Have you ever experienced an uncontrollable sensation wanting to get something out of your eyes? Eye pain can come in many forms- you can either experience a stabbing, throbbing, burning, gritty, sharp or a dull aching feeling. So, why does my eye hurt when I blink? In most cases, a corneal abrasion is the culprit, but sometimes it’s something else. You might need the help of a medical expert to pinpoint the exact reason for your eye pain.
Here are some reasons why you may have pain under your eye when blinking.
- Pink Eye. Pink eye is a very common ocular issue that normally results from bacterial or viral infections, allergies or chemical burns. The eye appears to be pink or bright red, and there is a mild degree of pain present.
- Eye Stye. Your eyelids could become inflamed if there’s a present irritant occurring at the base of your eyelash follicles. Eye pain will be invariably experienced if the follicles that are responsible for covering your eyes become infected, i.e., when you blink, these follicles come in contact with your eyes.
- Optic Neuritis. Pain when blinking happens when your optic nerves are inflamed, and it is called optic neuritis. The source of this condition can be tracked down to viral or bacterial infections. Immediate medical attention may be necessary in these cases.
- Corneal Ulcer and Abrasions. Both of these eye problems can be caused by contact lenses. If your eyes hurt while you blink, then it’s usually corneal ulcer. The constant scratching of your cornea due to everyday wear of contacts can cause abrasions, and that infection can lead to ulcers. You’ll experience an uncomfortable sensation that there’s something in your eyes, punctuated by constant irritating pain.
- Chemical Burn. Having acid in your eyes or being exposed to harmful household cleaning solutions can certainly lead to a painful eye experience. The pain is a burning sensation until you get your eyes cleared of the chemical (usually by washing it with water). Take note that alkaline-based substances can also cause the same eye-burning effect. If you or anyone you know has had contact with these types of chemical burns, get medical treatment ASAP.
- Glaucoma. Glaucoma can come in many types, but not all of them are painful. When the pressure builds up inside your eyes, then that’s the time you experience severe ocular pain. Immediate medical attention and treatment will be needed when this happens. You can also experience vomiting and nausea in conjunction with the blinking pain.
- lritis. This condition is caused when your iris is inflamed. The iris is the colored part of a person’s eyes. Along with the pain that comes with blinking, you’ll also experience an abnormal sensitivity to light.
- Blepharitis. Blepharitis is the irritation that comes when the debris in your eyelashes rub against your eyelids. They become red and gritty with constant abrasions. You’ll also experience an uncanny gritty sensation that is accompanied by varying levels of pain, depending on the severity.
Other Reasons. There are some unique instances that could lead to eye pain while blinking. A blow to the eye (eye trauma) can cause a dull or sharp pain as you blink. A migraine coming from headaches can also lead to significant pain while blinking.
When Does It Become An Emergency Situation?
In most cases, feeling a bit of pain as you blink won’t warrant a trip to the ER. There are some instances, however when you have to seek medical help immediately:
- It becomes very difficult or impossible to move your eyes.
- Your eye bulges outward.
- Halos of light suddenly start appearing in your field of vision.
- You experience pain due to having come in contact with a foreign object or a chemical solution.
- The blinking eye pain is combined with abdominal pain and/or vomiting.
- There’s a sharp pain whenever you touch your eyes.
- You don’t see fully well.
- You experience unbearable eye pain while blinking.
Here Are Some Solutions For When Your Eyes Hurt When Blinking
The best way to treat a hurting eye is to get to the root of the problem. You may start with proven home remedies if the symptoms aren’t severe. Taking pain medication such as analgesic can also lessen the pain experienced as you blink
Medical Treatment
- Pain Killers: Mild blinking pain problems with your eyes can be cured by taking in painkillers such as Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin
- Eye Drops: Obstructions and minute small foreign objects can be washed away with eye drops. Most of the over-the-counter products also have antibacterial properties that can cure common eye infections
- Antibiotics and Antihistamines: Most corneal abrasions and individuals suffering from conjunctivitis can be treated with either antibiotics or antihistamines to counter the effect
- Corticosteroids: Eye conditions such as Iritis and optic neuritis can be solved with corticosteroids
Home treatment
- Washing Your Eye With Running Water.
A sterile saline solution of clean running water can flush out foreign objects and irritating dirt that could sometimes get in your eyes. The key here is to stop the impulse of rubbing your eye when this happens as it could further spread the infection or make the irritation worse
- Green Tea
Green tea is known for having anti-inflammatory properties that could help you ease your blinking eye pain. Dip a green tea bag in warm water for several minutes then apply it to the affected eye. Keep the tea bag pressed gently for around 5 minutes daily. You can substitute with black tea if you don’t have green tea.
- Warm compress
Dip a sizable washcloth in warm water and put it over your closed eyes. It will unblock oil glands and unclog blocked follicles. It is an especially helpful home remedy treatment for people who are experiencing eye stye problems.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an all-around home remedy for many ailments- who knew they could be good for the eyes as well? It can be applied to get something out of your eyes. Simply follow this instruction – cut an aloe vera in half t get the gel, or squeeze some aloe vera out of the bottle. Spread the gel over the affected eye. Keep it on for about 15 minutes then wash it away with clean, lukewarm water. Repeat the method for about 2 to 3 times per day for five days.