Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?

1. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also referred to as pink eye, is an eye infection caused by a virus, bacteria or from allergies and in some cases, leads to eye pain when blinking. Conjunctivitis causes the white portion of the eye (sclera) to become red accompanied by itching, excessive tears and eye discharge. Conjunctivitis may require antibiotic or antihistamine eye drops, however, this will depend on the severity of your condition. It is important to see an optometrist so you can get a professional diagnosis and they can identify any underlying conditions early.

2. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition that describes the inflammation of the eyelid, which can most commonly develop from having excessive bacteria on the eyelids. Blepharitis can be a cause for eye pain when blinking as part of the inflammation. Blepharitis can stem eye conditions such as from seborrheic dermatitis, ocular rosacea, dry eyes, eye allergies, blocked oil glands in eyelids, lice or mites in eyelashes and eye infections.

3. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are characterised by a severe pain felt on one side of the head and occurs in groups or clusters. Cluster headaches can contribute to eye pain when blinking and can last between an average of 1 and 3 hours either every other day or several times a day according to John Hopkins Medicine. The exact cause of cluster headaches are not yet known, however, potential triggers can include alcohol consumption or smoking, high altitudes or bright lights. Other possible triggers may include exercise, heat from the weather or from a bath, certain foods and drug use. Treating cluster headaches will depend on your healthcare provider’s findings from your consultation.

4. Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an eye condition that causes blurry vision due to the abnormal shape of either the cornea or lens. Astigmatism can lead to eye pain as a result of eye strain when trying to see clearly. Astigmatism can develop from causes such as keratoconus, eye injuries, old age, eye surgery, genetics or family history and eye diseases. Astigmatism can be managed with prescription glasses and may present symptoms such as squinting to see clearly, seeing glares or halos around lights at night, headaches and eye fatigue.

5. Iritis

Iritis is the inflammation of the iris, the coloured portion of the eye, and is a possible factor for eye pain when blinking due to inflammation symptoms. Iritis can develop from causes such as health problems, Behcet’s disease, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Sarcoidosis, eye injuries and use of certain drugs. Other symptoms of iritis can include blurry vision, light sensitivity, redness around the iris, a pupil that is abnormally shaped, tearing, vision loss and a headache. It is advisable to see an optometrist so they can prescribe suitable treatment according to your condition. However, treating iritis may include solutions such as steroids, dilating eye drops, antibiotics, and antiviral medications.

6. Keratitis

Keratitis is characterised as inflammation or infection of the cornea, which can cause eye pain when blinking as one of the early signs of this condition. Keratitis is caused by an infection or injuries to the eye and can lead to ciliary congestion, corneal swelling and the entrance of inflammatory cells. Infectious keratitis can develop from fungal keratitis, bacterial keratitis, parasitic keratitis and viral keratitis. Causes of non-infectious keratitis can include injuries to the eye, poorly-fitted contact lenses, and foreign body in the eye.

7. Dry Eye

Dry eye can ensue when the eye does not produce a sufficient amount of tears or when the tears that are produced are poor quality. Dry eyes can result in eye pain as the eyes require enough moisture from tears for optimal function and comfort and therefore can lead to eye pain when blinking. The lacrimal (tear) glands produce tears consisting of a combination of water, mucus and oil. Each of these substances help to create moisture in the eye, while the mucus layer assists in evenly distributing the tears over the eye. The oil that is created, prevents the water layer from evaporating too quickly. Poor-quality tears can result from factors like meibomian gland dysfunction, blinking less, wearing contact lenses and from certain medications. Meibomian gland dysfunction is when the meibomian (oil) glands in the eyelid do not produce enough or quality oil according to the National Institutes of Health.

8. Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is a condition that can arise when the optic nerve becomes inflamed and swollen resulting in eye pain, vision impairment and vision loss in certain cases. Optic neuritis can arise from potential causes such as autoimmune and inflammatory conditions and infections. The three main types of this condition include typical, atypical and paediatric and involve symptoms such as eye pain, vision loss and flashing lights. Treating optic neuritis may require intravenous (IV) drugs (steroids) or treating the initial causes. Treating optic neuritis with IV steroids may be helpful in alleviating the inflammation, and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. Addressing the initial causes or contributing factors may include treating bacterial infections with antibiotics.

9. Uveitis

Uveitis is defined as inflammation of the eye and triggers symptoms such as pain, redness, severe sensitivity to light, floaters and blurry vision. Uveitis has different types which are categorised according to the different region of the eye that is affected. The different parts of the eye that are affected are the choroid, retina, ciliary body and vitreous. Uveitis can arise from infections, and autoimmune diseases. Treatment for uveitis can involve eye drops, tablets, injections and treating the underlying conditions.

10. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is defined as a group of eye conditions that cause vision loss due to optic nerve damage, which can lead to eye pain. The exact cause of glaucoma is not known, however, risk factors can include having a history of glaucoma in the family, older age, certain medical conditions, steroid use and eye injuries. Glaucoma can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, tunnel vision, redness, seeing halos around lights, headaches, low vision and vomiting and nausea. Treating glaucoma may require eye surgery, eye drops or laser treatment, however, this will depend on the severity of your condition.

11. Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are characterised as open wounds that form on the surface of the eye caused by infections. Corneal ulcers can be painful and are often a consequence of viral infections, bacterial infections, fungal infections and parasitic infections according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Risk factors for corneal ulcers can include contact lens wear, history of shingles or cold sores, use of steroid eye drops, eyelid disorders and corneal burns or injuries. Treating corneal ulcers may involve an optometrist or ophthalmologist prescribing antibacterial or antiviral eye drops and/or pain medication. It is important to see an optometrist if you experience symptoms or notice any changes to your symptoms.

12. Stye

A stye can cause eye pain when blinking and refers to a swollen bump that usually forms on the edge of the eyelid and can ensue from bacterial infections. Styes can form when the oil glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands) become blocked according to the Cleveland Clinic. The symptoms of a stye can include a swollen eyelid, wet or dry eye discharge, sensitivity to light, pain, itching, excessive tears and foreign body sensation. Styes usually alleviate on their own after 1-2 weeks. However, applying a warm compress or gently cleaning the affected area may help relieve unpleasant symptoms. It is always advisable to see an optometrist to get professional advice on what is the most suitable treatment according to your condition.

13. Burns

Burns in the eye can come from chemical splashes in the eye. Burns can cause eye pain and can arise from soaps, solvents, cosmetics, disinfectants and household cleaning solutions getting into the eye. The pain from burns in the eye can range from mild to to severe depending on the type of substance involved. It is recommended to see an optometrist to make sure no further damage is caused and so the optometrist can determine the right form of treatment.

14. Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can include trauma to the eye, scratches, punctures or foreign objects in the eye which can lead to varying degrees of eye pain. Eye injuries should be examined by an optometrist in a timely manner to prevent further damage to the eye. The most common symptoms of eye injuries are continuous pain in the eye, difficulty seeing, a cut eyelid and one eye not moving as well as the other eye. Other common symptoms include one eye protruding out of the eye socket farther than the other eye, an abnormal pupil shape or size, blood in the clear portion of the eye and debris stuck in the eye according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

15. Debris or Foreign Bodies

Debris or foreign bodies in the eye can cause eye pain due to the high sensitivity of the eye. Debris or foreign bodies in the eye can be quite painful with there being more pain receptors in the eye than in other parts of the body. According to the National Library of Medicine, the cornea is one of the most sensitive regions to pain in the entire body. Debris or foreign bodies in the eye can include dust specks, wood chips, sand, dirt, grass clippings and glass pieces. Some of these examples can be quite dangerous to the eye and may not be removed with tears in the eye.

Will Going to a Checkup Eye Test Determine the Cause of Eye Pain When Blinking?

Yes, going to a checkup eye test can help know the cause of the pain when blinking. Eye tests are essential in diagnosing eye conditions and detecting their early signs. Therefore, it is always advisable to get your eyes tested when you notice any changes to your vision and how your eyes feel. It is important to maintain regular check up eye tests at least once every 2 years unless advised otherwise by an optometrist.