Generalised discomfort with inflammation of the eyelid margins is seen with blepharitis. Localised eyelid pain with swelling and inflammation may be due to inflamed cysts (chalazion) or infection (cellulitis, stye)
Unilateral pain with photophobia and watering is seen with iritis.
Deep pain sufficient to impair sleep suggests scleritis or, especially if radiating to the forehead, orbital inflammation. In the presence of nausea or vomiting in the elderly it may indicate acute glaucoma.
Pain may also be felt around the eye from inflammation within the surrounding sinuses (sinusitis) or be referred from another site as with migraine and the severe sharp stabbing pain of trigeminal neuralgia
