Many forms of eye pain are not preventable, but people can take steps to reduce their risk. Regular, complete eye exams by an ophthalmologist can help people maintain the health of their eyes and find early signs of some diseases.

Goggles or other devices offer protection when taking part in chores, hobbies, sports and work that can expose the eyes to damage (e.g., trimming hedges, carpentry, paintball, welding). Allergens and irritants that cause eye pain should be avoided. Regular hand washing helps reduce contamination or infections by germs and allergens that can move from the fingers to the eye.

For any eye irritation, people are advised to avoid rubbing the eyes, because this often makes the condition worse. Sunglasses with ultraviolet protection can reduce the damaging effects of the sun.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Ophthalmology have warned of eye pain, trauma and infection resulting from improper use of decorative contact lenses, including some cases of permanent blindness. U.S. law requires that cosmetic lenses, like corrective lenses, be fitted by and obtained through an eye care professional.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it is monitoring cases of Fusarium keratitis, a rare fungal infection of the cornea. One brand of contact lens solution was withdrawn from the market in April 2006 after reports of more than 100 cases of Fusarium keratitis.