Blinking is a normal phenomenon. You do it involuntarily, and it is essential too. So, if you are wondering, “Why does my eye hurt when I blink?” we are here with answers in this blog.
Eye Hurts When Blinking – Reasons
Here are 13 possible complications of your hurting when blinking:
Allergies
When your eyes are exposed to allergens such as pollen or mold, they may become itchy, red, and watery. When there is inflammation of the conjunctiva inside of the eyelid, it makes your eye hurt when you blink.
Blepharitis
This is an inflammation of the eyelids due to clogged oil glands. The edges of your eyelids inflame, resulting in pain. You can use eyelid cleaners, warm compresses, or gentle massages to help with oil secretion and reduce inflammation.
Chemical Burns
Exposure to alkalis, acids, and irritants can cause chemical burns that can be extremely painful and increase your risk of eye damage. If you experience a chemical burn, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches can cause pain behind one eye and may make them red, swollen, and painful. These headaches are often treated with medication.
Cornea Scratch
A cornea scratch is on the outer transparent layer of the eye (cornea). It may be due to fingernails resulting in irritation and pain when you blink.
Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer, also known as keratitis, is an open sore caused by inflammation of the cornea due to infection. Blinking may irritate and cause pain. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, antifungal, or antiviral medication.
Dry Eye Disease
When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, you may experience dry eyes and pain when you blink. Treatment for dry eyes varies depending on your condition. It may include eye drops, warm compresses, etc.
Eye Injury
An eye injury, such as a fractured socket or overexposure to UV light, is quite painful.
Glaucoma
If you have closed-angle glaucoma, you may experience an increase in eye pressure, which can be extremely painful.
Pink Eye
A condition also known as conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the superficial eye membrane layer that causes pain and a gritty feeling when you blink.
Optic Neuritis
Inflammation of the optic nerve is trouble when you blink or move your eye. Treatment for severe optic neuritis may involve steroid medication to reduce inflammation.
Stye
A stye is an eye infection that affects the follicles or oil glands on the eyelids. This can cause swelling and inflammation of the eyelids, making blinking painful.
Vision disturbances
Changes in vision can cause temporary eye pain when you blink, sometimes with blurry vision.
Closing Note
At San Ramon Urgent Care, we offer the best solution for your problems. Get down to our clinic at 9140 Alcosta Boulevard Ste D San Ramon, CA 94583, or call us at (925) 361-5959 to schedule an appointment.