We blink thousands of times a day without even thinking about it. But when blinking causes pain, it’s hard to ignore. A non-exhaustive list of reasons why your eye might hurt when you blink include:
- Eye strain
- Dry eye
- Allergies
- Pink eye
- Styes
Whether the discomfort is mild or sharp, consistent, or occasional, eye pain when blinking can disrupt your daily life. If you’re experiencing persistent pain when blinking, it’s essential that you see your eye doctor for an eye exam so they can determine the cause and offer tailored advice for treatment.
Possible Reasons Your Eye Hurts When You Blink
Eye pain when blinking could stem from a variety of causes. Some conditions may be minor and resolve on their own, while others may signal a more serious issue requiring treatment. Below are some common reasons for this discomfort.
Eye Strain
Modern lifestyles often involve hours of staring at screens, whether for work, school, or leisure. Prolonged screen time can overwork your eye muscles, leading to digital eye strain. Symptoms often include:
- A dull ache or discomfort when blinking
- Dry or tired eyes
- Blurred vision
To alleviate eye strain, try the following:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Keep your screen at eye level and adjust its brightness to reduce glare
- Use artificial tear drops if your eyes feel dry
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly. This can make blinking uncomfortable and make the eyes feel gritty or scratchy. Dry environments, aging, or certain medical conditions can all contribute to dry eyes.
Possible solutions include:
- Using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops
- Avoiding overly dry environments, such as air-conditioned rooms
- Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, as they can improve tear production
Many people assume that dry eye is just an uncomfortable condition. However, if left untreated, it can actually lead to long-term problems. If you’re experiencing more than a temporary bout of dryness, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss long-term management strategies.
Allergies
Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when your eyes are exposed to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Allergies can make your eyes red, itchy, and watery, and blinking may worsen the irritation.
Possible solutions include:
- Using antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medications as your eye doctor recommends
- Washing your face and hands frequently to remove allergens
- Using an air purifier in your home
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent layer covering your eye’s white part. This condition is highly contagious (if caused by bacteria or viruses) and can make blinking painful. You may also notice redness, discharge, and crusting around the eyelids.
Possible solutions include:
- For bacterial conjunctivitis: See a doctor for antibiotic eye drops
- For viral conjunctivitis: It typically resolves on its own, but using a warm compress can ease discomfort
- Maintain strict hygiene to prevent spreading the infection to others
If you’re unsure what type of pink eye you have, see your eye doctor for the proper treatment.
Styes
A stye is a red, painful bump near the edge of your eyelid. It’s usually caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland or hair follicle. Since it’s positioned near your lid, blinking can aggravate the pain.
Things that can help:
- Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 10–15 minutes several times a day
- Avoid touching or popping the stye, as this can worsen the infection
- If the stye doesn’t go away after a week or worsens, consult your optometrist
When Should You Visit Your Optometrist?
While many causes of eye pain when blinking are harmless or temporary, some may require medical evaluation. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you experience the following symptoms alongside eye pain:
- Persistent redness or swelling
- Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or double vision
- Sharp or severe pain in or around your eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Discharge that doesn’t improve after cleaning the area
Your optometrist can perform a thorough eye exam to identify the root cause of your discomfort and recommend treatments tailored to your needs.
Book an Appointment Today
Your eyes are critical to your daily life, and you should never overlook their health. If blinking causes discomfort, don’t wait until it becomes a more significant issue. At Perspectives Vision Clinic, we’re here to help with a comprehensive eye exam and personalized care plan. Contact us to book an appointment today and see the world more comfortably and clearly.
