Experiencing pain in the outer corner of your eye when blinking is a common occurrence, ranging from a minor annoyance to a symptom of a more significant underlying issue. This discomfort arises because the eyelid moves across the eye’s surface with each blink, and any irritation or inflammation in that area can become noticeable. Understanding the various reasons behind this pain can help determine the appropriate course of action.
Everyday Reasons for Outer Eye Pain
One frequent cause of discomfort in the outer eye corner is dry eye syndrome, occurring when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Without adequate lubrication, blinking creates friction, leading to a gritty or burning sensation, redness, and pain. Dehydration can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by reducing tear production, making eyes feel irritated.
Eye strain, often from prolonged use of digital screens or extensive reading, can also cause pain in the outer eye. When focusing on screens, people tend to blink less frequently, contributing to dry eyes and discomfort. This reduced blinking means eyes are not adequately rehydrated, leading to irritation and a feeling of strain.
The presence of a foreign object, such as a speck of dust or an eyelash, can cause sharp pain and irritation when blinking. The discomfort arises as the material rubs against the sensitive surface of the eye. Similarly, a misdirected eyelash growing inward can cause persistent irritation and pain during blinking.
Minor allergies can also lead to pain and discomfort. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when allergens trigger histamine release, resulting in redness, itching, and inflammation felt with each blink. This inflammation makes the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering part of the eye and inside of the eyelid, more sensitive to movement.
Other Potential Causes
Beyond everyday irritants, conditions like blepharitis can cause pain. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins, often from excess bacteria or clogged oil glands. This condition leads to redness, swelling, irritation, and itching, making blinking painful as the inflamed eyelid moves across the eye.
Styes are painful red bumps on the eyelid from an infected oil gland. The swelling and tenderness cause significant discomfort and pain when blinking. Chalazions, similar but from a non-infected blocked oil gland, can also cause localized pressure and irritation noticeable with eyelid movement.
Contact lens issues frequently contribute to eye pain. Improper fit, overwear, poor hygiene, or an allergic reaction to solution can lead to irritation, dryness, and discomfort. Wearing contact lenses for too long can reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, and protein deposits on the lens surface can also cause irritation and pain when blinking.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” involves inflammation of the conjunctiva due to bacterial, viral, or allergic causes. This inflammation causes the eye to become red, gritty, and sore, making blinking uncomfortable. While often affecting the entire eye, the general inflammation can heighten sensitivity in the outer corner during eyelid movement.
When to Consult a Doctor
Certain symptoms warrant professional medical attention. If the pain is severe or intense, particularly if it arises suddenly, it could signal a more serious condition requiring immediate evaluation. Persistent pain lasting more than a day or two also indicates a need for a doctor’s assessment.
Any changes in vision accompanying the pain, such as blurriness or sudden vision loss, are significant red flags. These symptoms could suggest an issue with the retina, cornea, or optic nerve, requiring prompt treatment. Extreme light sensitivity (photophobia) paired with eye pain is another symptom that should prompt a visit to an eye care professional.
The presence of discharge, significant redness, or swelling in or around the eye points to a potential infection or severe inflammation. If there is a suspicion of a foreign object that cannot be easily removed, or if it was propelled into the eye at high speed, immediate medical attention is important to prevent further injury or infection.
Managing and Preventing Discomfort
Several practical measures can help alleviate mild discomfort and prevent recurrence. Using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, often called artificial tears, can help moisten the eye’s surface and reduce friction during blinking, particularly beneficial for dry eyes.
Practicing the 20-20-20 rule is an effective strategy for reducing eye strain, especially when using digital devices. For every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. This practice allows eye muscles to relax and encourages more frequent blinking, which helps rehydrate the eyes.
Proper contact lens care is important for preventing irritation and infection. This involves washing hands thoroughly before handling lenses, cleaning and storing them correctly with recommended solutions, and replacing lens cases every three months. Avoiding overwear and never sleeping in contact lenses unless specifically directed by an eye care provider can also reduce discomfort.
Gentle eyelid hygiene can help prevent conditions like blepharitis and styes by removing accumulated debris, oils, and bacteria from the lash line. This can involve using specialized eyelid cleansers or wipes to keep the eyelid margins clean. Staying adequately hydrated contributes to overall eye health and tear production, helping to prevent dry eyes. Additionally, avoiding rubbing the eyes can prevent further irritation or introduction of foreign particles.