Why does my eye hurt when I blink?

There are many reasons why your eye hurts when you blink – and the good news is that most of them will clear up quite quickly or with some effective treatment. From dry eyes to minor surface irritation, we look at some possible causes and ways that you can alleviate the pain or discomfort you are feeling.

NOTE: If you have a persistently itchy eye, the most likely cause is a foreign object which is causing irritation and pain. Always see a qualified health practitioner for an eye check if pain persists.

There might simply be a stray eyelash that has got into your eye that is causing you pain when you blink or you could be suffering from dry eyes. There are ways you can deal with such issues yourself, but it is important to seek medical advice if the pain or irritation continues. Here are some common causes:

Dry eyes
Sometimes, your eyes don't produce enough tears which can make blinking, moving and seeing uncomfortable if you experience dry eyes, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. You might feel a stinging or gritty sensation, be <a href="PRJVWSS-10303">sensitive to light</a> or notice that your eyes are red and sore. Over-the-counter or prescribed eye drops can help to lubricate the eye and avoid further irritation.

Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common inflammation of the eyelid caused by clogged oil glands – where the eyelashes grow - leading to redness, irritation, a burning sensation and crusting around the eyelashes. It can usually be managed with warm compresses and regular eyelid hygiene.

Conjunctivitis
Also known as red eye, conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the membrane covering the eye and inner eyelid, which may be the result of a minor infection or allergy, that causes redness, irritation, tearing and discharge. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.

Eye strain
Eye strain caused by focusing on a task for a length of time - such as looking at a computer screen - can be connected to dry eye problems. Common causes include prolonged exposure to the blue light of digital screens, when people tend to blink less frequently, working in poor light or wearing outdated prescription glasses or contact lenses. Take regular screen or try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Foreign body or irritation
You can feel a sudden pain when blinking if a foreign body, such as grit or dust, enters the eye. Flush the eye with saline or clean water but seek medical care if the object remains or the pain continues.

Eye pain when blinking is often mild and in most cases can be treatable with simple care - but should not be ignored, especially if the symptoms do not ease within 48 hours, your treatment at home isn't working or if your vision becomes blurry or painful.

If you're unsure, booking an optician's appointment can help to prevent worsening issues but also put your mind at rest. They can identify what is causing the pain when blinking and recommend ways to treat the eye.

If you are concerned that your eyes are painful when blinking, then book an eye test with one of our opticians – they can provide advice, diagnose any issues and recommend suitable treatment options.