Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?
Eye pain when blinking can occur on the whole eye or in some specific regions, such as the corner of the eye or on the eyelid. Different causes can be responsible for pain in the eye when blinking. Some of these need medical attention.
Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink: 11 Causes
It is common for debris, such as dirt or sand to get into your eye and cause pain when blinking. However, it can also be caused by an injury or medical condition.
Causes of pain while blinking include:
1. INJURY
Different causes of pain in the eye when blinking, including, dry eye, and injury, sinusitis.
The eye is always vulnerable to damage. Acute trauma or debris always injure the eye, or the eye socket, and cause pain while blinking.
Scratches on the surface of the eye (the cornea) are a common type of injury that can easily occur from touching or rubbing the eye. It possible for the eye to sustain a burn from overexposure or ultraviolet light from the sun or from contact with certain substances.
There are three types of chemical burns that can occur:
1. ALKALI BURNS
These are the most severe type of burn and are always caused by cleaning products that contain ammonia, caustic lime.
2. ACID BURNS
These one are not as severe as alkali burns and are caused by vinegar or certain types of polish that contain hydrofluoric acid.
3. IRRITANTS
Irritants rarely damage the eye, but can be uncomfortable. They can be caused by spread of pepper or detergents.
Treatment for Injuries on the Eyes
Eye drops may be is always recommended to ease discomfort. Eye drops can be used to ease discomfort or prevent infections. A flash burn may be protected from causing serious damage by using sunglasses and avoiding ultraviolet light.
In some cases, an eye patch may be necessary to protect the eye and allow it to heal.
Medication may also be used to reduce pain, prevent infection, or to relax the eye muscles.
In case of a chemical burn, the affected eye should be rinsed immediately using sterile saline or cold water. Serious burns will require medical treatment and may even need surgery.
2. CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis are inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the eye and the underside of the eyelid. Blood vessels can become swollen, making the white parts of the eye to be sore and red
These condition is caused by infections or allergies, such as hay fever or a pet allergy. Conjunctivitis caused by infection is contagious.
Conjunctivitis may be treated at home by:
- Avoiding touching or rubbing the eyesusing a cool compress to alleviate.
- Removing contact lenses until symptoms disappear completely.
- Irritation.
- Avoid the allergen or substance that trigger the condition.
- Keeping eyes and hands clean taking lubricating eye drops can help to reduce symptoms.
In most cases, medication may be required to reduce severe symptoms or provide faster relief.
3. (Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink): STYE
A stye is when the eyelash follicles or oil glands on the eyelid is infected. It causes swelling on the eyelid, which may cause pain when blinking. While the stye itself is not contagious, then bacteria that caused is always passed on to another person.
Most styes are caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (a “staph” infection), which can spread to others through close contact with the infected person.
A stye is also usually be treated at home using a warm compress several times a day to reduce swelling.
Someone should avoid wearing makeup around the stye or using contact lenses until the stye has fully healed. If the stye does not respond treatment at home after a few days, medical attention is required.
4. TEAR DUCT INFECTION
The tear duct can become infected by bacteria if it is blocked, for example, by debris in the eye. This always cause a pain in the corner of the eye when blinking.
Tear duct infections are always treated using antibiotics. Eye drops may also be prescribed to help reduce symptoms.
5. BLEPHARITIS
Blepharitis is a condition where the edges of the upper or lower eyelids do inflamed. The eyelids can become sore and cause pain when blinking.
The condition can be caused by bacteria, a blocked gland, or certain skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis.
It is not possible to cure blepharitis, but symptoms can be managed by: Keeping the eyelids clean which always include the use of eyelid scrubs and eyelid cleansers. Using a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes to help soften the skin. Gently massaging the eyelids to help with the secretion of oil.
6. CORNEAL ULCERS
A corneal ulcer is an open sore that develops on the surface of the eye. They usually occur as a result of an infection, but also develop from injuries, such as a burn or scratch.
Corneal ulcers are usually treated using antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medication. Using a cool compress and avoiding rubbing or touching the eye will help reduce symptoms. Severe cases may require surgery.
7. SINUSITIS
Sinuses are small cavities around the eyes and nose. Sinusitis is when the sinuses become inflamed, usually due to a a serious viral infection. This can cause pain while blinking, as well as a blocked nose, a headache, and other flu-like symptoms.
Many cases of sinusitis are always treated at home. A person can reduce symptoms by:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.
- Breathing in steam.
- Using a nasal saline solution.
- Staying rested and hydrated.
8. OPTIC NEURITIS
Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve are inflamed, disrupting the transmission of visual information between the eye and the brain.
This inflammation always cause pain when the eyes or eyelids move. It can also cause temporary vision loss and inability of seeing colors properly.
Other cases of optic neuritis do not require medical treatment and will heal on their own. However, persistent cases may be treated using steroids to reduce inflammation. Steroids can be given through injections or tablets.
9. DRY EYE SYNDROME
A Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease, is a condition where the production of tears is disrupted. This causes the eyes to become dry and irritated which may be a source of pain while blinking.
Dry eye syndrome are always treated with over-the-counter eye drops and anti-inflammatory medications. Changes can also be helpful, such as reducing screen time, staying hydrated, and limiting caffeine consumption. In more serious cases, surgery may be required.
10. GRAVES’ DISEASE
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the thyroid to produce an over antibodies that attack the body mistakenly. It is also called hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid.
It can cause inflammation in and around the eyes, which may cause pain while blinking.
Other symptoms include anxiety, hyperactivity, mood swings, problems sleeping, and persistent thirst.
Thyroid hormone levels are always reduced using antithyroid medication or radioactive iodine therapy. This can also be achieved using surgery, but surgery is usually only offered to younger candidates.
11. KERATITIS
Keratitis is an infection of the cornea caused by bacteria or a virus. This infection can cause pain, a gritty or sandy feeling in the eye, and light sensitivity.
Cases of keratitis are treated using antibacterial eye drops. More severe cases may require antibiotic medication to fight the infection.
SEEING A DOCTOR
A doctor should be consulted if there are other symptoms such as severe headaches, sensitivity to light, or loss of vision. Most cases of eye pain while blinking can be treated at home with simple remedies, such as using warm compresses and avoiding irritants.
Moreover people with additional symptoms should see a doctor, as some causes of eye pain can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Symptoms that may require medical attention include:
- Visual disturbances, such as flashing lights.
- Severe headaches.
- Lost of vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Pain deep in the eyes.
- Severe redness of the eye.
Visit your eye doctor to recommend some eye tea or other supplements for you if you have the above conditions.