Some minor eye irritation is common with minor eye infections. Pinkeye (conjunctivitis), allergies, or dryness in the eye may also cause your eyes to feel sandy or scratchy. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve the irritation.

When you have a viral illness that causes a fever, such as influenza, it may hurt to move your eyes (such as when you look to the side without turning your head). As you get better, your eyes will also feel better.

Severe eye pain is not common in pinkeye. Severe eye pain requires an immediate visit to a health professional. Severe, aching eyeball pain is often a sign of a more serious condition, such as a buildup of pressure inside the eyeball (glaucoma) or inflammation of the colored part of the eye (iritis). Immediate medical care is needed to prevent the condition from getting worse and possibly causing blindness.