Pain under the eye when blinking can range from mild irritation to a sign of an underlying medical issue. Blinking is an essential action for protecting and lubricating the eyes. Discomfort during this routine movement often signals a disruption to the eye’s surface or surrounding structures. While many instances are temporary and benign, some causes require professional attention.
Common Causes of Discomfort
Dry eye syndrome is a frequent reason for pain when blinking, occurring when eyes don’t produce enough tears or they evaporate too quickly. This lack of lubrication causes friction between the eyelid and the eye’s surface, leading to a gritty or burning sensation. Prolonged activities like reading or screen use can also lead to eye strain, causing muscle fatigue and discomfort.
Allergies can trigger inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the eye and inner eyelid, causing redness, itching, and pain. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is also an inflammation of this membrane, often due to viral, bacterial, or allergic factors, resulting in soreness and grittiness that intensifies with blinking.
Small bumps on the eyelid, such as a stye or chalazion, can cause localized pain when blinking. A stye is an infected eyelash follicle or oil gland, forming a tender, red bump. A chalazion is a non-infectious blockage of an oil gland, forming a firm lump. Inflammation of the eyelid margins, known as blepharitis, can also make eyelids sore and uncomfortable during blinking.
Damage to the eye’s surface, like a corneal abrasion, or a foreign object can cause sharp pain as the eyelid rubs against the injured area. Referred pain from inflamed sinuses (sinusitis) can also manifest as discomfort around and under the eyes. Certain headaches, such as migraines or cluster headaches, may present with eye pain, sometimes behind one eye, accompanied by light sensitivity or swelling.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Seek professional medical advice for pain under the eye when blinking if it is persistent or worsening, especially if home remedies don’t help. Any changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or increased sensitivity to light, should prompt immediate professional evaluation.
Severe redness, swelling around the eye, or discharge also signal a need for medical assessment. If eye pain is accompanied by a fever or severe headache, it could indicate a more serious underlying condition. Sudden onset of severe pain or pain following an eye injury, such as a chemical splash or blunt trauma, requires urgent medical attention.
If a foreign object is lodged in the eye and cannot be easily flushed out, professional removal is necessary to prevent further damage. Pain that interferes with daily activities or is unusually intense also suggests self-care is insufficient and medical advice should be sought.
Medical Assessment and Treatment Options
A medical assessment for eye pain typically begins with a thorough patient history to understand symptoms and their progression. This is followed by a comprehensive eye examination, often including visual acuity and a slit lamp examination to closely inspect eye structures. To detect corneal abrasions or ulcers, a fluorescein staining procedure may be performed, where a dye highlights surface irregularities.
An intraocular pressure check may be conducted to rule out conditions like glaucoma, which can cause eye pain. If sinus issues are suspected, imaging techniques like a CT scan might be considered. Treatment varies based on the diagnosis.
Prescription eye drops are common treatments, including antibiotics for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral causes, anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling, or steroid drops for severe inflammation. Stronger lubricating eye drops can provide significant relief for dry eye. Oral medications, such as antibiotics for systemic bacterial infections or pain relievers, may also be prescribed.
Foreign objects are professionally removed using sterile instruments. Warm compresses are often recommended for conditions like styes, chalazions, or blepharitis to reduce inflammation and promote drainage. Addressing underlying systemic conditions, such as treating a sinus infection or managing migraines, is also crucial for resolving associated eye pain.
Supportive Home Care and Prevention
Mild discomfort under the eye when blinking can often be managed with home care. Applying a warm compress can provide soothing relief and alleviate discomfort from mild inflammation. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, can effectively moisturize dry eyes and reduce friction.
Resting eyes by reducing screen time and taking frequent breaks from visually demanding tasks can help alleviate eye strain. Identifying and avoiding known allergens or environmental irritants can significantly reduce eye discomfort for those with sensitivities. For blepharitis, gentle eyelid hygiene, such as carefully cleaning the eyelid margins, can help manage symptoms.
Preventive measures are important for maintaining eye comfort. Good eye hygiene, including regular hand washing before touching the eyes, can prevent infections. Taking regular breaks from digital screens, using the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), helps reduce digital eye strain. Using humidifiers in dry environments can help maintain adequate moisture levels, benefiting those prone to dry eyes. Wearing protective eyewear in dusty, windy, or hazardous conditions can prevent foreign objects from entering the eye. Staying adequately hydrated supports tear production. Managing allergies effectively through medication or avoidance strategies can also help prevent related eye irritation.