Every Night For The Last 2 Weeks I Have Been

Posted on Fri, 26 Apr 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Every night for the last 2 weeks I have been awakened by a “pain” in my left eye (I have the beginnings of a cataract in that eye). It’s like when I hit my eye with a mascara wand. It happens when I change positions. The residual feeling lasts for several minutes, my eye waters, and then my eyeball feels a little scratchy. But this never happens in the daytime. I can’t see anything in my eye, like an eyelash or a hair.It's becoming a concern since it happens every night, sometimes more than once.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probably the symptoms are related to cataract.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms seem to be related to cataract.

I recommend using anti-inflammatory medication for the pain such as Ibuprofen 400 mg three times a day.

I also recommend to use artificial tears to help with the scratching feeling.

I recommend to improve the lighting in your home with brighter lamps and avoid night driving or reading.

If the symptoms continue you may consider cataract surgery.

A consult with an eye doctor and an eye examination is needed to decide for a specific treatment.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (1 hour later)

The cataract was discovered 3 months ago during an exam but these symptoms just appeared. Could this mean the cataract is growing?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
A cataract causes pain only if it has been remaining untreated.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

Cataracts usually do not cause pain in the eye.

They cause pain only if they have been remaining untreated.

In this case, they cause a lot of pain and light sensitivity.

An eye exam is needed to confirm if the pain is caused by a cataract or the other eye condition.

I suggest you consult your ophthalmologist for an eye exam for further management.

Take care,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee