Blinking is something that we often do without thinking, yet it’s crucial for keeping our eyes healthy and hydrated. If you’ve noticed your eyes hurting when you blink, you’ve probably found it confusing and uncomfortable. This seemingly small issue can make everyday activities—like reading, working on a computer, or even enjoying a walk outside—feel like a challenge.
If your eye hurts when you blink, it could be due to several common conditions, including dry eyes, eye strain, an infection, or glaucoma.
Dry Eyes
One of the most common reasons for eye pain when blinking is dry eyes. Our tears play a crucial role in keeping our eyes comfortable by forming a thin, protective film on the surface of the eye. This film not only helps to reduce friction during blinking, but also removes small pieces of debris and provides essential nutrients to the eye tissue.
When our eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when those tears evaporate too quickly, we experience dryness, leading to symptoms such as:
- A gritty sensation
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Stringy mucus
- Water eyes without relief
Your optometrist can examine your eyes and, depending on the cause, offer solutions tailored to your symptoms. This may include radiofrequency (RF) or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, but if you’re looking for steps you can take at home, here are some lifestyle tips:
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule during screen time: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Wear glasses in windy or dusty environments
Eye Strain
In today’s digital age, eye strain has become an increasingly common issue. The prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices often leads to discomfort and even pain when blinking. Eye strain, often referred to as digital eye strain, can affect individuals of all ages.
Alongside eye pain, symptoms of eye strain might include:
- Headaches that can range from mild to severe
- Blurred vision, which may occur intermittently or persistently
- Neck and shoulder pain due to poor posture and prolonged sitting
- Dry eye
Ensure you take regular screen breaks and set up your computer area to minimize glare on your screen. Adjust your screen settings for comfort by increasing the text size and brightness to reduce eye strain.
Infections & Inflammations
Eye infections such as conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye) can cause significant discomfort, especially when blinking. These infections often stem from bacteria, viruses, or allergens that irritate the eye’s delicate tissues, leading to inflammation and discomfort. It’s important to recognize the early signs of eye infections to prevent further complications, such as:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Eye discharge
- Itching or burning sensation
- Sensitivity to light
Proper treatment depends on the cause of the infection, so let your eye doctor know as soon as you can so they can examine your symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious, but bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are, so be careful! Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection, including frequent hand washing and using clean towels.
Foreign Bodies & Corneal Abrasions
Sometimes, a foreign object like dust, dirt, or an eyelash can get into the eye, leading to pain, especially when you blink. This can happen unexpectedly, such as when you’re outdoors on a windy day, or even simply when you’re rubbing your eyes.
In severe cases, foreign objects can leave small scratches on the cornea. Such scratches are known as corneal abrasions. They’re quite uncomfortable, and can often trigger a cycle of scratching—even though scratching may just make the problem worse.
If something gets in your eye, rinse it thoroughly, either with clean water or a saline solution, in order to try and wash out any debris. Blink repeatedly to help naturally dislodge any foreign material.
If the pain doesn’t go away immediately, or if it worsens, seek medical attention to prevent any long-term damage and to receive appropriate treatment.
Glaucoma
Uncommon forms of glaucoma—such as angle-closure glaucoma—can cause significant eye pain when blinking. Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure within the eye. Typically, it progresses slowly and without symptoms. However, angle-closure glaucoma comes on rapidly and can lead to sudden vision loss.
- Sharp or throbbing eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Severe headache
- Halos around lights
- Redness
If you experience sudden, severe eye pain that persists, it’s crucial to see your doctor immediately. Early detection and treatment are essential in managing glaucoma and preventing long-term vision impairment.
Take the Next Step Towards Eye Comfort
Eye pain when blinking can disrupt your daily life, but it doesn’t have to. Start by identifying potential causes and implementing some of the solutions mentioned above. While some eye pain passes on its own, that’s not always the case, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your discomfort persists, our team at Sage Eyecare is ready to help!
Our experienced eye professionals are here to diagnose the root cause of your pain and provide tailored solutions to restore your eye comfort. Your eye health is paramount, so don’t wait—book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards healthier, happier eyes!
