What could be causing pain in the left eye, which feels like pinching from the side, coupled with cloudy vision? this is for a 68 year old female.

Many possibilities: It is hard to say based on the symptoms. It could be anything from a corneal abrasion to dry eyes to glaucoma to even temporal arteritis (depending on where the pain is exactly). I would see an ophthalmologist soon to get a more definitive answer, especially if you are having cloudy vision.

Eye pain: Your description could be caused by many issues and some of them can be serious and vision threatening. See an eye doctor asap.