- Medically Reviewed by: Mr Mfazo Hove, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: January 10, 2025
- Last Updated: January 7, 2026
As colder weather arrives and cold season begins, many patients ask, can a cold make your eyes hurt? Yes, it can. A common cold affects more than just your nose; it often causes eye soreness, grittiness, or discomfort. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, our patients often share stories of eye pain alongside their colds, and we are here to explain why this happens and what you can do about it. With top-rated care across London, Chelmsford, and Hatfield, our leading surgeons and top specialists ensure your vision stays comfortable, even when you are unwell.
The Common Cold and Your Eyes: What's the Link?
A common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system. Viruses can travel through tear ducts connecting your eyes to your nasal passages, leading to eye pain. The immune response causes inflammation, including in the eyes, while congestion-related mouth breathing reduces moisture and heightens irritation.
How a Cold Causes Eye Pain
When you are battling a cold, your eyes can become uncomfortable or even painful due to several factors:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is common and causes redness, itching, and tearing by inflaming the thin tissue covering your eyeball and eyelids.
- Sinus Pressure: Blocked sinuses press on areas around the eyes, causing a dull eye ache that intensifies with sneezing.
- Dry Eyes: Reduced blinking and mouth breathing result in dry eye syndrome, leading to a scratchy, burning sensation.
- Eyelid Swelling: Eyelids may swell, making each blink uncomfortable and slightly narrowing your field of vision.
Recognising these symptoms early allows you to manage discomfort effectively.
Can You Get the Flu in Your Eye? Understanding Eye Flu
Patients frequently ask, can you get the flu in your eye? While the influenza virus itself does not infect the eyeball, flu symptoms can cause similar eye issues to a cold. What is eye flu called? It is commonly referred to as Conjunctivitis when caused by viruses, including those responsible for the flu. This eye flu virus spreads easily through contaminated hands or droplets, resulting in an eye flu infection.
Eye flu symptoms often resemble cold-related eye issues but can be more pronounced:
- Intense redness and watering
- Grittiness or a foreign body sensation
- Sensitivity to light causing squinting
- Thick discharge, especially in the mornings
- Eye ache flu-like pain around the eye sockets
For eye flu treatment, the approach is like cold care but requires careful monitoring. Viral cases typically resolve within one to two weeks, though bacterial infections may require prescribed eye drops. Artificial tears, warm compresses, and strict hygiene are essential. If symptoms persist or vision deteriorates, our top doctors at Blue Fin Vision® can evaluate for complications.
Symptoms to Watch For
Whether caused by a cold or flu, be vigilant for these signs of eye pain:
- Bloodshot or pink discoloration of the eye whites
- Burning, gritty, or sharp sensations
- Excessive tearing or dryness
- Light sensitivity necessitating indoor eye protection
- Blurred or fuzzy vision
- Crusty discharge upon waking
These symptoms warrant professional attention to safeguard your eye health.
Treatment Options for Cold- or Flu-Related Eye Discomfort
Most cases resolve naturally without complications. To alleviate eye pain from a common cold or flu, consider the following:
- Warm Compresses: Apply a soft, warm cloth over closed eyes to reduce swelling and ease sinus pressure.
- Artificial Tears: Use preservative-free lubricating drops to maintain eye moisture and clear irritants.
- Gentle Cleaning: Wipe away any discharge with a fresh, warm, damp cloth for each eye to prevent spread.
- Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake to help thin mucus and alleviate pressure.
- Pain Relief: Take ibuprofen or similar NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Rest: Prioritise sleep to support healing and reduce eye strain.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this may exacerbate irritation.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most symptoms improve with home care, contact Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic or your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe or stabbing eye pain
- Significant changes in vision
- Symptoms that persist beyond one week or worsen
- Redness accompanied by high fever
- Eye injury during illness
Our private eye clinics in Chelmsford, Hatfield, or London utilise advanced diagnostic tools to promptly identify and address any issues.
Preventing Eye Problems from Colds and Flu
Prevention is the best strategy. Protect your eyes by:
- Washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes
- Using fresh towels daily and avoiding sharing
- Discarding eye makeup after illness to prevent reinfection
- Supporting your immune system through balanced nutrition, exercise, and sufficient sleep
Regular visits to our top eye specialists help detect and prevent complications early.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision®?
Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic provides unparalleled eye care recognised by the UK’s foremost authorities and trusted by thousands of patients.
- Top Recommended Recognition: Featured in the Spear’s 2025 Health & Wellness Index and celebrated in the Tatler Address Book 2026, reflecting peer-endorsed luxury and leading team care.
- Transparent, Audited Outcomes: More than 25,000 cataract surgeries performed in four years with complication rates three to five times lower than the national average, data openly published via NHS NOD.
- Outstanding Patient Satisfaction: Over 530 five-star reviews verified on Doctify and other platforms affirm our exceptional results and personalised care.
- Exclusive ZEISS Partnership: Premium ZEISS intraocular lenses and Leica-Stellaris technology ensure world-class precision at every clinic.
- Seamless Network, Unified Care: An integrated organisation with consistent pathways across London, Hertfordshire, and Essex, supported by a secure cloud-based patient record system for accessible, reliable care across the UK and beyond.
Choosing Blue Fin Vision® means entrusting your eyes to top doctors and leading surgeons committed to exceptional standards.
Conclusion: Protect Your Eyes This Season
A common cold or flu can cause significant eye pain, from the irritation of Conjunctivitis to sinus pressure discomfort. With proper knowledge and care, you can manage these symptoms and protect your vision. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we combine advanced technology with personalised care from expert ophthalmologists and leading surgeons.
Trust your vision to Blue Fin Vision® in London, Hertfordshire, or Essex. Book a consultation at your most convenient location today. Our expertise ensures that your eyes receive the attentive, top-rated care they deserve, whatever the season.
