It’s a sensation that’s hard to ignore—a brief, sharp feeling every time you blink. Your eyes blink constantly to stay moist and protected, so when this simple action hurts, it’s a clear signal that something needs your attention. We’ll explore the common reasons your eye might hurt when you blink, what you can do at home, and when it’s time to see a professional.
While uncomfortable, this type of pain isn’t always a sign of a serious problem. Most often, eye pain when you blink is caused by a minor irritation like a foreign object, dry eye, or a common infection. Understanding the potential cause is the first step toward finding relief and keeping your eyes healthy.
Common Causes for Eye Pain When You Blink
Most of the time, eye pain is caused by minor irritation or a common condition. These issues are often temporary and can be managed with simple care. Let’s look at a few of the most frequent culprits.
Dry Eye
When your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, their surface can become dry and irritated. Blinking across this dry surface creates friction and discomfort. You might also notice other symptoms, including:
- A gritty or scratchy feeling
- Redness
- Blurred vision
Pink Eye & Other Infections
An inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye, known as pink eye or conjunctivitis, is a common infection that can make blinking quite painful. Other infections can cause similar discomfort.
- Red or pink colour in the white of the eye
- Swelling
- Discharge or crusting around the eyelids
Styes & Blepharitis
A stye is a small, tender bump on the edge of your eyelid, usually from an infected oil gland. Blepharitis is a more general inflammation of the eyelids, often at the base of the eyelashes. Both conditions can make the eyelid feel sore with each blink.
- A red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid
- Crusty eyelashes
- Itchy or swollen eyelids
Debris or a Foreign Object
Sometimes, the cause is as simple as a stray eyelash, dust, or a speck of dirt trapped under your eyelid. Each blink can cause the object to scratch or irritate your eye’s sensitive surface. This often creates a sharp, localized pain.
What If Only One Eye Hurts?
Pain that happens in just one eye often points to a local issue. A stye, a corneal scratch, or a foreign object will typically only affect one eye at a time.
More Serious Causes of Eye Pain
While less common, some causes of eye pain require prompt attention from an eye care professional. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more significant problems.
Corneal Scratches or Ulcers
A scratch on the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—can be quite painful, especially when you blink. If not treated properly, a scratch can sometimes become infected. This can lead to a corneal ulcer, which is a more serious condition.
Uveitis & Optic Neuritis
These conditions involve inflammation inside the eye. Uveitis affects the eye’s middle layer, while optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve. Both can cause a deep, aching pain that may feel worse with eye movement.
Acute Glaucoma
A sudden increase in eye pressure can lead to a type of glaucoma that causes severe eye pain and vision loss. This condition can develop quickly and requires immediate care to protect your vision. It is often accompanied by other distinct symptoms.
What You Can Do at Home for Relief
For minor irritation, a few simple remedies may provide comfort. Always use a gentle touch when caring for the area around your eye.
- Use a Warm Compress: A clean, warm washcloth held gently over your closed eye for a few minutes can soothe irritation and relieve pain from a stye.
- Flush Your Eye: If you think something is in your eye, you can try to flush it out with a sterile saline solution or artificial tears.
- Rest Your Eyes: Give your eyes a break by reducing screen time. If you’re sensitive to light, dim the lights and wear sunglasses outdoors.
When to See Your Eye Doctor in Woodstock
Home remedies are helpful for minor issues, but you should see a professional for persistent or severe pain. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective relief and a healthy recovery.
Symptoms That Need a Professional Opinion
It’s time to book an appointment with your eye doctor if you experience:
- Pain that lasts for more than 48 hours
- Blurry vision or other vision changes
- Discharge from your eye
- The feeling that something is stuck in your eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
Signs of an Eye Emergency
Seek urgent care if your eye pain is paired with any of the following symptoms:
- Severe, unbearable pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seeing halos around lights
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden flashes of light in your vision
The Importance of a Professional Diagnosis
Figuring out the exact cause of eye pain isn’t always straightforward. Fortunately, a comprehensive eye exam can help address your immediate discomfort and help protect your long-term vision.
This is especially important for managing conditions that require ongoing care, such as dry eye or myopia management for your family. At Oxford Optometry, we take the time to listen to your concerns and find a personalized solution that works for you. So book an appointment today and let our team help you find comfort and clarity.
