Feeling a twinge of pain every time you blink can be distracting and uncomfortable. It’s a common experience that can make you worry about your overall eye health.
There are many potential reasons for this discomfort, and understanding them is the first step toward relief. Pain when you blink is often caused by common issues such as dry eyes, minor infections, a scratch on your eye’s surface, or even digital eye strain. A thorough eye exam can help identify the exact cause and find the right solution for you.
Common Reasons Your Eyes Hurt When You Blink
There are several reasons you might feel discomfort when you blink. Let’s look at some frequent causes—from environmental factors to minor eye issues. These conditions can often be managed with professional guidance.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears when your tears are of poor quality. This lack of lubrication can cause a gritty, painful sensation every time your eyelid moves across the surface of your eye. Fortunately, effective dry eye therapy can help manage these symptoms.
Common signs of dry eyes include:
- A stinging or burning feeling
- A scratchy sensation, like sand in your eye
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Watery eyes—your body’s response to the irritation
Eye Infections Like Pink Eye
Infections like conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, can cause significant discomfort. Conjunctivitis causes inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. However, because other issues can present similarly, it’s important to understand what is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye to ensure you get the right care.
A Scratched Cornea
A corneal abrasion is a small scratch on the surface of your cornea—the clear, protective outer layer of your eye. This can happen from rubbing your eye, from getting sand trapped under your eyelid, or even from contact lenses. A scratch can cause sharp pain that intensifies when your eyelid moves over it, and it may require emergency eye care to prevent infection.
Eye Strain From Screens
Spending long hours in front of computers, tablets, or smartphones can lead to digital eye strain. When you focus on a screen, you tend to blink less often, which can dry out your eyes. This can result in tired, achy eyes that feel uncomfortable every time you blink.
Inflammation & Allergies
Allergies can trigger your body’s immune response, leading to inflammation in your eyes. This condition, called allergic conjunctivitis, can cause redness, itching, and swelling. Blinking can also become painful as the swollen tissues create friction.
What Does the Pain Feel Like?
Eye pain can show up in different ways. The sensation you feel can offer clues about what might be the cause. Pinpointing the feeling can help you describe your symptoms more clearly to your optometrist.
Sharp or Gritty Sensations
A sharp or gritty feeling often makes you think something is in your eye, like an eyelash or a piece of sand. If you suspect an eyelash is the culprit, it’s important to learn how to remove it safely. Even when nothing is there, the irritation from a corneal scratch or dry eye can feel very real.
A Dull Ache or Soreness
Sometimes the pain of blinking is more of a constant, throbbing ache. It may feel like it’s behind or surrounding your eye. This type of soreness can be related to eye strain, sinus pressure, or inflammation. It tends to be a persistent discomfort rather than a sharp pain.
A Feeling of Pressure
You might experience a sensation of fullness or pressure when you blink. This can sometimes point to sinus issues that affect the area around your eyes. It may also be a symptom of eye strain from focusing too long on one task.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Eye Comfort
Some daily habits can contribute to eye discomfort. Small changes can often make a big difference in how your eyes feel. Pay attention to how your routine might be affecting your eyes.
Lack of Sleep & Your Eyes
When you don’t get enough rest, your eyes may not have enough time to repair themselves and stay lubricated. Tired eyes are often dry and more easily irritated. A good night’s sleep can be very helpful for overall eye health and comfort.
Your Environment & Air Quality
The world around you can have a big impact on your eyes. Dry air from heating or air conditioning, windy conditions, or smoke can strip moisture from your eyes. This can lead to irritation and pain when you blink.
Contact Lens Habits
If you wear contact lenses, your habits matter. Wearing your contacts for too long, not cleaning them properly, or sleeping in them can lead to dryness and infections. Following contact lens safety tips and getting a professional contact lens exam and fitting are key to keeping your eyes comfortable.
How to Find Relief for Eye Pain at Home
You can try a few simple things at home to soothe minor eye pain. These steps may offer temporary relief for mild irritation. However, they’re not a substitute for professional care if the pain continues.
Try Warm Compresses
A warm compress can help soothe irritated or tired eyes. Simply soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes. This can help relax your eye muscles and improve moisture.
Use Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can help relieve dryness. They supplement your natural tears and can help wash away small irritants. Make sure to choose a brand that’s right for your symptoms.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
If you work on a computer, give your eyes regular breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is an easy way to reduce strain. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
When to See an Eye Doctor in Stoney Creek
While some eye pain goes away on its own, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice if discomfort continues. As your eye doctor in Stoney Creek, we can help you figure out the cause. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you’re concerned about your symptoms.
If the Pain Lasts More Than a Day
Pain that doesn’t improve after a day or two is a clear signal that you should get your eyes checked. Persistent discomfort could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. It’s always better to be cautious with your vision.
If You Notice Vision Changes
Pain accompanied by changes in your vision always requires prompt professional care. This includes blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, or seeing new floaters. These symptoms could point to a more serious condition.
If You See Discharge or Redness
Discharge from your eye, like pus or thick mucus, often points to an infection. Significant redness and swelling are also signs that something is wrong. An eye doctor can determine if you need a prescription in no treatment to resolve the issue.
How Your Optometrist in Hamilton, ON Can Help
A professional eye exam is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. As your optometrist, we have the tools and expertise to find the source of your discomfort. We can help you see clearly and comfortably again.
A Comprehensive Eye Exam
During a comprehensive eye exam, we’ll carefully examine the health and structures of your eyes, like the cornea, retina, and tear film. This detailed look helps us identify the exact cause of your pain.
Create a Personalized Treatment Plan
Once we know what’s causing your pain, we can recommend a solution. This could range from prescription eye drops and allergy management to advice on contact lens wear. Our goal is to provide a plan that works for your lifestyle.
Protect Your Vision
If you’re experiencing pain when you blink, our team at Stoney Creek Optometry is here to help. We’re committed to providing friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable care for your entire family. Schedule your appointment with us today and let us be a part of your eye care adventure!
