Pain Question ?

Hello,

74 year old male.

Have cataracts in both that I guess will have to be attended to.

Have been getting a pain, low level pretty constantly; now and then more
substantial, in one eye.

Not what is commonly considered eye-strain; a true pain.

Saw a noted Opthamologist who I believe competent.
Did a thorough exam, and said he could find nothing that would cause the
pain.

Guess I'll be seeing another, though.

Questions: Can Cataracts cause "pain" ?

What are other (likely) possibilities ?

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Just for a bit more information, I also have retina tears that were
laser treated several years ago.
Have been stable, with no problems since.

Thanks,
Bob

 

I suppose the cataracts are causing eyestrain, and yes eyestrain can
cause "true" pain.

 

Cataracts willl not cause pain. Dry eye can cause low level
discomfort. There are also some neurological disorders like
trigeminal neuralgia and migraine that can cause pain around the eye
area. Sinus problems and problems with teeth in the upper jaw can
also cause pain in the eye area.

Dr Judy

 

It would usually be pretty easily relieved, and diagnosed, by
instilling a reasonably strong cycloplegic drop.

If the cataract IS affecting your vision, then your ciliaries COULD be
trying too hard to accommodate (ie, ciliary spasm).

If the ophthalmologist truly did a good job, it's likely he/she would
have used cycloplegics (a/k/a dilated your eyes).

Were they dilated ? WAS the pain relieved ?

 

I have small points of retinal swelling in the centers of my eyes, and I
sometimes feel pinching sensations at the back of my eye.

I'm guessing it's related.

 

There are no pain receptors in the retina, retinal edema will not
cause pain.

Dr Judy