Feeling a sharp pain or discomfort every time you blink is hard to ignore. It can make it difficult to focus on work, read, or even just relax. If your eye hurts when you blink, it could be a sign you need emergency eye care, and you’re likely looking for answers.
The discomfort often comes from a minor irritation, like something in your eye or symptoms of dry eye, but it can also signal a condition that needs a closer look from a professional.
Common Reasons Your Eye Hurts When You Blink
Eye pain can come from a few different sources. Often, the cause is a simple irritation that will resolve on its own. Here are 5 common culprits behind that painful blink.
Something Is in Your Eye
Small particles like dust, an eyelash, or other debris can sometimes get trapped under your eyelid, causing irritation. Being aware of common eye symptoms can help you respond quickly and prevent further discomfort.
Symptoms may include:
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
- Redness and watering
- Sensitivity to light
A Scratched Eye Surface
A scratch on the clear, front surface of your eye is called a corneal abrasion. This can happen from a foreign body, a poke, rubbing your eye too hard, or even from contact lenses. A scratched eye can feel quite painful, especially when your eyelid moves over it, and it’s important to receive prompt care to prevent a more serious corneal ulcer from developing.
Dry Eye Discomfort
Your eyes rely on a steady layer of tears to stay comfortable and healthy. When that tear film is unstable, your eye’s surface can become dry and irritated. This friction can make every blink feel uncomfortable or even painful. Symptoms can include:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
Fortunately, there are many effective dry eye therapy options available.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
This is an inflammation of the thin tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelid. Also known as conjunctivitis, it can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies. Blinking can feel painful because the eyelid is rubbing against the swollen, irritated surface. Symptoms can include:
- Redness or pink colour in the white of the eye
- Itchiness and watering
- A sticky discharge from the eye
A Stye on Your Eyelid
A stye is a small, red, uncomfortable lump that grows from the base of an eyelash or under the eyelid. It’s like a small pimple right on your eyelid. Styes are often related to blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, and the swelling and tenderness it causes can lead to pain when you blink.
How to Find Relief at Home
Anything that irritates your eyes is best evaluated by an eye doctor. For minor irritations, a few simple actions might help ease discomfort while your eye heals. It’s important to avoid rubbing your eye, as this can make the problem worse. These steps can offer temporary relief for mild symptoms:
- Gently flush your eye: Use clean, lukewarm water or a sterile saline solution to rinse your eye. This can help wash out any small particles that may be causing the irritation. Note, it is not recommended to use water with contact lenses.
- Use a warm compress: A clean cloth soaked in warm water can help soothe a stye or reduce irritation from pink eye. Just hold it over your closed eye for a few minutes at a time. Following safe instructions for a warm compress is key to avoiding burns.
- Rest your eyes: Give your eyes a break from screens and bright lights. This can help reduce strain and discomfort, especially if you’re dealing with digital eye strain or general dryness.
Red Flags for Eye Pain
While many causes of eye pain are minor, some situations need a closer look from a professional. It’s time to seek professional eye care when you notice certain signs along with the pain. Pay close attention if your symptoms feel severe or unusual.
- Severe pain: The pain is intense, sharp, or throbbing.
- Vision changes: You experience blurry vision, double vision, or loss of sight.
- Light sensitivity: You find it very difficult or painful to be in normally lit rooms or outside.
- Discharge: There is thick yellow or green fluid coming from your eye.
- Injury: The pain started after something hit your eye or from a chemical splash, which requires immediate attention.
- Pain behind the eye: You feel a deep ache or pressure behind your eye.
The Importance of a Professional Eye Exam
Guessing the cause of eye pain is not a good idea. A comprehensive eye exam is the way to get a clear picture of what’s happening.
What to Expect at Your Eye Care Appointment
An eye exam for pain is straightforward and focused on your comfort. We’ll start by asking about your symptoms and your general health history. This helps us understand the full context of what you’re experiencing.
Then, we’ll use modern diagnostic tools with light and magnification to examine your eye’s surface, eyelid, and internal structures. This process is comfortable and helps us pinpoint the cause of the discomfort. We can find the source of the problem and discuss the next steps together.
Compassionate Care for Every Eye Concern
Eye pain can be disruptive, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding lasting comfort. We are part of this community, and we care about the well-being of our neighbours.
If you’re experiencing eye pain when you blink, let us help. At Lakeland Family Eyecare, we’re here to provide clear answers and gentle care for you and your family. Book your appointment with us today.
