Eye pain should always be taken seriously because it could be a sign of a serious injury or illness. However, you can try some home remedies first as long as you aren't experiencing blurred vision or severe discomfort. Here are four steps you can take if your eyes are feeling sore.

Take off your contacts.

Contact lenses are useful for people who don't like wearing glasses, but they can contribute to eye fatigue. Contact lenses aren't entirely permeable, which means they inhibit the flow of oxygen to your eye. If your eyes are feeling tired and sore, take off your contacts for the rest of the day. Allowing your eyes the chance to rest without a plastic membrane on them can help them recover faster.

Apply a cold compress.

Resting your eyes can help them feel better when they're sore. Eye pain can sometimes be due to strain. Closing your eyes and lying down in a dark room may help you feel better. If you decide to go this route, a cold compress can provide additional pain relief. Soak a clean washcloth in cold water and ring it out, then fold it and apply it to your eyes. The cool temperature should feel soothing and can help to bring down any swelling present.

Visit an eye clinic.

If you don't feel better within a day or two, simple fatigue may not be the only cause of your discomfort. Visit an eye clinic to see a doctor who can help you. They will perform a thorough eye exam, using a light to see clearly to the back of your eye. Eye pain may be caused by bacteria, which can make an infection develop. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help your body heal. Scratches to your cornea can also cause pain. Small scratches can heal on their own, while deeper injuries may require surgery.

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

When your eyes are injured, you want to avoid irritating them any further. Don't rub your eyes, which can exacerbate the damage. Flush your eyes with saline or water if you need to do something to relieve the discomfort. If you have an infection, you'll want to avoid touching your eyes, since this can cause the bacteria to spread, which could make other people sick. Use a tissue if you need to wipe moisture away from your eyes rather than using your fingers.

For more information, contact an eye clinic like Northwest Ophthalmology.