sensitive, or symptoms persist,
it’s important to get checkedcorneal problems can go from annoying to serious faster than you’d think.

Experience #2: “My inner corner is sore, puffy, and my eye won’t stop watering.”

This comboinner-corner tenderness plus lots of tearingoften points toward the tear drainage system.
Some people notice crusting near the lashes in the morning or that the corner feels tender to the touch. When a tear
duct is blocked, tears may overflow, and irritation can build up. If infection develops (dacryocystitis), the swelling
becomes more pronounced, the area turns red and painful, and discharge or fever can appear. People often describe it
as “a sore spot right by my nose” rather than “my whole eye hurts.” That’s a cue to seek medical care quickly, because
tear duct infections usually need professional treatment.

Experience #3: “The outer corner burns after a long day, especially on my laptop.”

This is the signature of dry eye + digital eye strain. Many people don’t realize how much less they
blink when they’re focused. Your tear film evaporates, the surface dries out, and the corners can sting or feel hot.
The most relatable detail is the timing: “fine in the morning, worse by evening,” or “worse when the AC is on.”
People often also mention fluctuating blur (it comes and goes) and a gritty feeling that improves with a break from
screens. Simple changesmore frequent blinking, screen breaks, adjusting monitor height, adding a humidifier, and
using lubricating dropscan make a big difference. If symptoms are frequent, consistent eyelid care may help too,
especially if meibomian glands are involved.

Experience #4: “I woke up with a sore bump near the corner of my eyelid.”

Many styes begin like this: a localized tenderness that feels like a pimple you didn’t ask for. People often describe
a sore spot that hurts more when blinking and looks slightly swollen. Warm compresses are a common first step, and
many styes settle with time and gentle care. A key experience detail is what people want to do (but shouldn’t):
squeeze it. Resist the urge. If the bump grows, doesn’t improve, keeps returning, or your whole eyelid becomes very
swollen, that’s a good reason to see a clinician. Also, if you wear contacts or have significant redness and pain in
the eyeball itself (not just the lid), it’s worth getting checked sooner.

Experience #5: “It’s not just annoyingit’s intense, and light hurts.”

This is the experience category to take seriously. People may say the pain feels deep, they want to keep the eye
closed, and bright light is unbearable. Sometimes it comes with headache, nausea, halos, or real vision changes.
Those patterns can be associated with conditions that need urgent evaluation (like severe inflammation inside the eye,
corneal infection, scleritis, or pressure issues). The most important “experience takeaway” is this: if your body is
telling you “this is different,” trust that signal and get prompt care.

Bottom line: corner eye pain is common and often treatable, but your symptoms (especially vision changes, severe pain,
contact lens use, or light sensitivity) determine how quickly you should be seen. When in doubt, err on the side of
protecting your visionfuture you will be glad you did.