Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink? Causes & Treatments

Experiencing pain when blinking can be frustrating and disruptive. However, in most cases, it’s not serious and usually resolves on its own.

That said, painful blinking can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. So in this article, we’ll discuss the different causes of eye pain when blinking and when to seek medical attention.

Why Does Your Eye Hurt When You Blink?

The clear front surface of your eye (cornea) is densely packed with nerve endings connected to the trigeminal nerve, making it extremely sensitive to irritation.

Pain when blinking is typically caused by:

• Surface problems. An external element touching or damaging the eye.
• Inflammation or infection. Swelling or irritation caused by infection or allergy.
• Structural or nerve-related pain. Abnormal nerve signals or nerve damage.

Surface Problems

Surface problems stem from various factors that can cause friction within your eye. The most common surface conditions that can trigger pain when blinking include:

• Dry eye. A poor-quality tear film can cause friction and irritation. Using artificial tears can improve comfort and tear quality.
• Foreign body or scratch. Sudden, sharp pain might indicate debris trapped under your eyelid or a corneal abrasion (scratch). Gently rinse your eye with sterile saline or clean water to remove irritants.
• Meibomian gland dysfunction. When glands along your eyelid margins become blocked, tears evaporate quickly, making blinking uncomfortable. Try using a warm compress to ease discomfort.
• Recurrent erosion. Recurring erosion from a previous injury can cause pain while waking up or blinking in the morning. Nightly ointments can help prevent episodes, but if the issue persists, consult a doctor.

Infection-Related Causes

Infections affecting your eye's surface can intensify pain during blinking due to inflammation and sensitivity. Here’s how to distinguish common infections:

• Viral conjunctivitis. Typically causes redness, clear watery discharge, and a gritty sensation without significant pus. Often associated with cold-like symptoms.
• Blepharitis. Occurs due to clogged oil glands in the eyelash follicles. Blepharitis can cause swollen, itchy eyelids.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis. Characterized by redness, significant yellow or green pus, and morning crustiness. It can affect one or both eyes.
• Stye. A stye forms from a staph infection in the eyelash follicle or oil gland on the eyelid. This infection causes swelling and inflammation that can make blinking painful.
• Chalazion. A small red bump on the eyelid forms when an oil gland becomes blocked.
• Keratitis. A corneal inflammation, sometimes caused by bacteria or a virus. The condition can cause a gritty feeling in the eye, pain, and light sensitivity. 
• Corneal ulcer. A severe infection marked by a visible white spot on the cornea, severe pain with blinking, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. This condition demands immediate medical care to prevent vision loss.

Contact lens wearers are particularly vulnerable to infections like bacterial keratitis, which can rapidly progress if not treated quickly. Additionally, herpes simplex keratitis can cause repeated episodes of pain and sensitivity, requiring ongoing care.

Structural and Nerve-Related Pain

Not all blink-related pain originates from surface conditions. Sometimes, structural or nerve-related issues are the cause.

These problems include:

• Trichiasis (misdirected eyelashes). Eyelashes growing inward can scratch the cornea, creating sharp pain each time you blink. Regular eyelash removal or treatments from an eye doctor can resolve this.
• Accommodative spasm (eye strain). Long periods of screen use can strain the muscles inside your eye, causing persistent aching or soreness during blinking. Resting your eyes and adjusting your work habits help significantly.
• Neuropathic eye pain. Nerve damage can lead to abnormal pain signals after eye surgery (like LASIK) or prolonged dry eye disease. This type of pain may require specialized treatment.
• Referred pain. Conditions affecting your sinuses or dental issues can sometimes cause eye pain due to shared nerve pathways. Managing the underlying condition typically resolves the referred discomfort.
• Lack of sleep. You may experience eye pain due to a lack of sleep, especially over an extended period.
• Stress. Stress causes headaches, leading to pain or discomfort in the eyes. 
• Vision changes. Your vision changes as you age, and some unaddressed refractive errors, such as presbyopia, can lead to eye strain and tired eyes.

When Should I Worry About Eye Pain When Blinking?

Always contact your doctor if your eye pain persists for 48 hours or longer. You should also seek medical attention if you experience a chemical burn.

Some signs that you need to see a doctor for eye pain while blinking include:

• Pain with eye movement
• Pressure
• Inflammation or swelling in the eyelid or along the lash line
• Pain or sensitivity to light
• Facial tenderness, especially around your sinuses
• Fever
• Halos around lights
• Impaired or blurry vision

Eye pain can also indicate a medical emergency. Seek emergency medical attention if you’re experiencing severe pain accompanied by sudden vision changes, significant trauma to the eye, chemical exposure, or symptoms like intense headache, nausea, and vomiting.

When is Pain While Blinking Something Serious? 

Alongside the symptoms mentioned above, you should see a doctor if the pain is related to:

• Glaucoma
• Chemical burns
• Corneal ulcers
• Vision loss
• Eye injury

What Are Treatment Options for Eye Pain? 

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your eye pain and any additional symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe the following medications to treat your symptoms:

• Antibiotics to treat an underlying infection
• Medicated eye drops 
• Painkillers
• Allergy medication
• Steroids for severe irritation or inflammatory conditions

It’s also important to remember that severe cases, like neuropathic pain or complicated infections, may require specialized treatments and referral to eye specialists.

At-Home Remedies for Eye Pain

If your eye pain is mild, you may be able to manage it at home. If it’s caused by a lack of sleep, consider improving your sleep quality.

If it’s stress-related, consider taking time to relax. Additionally, practicing better eye care can also help relieve symptoms. 

Common at-home remedies include:

• Warm or cold compresses
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
• Artificial tears eye drops
• Using a humidifier to reduce dry eyes
• Avoiding exposure to pollutants
• Consistently wearing sunglasses outside
• Adjusting lighting in your home
• Reducing screen time
• Wearing blue light glasses

Lastly, wearing contact lenses for a prolonged period can cause eye pain. Consider switching to glasses temporarily to allow your eyes to heal and prevent further damage.