I feel discomfort in my eye when blinking. Is it serious?
Blinking is a reflex we rarely think about, yet we do it approximately 15 to 20 times per minute. It is the body’s way of keeping our eyes lubricated and clearing away dust and debris. However, when this simple, automatic action turns painful, it becomes impossible to ignore. Discomfort when blinking can range from a gritty sensation to sharp, severe pain, and it often raises a worrying question: Is my eye health at risk?
While many causes of pain are minor and treatable at home, others may indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. Understanding the source of pain is the first step toward relief and ensuring worry-free, clear, and healthy vision.
So, why does my eye hurt when I blink?
There is no single answer to why you might experience pain when blinking. The sensation is often a symptom of various eye conditions, ranging from environmental irritants to infections. Below, we explore the most common culprits.
Dry Eyes (Dry Eye Syndrome)
One of the most frequent causes of discomfort is Dry Eye Syndrome. This occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Without adequate lubrication, the friction of the eyelid moving over the cornea causes irritation. This can be exacerbated by environmental conditions, such as dry air or wind, leading to a gritty feeling or minor pain.¹
Eye Infection
An eye infection can manifest in several ways, causing significant pain and inflammation. Infections can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. If left untreated, they can escalate, potentially leading to temporary vision loss or more severe complications.
Foreign Objects in the Eye
A foreign object in the eye, such as a speck of dust, an eyelash, or sand, is a common source of pain. Even a tiny particle can cause a sensation of scratching every time you blink. While the eye’s natural tearing mechanism tries to flush the foreign body out, it may remain trapped under the eyelid.
Corneal Abrasion
A corneal scratch or corneal abrasion typically occurs when a foreign object rubs against the eye or from eye injuries like a poke from a fingernail or makeup brush. Corneal abrasions can cause sharp pain, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision.
A Stye or Chalazion
A stye is a painful red bump on the edge of the eyelid, often caused by an infected eyelash follicle or oil gland. A chalazion is similar, but it’s typically a painless lump caused by a blocked oil gland. Both can cause swelling and tenderness, making blinking uncomfortable.
Eye Strain
In our digital age, computer vision syndrome is prevalent. Staring at screens for prolonged periods without blinking enough causes fatigue and the eyes to dry out.
Sinus Infection
The pressure from congested sinuses behind the eyes and nose can make the area feel tender, leading to pain that intensifies with eye movement or blinking.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the clear tissue lining the eyelid and eyeball. It comes in several forms:
- Viral conjunctivitis (often associated with the common cold).
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (or bacterial pink eye, which may require antibiotic eye drops).
- Allergic conjunctivitis (triggered by pollen, pet allergy, or dust).
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (often related to contact lenses). Symptoms usually include redness, itching, and discharge.
Blepharitis
This condition involves inflammation of the eyelids, specifically where the eyelashes grow. It is often caused by clogged tiny oil glands (meibomian glands) at the base of the eyelashes. It leads to red, itchy eyelids and flaky skin that can irritate the eye surface during blinking.
Glaucoma
While many types of glaucoma are painless, acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. It presents with severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, headache, and halos around lights. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate care.
Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve. It can cause pain, usually worsened by eye movement and temporary vision loss in one eye. It is sometimes associated with an autoimmune condition like multiple sclerosis.²
What Can You Do About This Pain in the Eye?
If you are suffering from minor pain or eye irritation, there are several home remedies and adjustments you can make to alleviate symptoms.
Using a Humidifier
Dry air can strip moisture from your eyes. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to keep your eyes hydrated and reducing symptoms of dry eye.
A Warm Compress
For conditions like styes, blepharitis, or blocked oil glands, a warm compress is highly effective. The heat helps liquefy clogged oils in the meibomian glands and soothes inflammation.
Eye Drops
There are various eye drops available depending on the issue:
- Artificial tears or preservative free eye drops lubricate dry eyes.
- Antihistamine eye drops help with allergies.
- Antibacterial eye drops or medicated eye drops may be prescribed for infections.
- Saline solution or sterile saline can be used to flush out foreign objects. Always consult an eye doctor before using over the counter eye drops (OTC) for an extended period, as some preservatives can cause irritation.
Adjusting the Lighting When Using Screens
Glare from screens and harsh overhead lighting can contribute to eye strain. Ensure your workspace is well-lit but avoid direct glare. Consider eyewear with blue light filtering lenses to reduce exposure to high energy blue-violet light.
Taking Frequent Breaks from Screens
Adhere to the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This relaxes the focusing muscles and reminds you to blink, preventing unnecessary irritation.
When should you see an Optometrist?
While some eye pain resolves on its own, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a professional. You should book an appointment at Kodak Lens Vision Centres if:
- The pain is severe or persistent: Severe eye pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter remedies are not helping and requires professional attention.
- You experience sudden changes in vision: This includes blurry vision, sudden vision loss, or seeing flashing lights.
- There is significant redness or discharge: This could indicate viral pink eye, bacterial conjunctivitis, or a corneal ulcer.
- Your eyes are sensitive to light: Extreme light sensitivity (photophobia) can signal iritis or corneal issues.
- You have a history of eye conditions or recent eye surgery: Previous conditions can make you more susceptible to complications.
- Swelling of the eyelids: Significant swelling that affects your ability to open your eye.
- Tenderness around your sinuses: If accompanied by fever or vision changes.
Book an eye exam if you have discomfort in your eye when blinking, just to be sure
Your eyes are delicate, and pain is a signal that something is amiss. Whether it is contact lens overuse, a viral infection, or simply severe dry eye, getting a professional diagnosis is crucial to prevent further issues.
At Kodak Lens Vision Centres, we offer comprehensive eye exam services to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions. From prescribing eye-specific allergy treatments to performing intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or inserting punctal plugs for dry eyes, we provide tailored care for your vision needs. Contact us or ask a question, we’ll be glad to help!
Eye pain FAQs
Why does my under-eye hurt when I blink? It feels bruised.
Pain in the under-eye area that feels like a bruise is often related to sinus issues. The maxillary sinuses sit just below the eyes. When these are inflamed, the pressure can feel like a bruise, especially when blinking or touching the area. Using saline nasal sprays may help alleviate this pressure.
Why does the corner of my eye hurt when I blink?
Pain in the inner corner of the eye is often caused by tear duct infections or blockage. It can also be due to a foreign body trapped in the caruncle (the pink corner of the eye) or an ingrown eyelash.
How long does eye pain last?
The duration depends on the cause. Corneal abrasions often heal within 24-48 hours. Viral conjunctivitis can last up to two weeks. However, if you are using counter pain relievers or treatment for pain and symptoms persist beyond a few days, or if you have severe symptoms, consult an optometrist immediately.
References
- 2023, Dry eyes, Mayo Clinic:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863
- 2024, Optic Neuritis, American Academy of Ophthalmology:https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-optic-neuritis