A regular and natural eye movement called blinking keeps your eyes moist and safe.
But you know how unsettling and distressing it can be if you’ve ever had eye pain when blinking.
The purpose of this article is to explain the various causes of this discomfort and offer suggestions for potential solutions.
Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink
Did you know that you blink 28,800 times a day on average?
Blinking is a natural bodily process that hydrates and feeds the eyes with oxygen and other nutrients.
Blinking doesn’t really feel like much.
There are a number of reasons why pain during blinking could occur, which may have you wondering if there is a problem with your eyes.
While some conditions may need medical attention, others may go away on their own.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are among the most typical reasons for discomfort when blinking.
When your tear glands don’t produce enough tears to properly lubricate your eyes, you develop this condition.
When you blink, the increased friction caused by this lack of lubrication between your eyelids and the surface of your eyes can cause irritation, itching, and pain.
Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help ease discomfort.
Other lifestyle modifications that can help with DES symptoms include using a humidifier, drinking plenty of water, and cutting back on screen time.
Optic Neuritis
Your eyes and brain are connected by a nerve called the optic nerve.
The optic nerve may swell as a result of an infection or eye disease, which can make blinking or moving your eyes painful.
Usually, it only affects one eye at a time, but it can result in brief vision loss.
The vision returns to normal once the inflammation has subsided.
The doctor could determine whether you have optic neuritis or not based on your physical examination and symptoms.
It is best to address any indications of eye pain right away.
Inflammations
There are various types of eye inflammation that hurt when you blink.
Blepharitis is one example. Both eyes are typically affected by the eyelid inflammation.
Your eyes will become red as a result, and blinking will hurt them.
When blinking, eyes with ulcers experience discomfort.
When the cornea is irritated, eye ulcers develop.
An infection or an abrasion are the two things that trigger the inflammation.
Infections
Conjunctivitis and stye are two infections that can swell the eyes and make blinking painful.
Swollen eyelids could result from stye as well.
Conjunctivitis is quite contagious even though it is easily treated.
In a week or so, conjunctivitis and stye both go away without causing long-term vision damage.
Your eyes may ache while blinking due to a tear duct infection as well.
Your tear ducts are obstructed, causing your eyes to become watery and irritated.
Blinking may cause pain in the corners of your eyes.
The infection may be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
Injury
Being such delicate organs, the eyes are susceptible to damage from even the smallest debris or dust particles.
Blinking discomfort may also be brought on by trauma of any kind, including physical injury, chemical overexposure, and vigorous eye rubbing.
It is best to seek medical attention from an eye doctor if this occurs because they may recommend painkilling eye drops.
Stye (Hordeolum)
An oil gland in the eyelid that is blocked causes a stye or chalazion.
When the eyelid is touched or moved during a blink, these lumps, which may be tender and painful, cause discomfort.
Warm compresses applied to the affected area can aid in easing discomfort and encouraging drainage.
Squeezing the stye should be avoided because it can make it worse.
Eye Strain, a Problem of the Digital Age
Spending too much time in front of a screen or working closely on something for an extended period of time can make the eye muscles sore that blinking becomes painful.
Observe the 20-20-20 rule, which suggests pausing for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.
Make sure the screen is positioned ergonomically and that the lighting is appropriate.
Allergies to the Eyes
The itching, redness, and inflammation that allergies can bring on in the eyes can make blinking painful.
Oral antihistamines or over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops may help.
The symptoms can also be avoided by recognizing and avoiding allergens.
Final Words
Blinking can cause pain for a variety of reasons,
including dry eyes, infections, and injuries.
To identify the cause of
your discomfort and receive the required care, it is imperative that you
see an eye care specialist.
It’s crucial to see your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a thorough examination to identify the cause if you experience eye pain when blinking.
Based on the details of your case, they can suggest suitable treatment options.
In some circumstances, over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears or a warm compress may offer relief.
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