Experiencing pain in the corner of your eye when you blink can be unsettling. Blinking is a natural and frequent action, essential for keeping your eyes lubricated and protected. When this routine movement becomes uncomfortable, it often signals an underlying issue. While discomfort can be alarming, it is frequently due to common, treatable conditions.
Common Reasons for the Pain
Several factors can contribute to discomfort in the corner of your eye during blinking. Dry eyes, a condition where inadequate tear production or rapid tear evaporation leads to insufficient lubrication, can cause friction and a gritty, burning sensation with each blink.
A foreign body like dust or an eyelash can become lodged in the eye, causing irritation and sharp pain as the eyelid brushes against it during blinking. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid margins, often results from clogged oil glands near the eyelashes, causing redness, swelling, and a gritty feeling.
A stye, a tender, red lump on the eyelid, is typically caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland or eyelash follicle. Its inflammation and swelling can make blinking painful. Allergic reactions, such as allergic conjunctivitis, can trigger inflammation of the conjunctiva, leading to redness, itching, and pain when blinking. Prolonged visual tasks, like extensive screen use, can result in eye strain, contributing to discomfort that may worsen with blinking. Contact lens issues, such as improper fit, overwear, or poor hygiene, can irritate the eye and cause pain during blinking.
Other Signs to Observe
Beyond the pain itself, observing additional symptoms can offer clues about the underlying cause of your eye discomfort. You might notice redness in the eye or around the eyelid, indicating inflammation or irritation. Swelling of the eyelids or the area around the eye can also accompany the pain.
An itching sensation, particularly if associated with redness, might point towards allergies or inflammatory conditions. The presence of discharge, which can range from watery and clear to thick and colored, often suggests an infection. Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, can be another accompanying symptom, making bright environments uncomfortable. Some individuals also report blurred vision, which may improve temporarily with blinking, or a persistent gritty sensation, as though something is constantly in the eye.
When to See a Doctor
While many instances of eye pain when blinking resolve on their own, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical attention. You should consult a doctor if the pain is persistent, severe, or worsens over time. Sudden changes in vision, such as new onset blurred vision, double vision, or any degree of vision loss, warrant immediate evaluation.
Severe redness or swelling that does not subside or continues to increase also requires medical assessment. The presence of pus or thick discharge from the eye is a strong indicator of an infection that needs professional treatment. If eye pain is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever or chills, it could signal a more widespread infection. Light sensitivity that significantly impacts daily activities, or pain following any injury to the eye, should prompt a visit to an eye care professional. If home remedies do not provide relief within a reasonable period, typically 24 to 48 hours, seeking medical advice is advisable.
Relief and Prevention Strategies
Several self-care measures can provide relief and help prevent future occurrences of eye pain when blinking. Applying warm compresses to the affected eye can be beneficial, particularly for styes or blepharitis. The warmth helps to increase circulation, soothe pain, and can aid in loosening clogged oil glands. To make a warm compress, soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and place it over your closed eye for 5-10 minutes.
Over-the-counter artificial tears can effectively alleviate discomfort caused by dry eyes by providing lubrication and moisture to the eye’s surface. These drops can reduce friction and soothe irritation. Avoid irritants that can trigger eye discomfort; this includes refraining from rubbing your eyes. Using gentle, non-irritating soaps and minimizing exposure to known allergens can also reduce symptoms.
Maintaining proper hygiene is a fundamental preventive measure. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes. For contact lens wearers, strict adherence to cleaning and storage guidelines, as well as replacing lenses as recommended, is crucial to prevent irritation and infection. Thoroughly removing eye makeup before sleep also helps prevent clogged glands and potential irritation.
To reduce eye strain, especially from prolonged screen time, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice allows eye muscles to relax and helps maintain a healthy blink rate. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking enough water supports overall eye health and tear production.