Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?
Have you ever experienced eye pain when blinking? It’s a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from minor irritations to serious eye conditions. Understanding the cause of your eye pain can help you determine the best course of action to alleviate your discomfort.
There are many different things that can cause your eye to hurt when you blink. In some situations, these are not serious, and in other cases, they can be very serious. In nearly all cases, eye pain that is worse when you blink indicates a problem in the front of the eye.
Retinal problems alone, like a retinal tear or a retinal detachment, will usually not cause eye pain when blinking. Severe eye pain, especially if there are associated vision changes, should be evaluated by an eye doctor as soon as possible to ensure that your eye health is okay. Before discussing why your eye may hurt when you blink, let’s take a look at the anatomy of the eye to better understand why this happens.
Anatomy Of The Eye
The eye is a complex organ with several components that work together to provide us with vision. Understanding the anatomy of the eye is essential to understanding why the eye may hurt when blinking.
Cornea
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. It is responsible for refracting light and protecting the eye from debris and injury. The cornea has a very high density of nerve endings, which makes it extremely sensitive to touch and pressure. Even minor damage or inflammation to the cornea can cause eye pain when blinking, and sometimes this pain can be very severe.
Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It produces mucus and tears to lubricate and protect the eye. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to infection or allergies, it can cause eye redness, itching, and pain when blinking.
Sclera
The sclera is the tough, white outer layer of the eye that provides structural support and protection. It is continuous with the cornea at the front of the eye and with the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The sclera contains blood vessels and nerve endings, which can become inflamed or irritated, causing eye pain when blinking. The pain associated with a scleral inflammation is usually described as a deep boring pain.
Eyelid
The eyelid is a movable fold of skin and muscle that covers and protects the eye. It helps to spread tears over the surface of the eye and prevent debris from entering the eye. The eyelid also contains oil glands that secrete oil to lubricate the eye. When the eyelid becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause eye pain when blinking.
Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?
Eye pain when blinking can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. There are many potential causes of this symptom, ranging from mild to serious. The most common causes are dry eyes, corneal abrasions, blepharitis, allergies, infections like conjunctivitis, and something that is stuck in the eye (foreign body).
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes is one of the most common causes of eye pain when blinking. Dry eyes happens when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause irritation and discomfort, especially when blinking. Other symptoms of dry eyes may include redness, burning, and sensitivity to light. Treatment options may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking and reducing screen time.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis can cause eye pain while blinking. The condition causes inflammation of the edges of the upper or lower eyelids, which can become sore and painful when blinking. Other symptoms of blepharitis include eyelid redness, swelling, or painful tenderness, a foreign body sensation that is sandy or gritty, discharge that is watery, sticky, or stringy, burning or stinging, tearing or watering, itching, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
Foreign Object In The Eye
A foreign object in the eye, such as a piece of dirt or an eyelash, can cause pain and discomfort when blinking. If you wear contact lenses, be sure that a piece of your contact lens has not broken off. In some cases, the object may become lodged in the eye and require medical attention. If you suspect that you have a foreign object in your eye, avoid rubbing or touching the eye and seek medical attention immediately.
Eye Infection
A viral infection, such as conjunctivitis or pink eye, can cause pain and discomfort when blinking. Other symptoms may include redness, itching, and discharge from the eye. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops or ointments, as well as home remedies such as warm compresses and good hygiene practices. A more serious eye infection known as a corneal ulcer is likely to cause severe pain and requires immediate medical attention. Corneal ulcers are a medical emergency and can result in long term vision problems and vision loss if not taken care of in an urgent fashion. An eye specialist like an ophthalmologist is the best person to handle a bacterial infection of the cornea.
Eye Injury
An injury to the eye, such as a scratch or abrasion, can cause pain and discomfort when blinking. In some cases, like chemical burns, the injury may require a visit to the emergency room to prevent further damage or infection. If a chemical has gotten in the eye, it is important to rinse the eye immediately and then seek emergent medical care. If you suspect that you have an eye injury, seek medical attention immediately.
Ocular Allergies
Allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, including eye pain when blinking. Other symptoms may include itching, redness, and watering of the eyes. Treatment options may include over-the-counter antihistamines or prescription medications, as well as avoidance of allergens when possible.
Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis can also cause inflammation of the conjunctiva and is usually associated with an inciting agent. This condition can cause pain and discomfort when blinking, as well as red eyes, itching, and discharge from the eye. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops or ointments, as well as home remedies such as warm compresses and good hygiene practices. For some patients, cool compresses can help to soothe sore eyes with allergic conjunctivitis.
Other Symptoms To Look Out For
Redness
If your eye hurts when you blink, you may also experience redness in the affected eye. Redness is a common symptom of eye infections, allergies, and other eye conditions. If your eye is red and painful, it’s important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Redness can also be a sign of acute angle-closure glaucoma, but this would be continuously painful, and not only painful while blinking. In this cause of eye pain, the eye pressure goes up dramatically. Because of this patients may also have nausea, headache, and vomiting. This is a medical emergency and patients with redness and pain should get medical help immediately.
Swelling & Painful Eyelids
Swelling around the eye can also accompany pain when blinking. This swelling can be caused by a variety of issues, including allergies, infections, or trauma. If you experience swelling around the eye, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.
Blurry Vision
Blurred vision is another symptom that can occur when your eye hurts when you blink. This can be a sign of a serious eye condition, such as corneal abrasion or a corneal ulcer. If your vision becomes blurry or distorted, seek medical attention immediately.
Sensitivity to Light
If you experience pain when blinking and also have sensitivity to light, it could be a sign of an eye infection or inflammation. This symptom is common in conditions such as conjunctivitis or uveitis. If you experience sensitivity to light, it’s important to see an eye doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Watery Eyes
Eyes that water frequently could be a sign of dry eye disease. In severe dry eye, patients can experience painful blinking and even intense eye pain. The eye exam may show areas of keratitis on the surface of your eye.
If you experience any of these symptoms along with pain when blinking, it’s important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms can be a sign of a serious eye condition that requires prompt medical attention.
When To See A Doctor
In most cases, eye pain when blinking is not a serious issue and can be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. However, there are some situations where you should see a doctor to ensure that there is no underlying condition that requires medical attention.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor:
-Severe or persistent eye pain when blinking
-Redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye
-Changes in vision, such as blurriness or double vision
-Light sensitivity
-Eye injury or trauma
-Foreign object in the eye
If you have a history of eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts, you should also see an eye doctor if you experience eye pain when blinking. During your appointment, the doctor will examine your eye to determine the cause of your pain. They may also ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits that may be contributing to your eye pain.
Depending on the cause of your eye pain, the doctor may prescribe medications, recommend home remedies, or suggest further testing or treatment. It is important to follow their recommendations to ensure that your eye pain is properly treated and does not lead to more serious complications.
Prevention & Treatment
If you experience pain when blinking, there are several treatment options available depending on the cause of the pain. In some cases, prevention methods can also be effective in reducing the likelihood of eye pain. Here are some common prevention and treatment options:
See An Eye Doctor
The first step is to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. They can diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatment options. They may also prescribe medications or recommend lifestyle changes to prevent future eye pain.
Eye Drops
If your eye pain is caused by dry eye syndrome, eye drops may help to lubricate the eye and reduce pain. There are many different types of eye drops available, so it is important to talk to your eye doctor about which ones are right for you.
Warm Compresses
If your eye pain is caused by blepharitis or eyelid inflammation, a warm compress can help to reduce pain and swelling. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over your closed eye for a few minutes at a time. Repeat several times a day as needed.
Antibiotics
If your eye pain is caused by a corneal abrasion or a corneal ulcer, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
Surgery
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat eye pain when blinking. This may be necessary if the pain is caused by a structural problem in the eye, such as a blocked tear duct or a growth on the inside of the eyelid. This is less common. Your eye doctor will be able to discuss your options with you and recommend the best course of treatment.
Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink: Summary
If your eye is hurting when you blink there are several different possible causes. If your eye is also red and painful, you should seek medical care urgently. Some common causes for eye pain when blinking are corneal abrasions, dry eye, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and a foreign object in the eye.
