Eye pain when blinking is a symptom that can indicate a condition that is happening to the eye. In order to be treated quickly, it’s a good idea to know what conditions can cause these symptoms. So, see the discussion below.
What causes eye pain when blinking?
There are several conditions in the eye that can cause pain when blinking. Here are some of them.
1. Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergies to certain substances, such as pollen or mold, can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that lines the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids.
Allergic conjunctivitis can make the eyes red, itchy, watery, and sore or sore.
2. Dry eyes
Under normal conditions, the eyes produce tears when blinking, moving, or looking to feel comfortable.
When the eyes are unable to produce enough tears, they can become dry. This condition can be accompanied by symptoms in the form of sore eyes when blinking.
3. Cylinder points
Astigmatism or cylindrical eyes is a term used for abnormalities in the shape of the eyeball. This disorder can cause blurred vision and changes in the ability to see.
However, not only that, astigmatism can also be accompanied by sore eyes and headaches.
4. Exposure to chemicals
When the eyes are exposed to certain chemicals, the eyes can experience several symptoms, including eye pain when blinking.
If it’s severe enough, exposure to chemicals can also cause eye damage.
5. Cornea tergores
Cornea is the outermost transparent layer of the eyeball that covers the pupil and retina.
If there is a scratch on the cornea, or also called a corneal abrasion, this can cause symptoms in the form of a hot, stabbing pain in the eye when you blink.
6. Corneal ulcer
Corneal ulcers are a condition that occurs due to inflammation of the cornea. Inflammation can be caused by an infection or scratch on the eye.
7. Dirt in the eye
When the eye is twitching or a foreign object enters the eye, whether large or small, for example, dust, this can cause irritation to the cornea and inner lining of the eyelids.
This condition can cause pain in the eye when blinking.
8. Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the eye.
This condition actually rarely causes symptoms. Symptoms, such as a feeling of pressure in the eyes, will usually only appear as a sign that the condition is severe enough and requires immediate medical attention.
9. Eye injury
Scratches to the eye can cause eye injury. As a result, symptoms such as sore eyes when blinking can occur.
10. Lightning burns on the eyes
For those of you who work close to or frequently use welding equipment, you are at a higher risk of experiencing flash burns.
This is a condition that can occur due to seeing a light that is too bright. This condition can also occur if you look directly at the sun for too long.
11. Iritis
Iritis is inflammation that occurs in the iris, which is the part of the eyeball that determines eye color. This inflammation can cause the eyes to feel sore and sensitive to light.
12. Bloodshot eyes
Pink eye, or what can be called conjunctivitis, is an infection or inflammation that occurs in the outer membrane of the eye and the inner lining of the eyelids.
The infection causes the membranes to become inflamed, so the eyes look red. Please note that this condition can be transmitted from one person to another.
13. Optic neuritis
The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. This nerve functions to interpret what the eye sees to the brain.
If this nerve becomes inflamed, or also known as optic neuritis, then the eye can hurt when moving or blinking.
This inflammation often occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection which can also be transmitted.
14. Vision changes
Changes in vision can cause eye pain, including when blinking.
If the eye hurts accompanied by blurred vision or difficulty seeing clearly, this can indicate a change in the ability of the eye to see.
15. Injuries to the face
Injuries to the face, such as a crack in the eye socket, can cause eye problems when blinking, for example, pain.
What causes swollen eyelids and pain when blinking?
If the eye hurts when blinking accompanied by swelling of the eyelids, this symptom can indicate several other conditions, including the following.
1. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that occurs due to a blockage in the oil glands at the roots of the eyelashes.
This condition can cause symptoms in the eye, such as swelling, itching, redness, watering, and a burning sensation.
2. Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches cause pain that usually only feels on one side of the head, to be precise, behind the eye.
Therefore, not only headaches, this condition can also cause swollen and drooping eyelids, and red eyes.
3. Stye
Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, stye can occur when there are bacteria that grow and develop in the root sacs of the eyelashes or the oil glands on the eyelids.
This bacterial infection causes swelling and inflammation that can make the eye sore. Just like red eye, stye is also a contagious condition.
When to see a doctor?
It is best to consult a doctor if the symptoms do not go away or even get worse after 2 days or after home remedies are done.
If the condition you are experiencing is more serious than just an infection or irritation in general, then medical treatment needs to be done immediately.
If the cause of eye pain when blinking is difficult to determine, you can also help identify the condition you are experiencing from other symptoms that accompany it, for example as follows.
1. Pain when the eye moves.
2. Pressure on the eyes.
3. Inflammation of the eyelids and eyelash sacs.
4. Pain or sensitivity to light.
5. Pain around the eyes (sinuses).
By ascertaining the conditions experienced, the doctor can perform the most appropriate treatment.