Eyes hurt when blinking, know the causes and how to deal with it

Eye pain when blinking can be quite an annoying complaint. Usually, these complaints appear in people who experience styes. However, pain that occurs when blinking can also be a sign of eye problems.

Blinking is a natural reflex carried out by the body to lubricate the eyes so that they remain moist and avoid irritation. Under normal conditions, blinking won't feel anything, you won't even notice it because it happens automatically.

However, pain may appear when blinking and be a sign that you have an eye problem. Therefore, it is very important to know the various causes of eye pain when blinking so that this complaint can be resolved properly here why and how Eyes hurt when blinking, know the causes and how to deal with it.

Various Causes of Eye Pain When Blinking

As previously mentioned, complaints of eye pain when blinking usually appear in people who have styes. However, there are several other conditions that can also trigger complaints.

The following is an explanation of the various causes of eye pain when blinking that you need to know:

1. Stye

Styes occur due to blockage of the oil glands and bacterial infections at the roots of the eyelashes. This infection will trigger the appearance of small lumps similar to pimples or boils on the eyelids. Because of the location where they appear, styes can cause eye pain when blinking and cause discomfort in the eyes.

2. Dry eyes

Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome can occur when the tears produced by the tear glands are not enough to protect and moisturize the surface of the eye. When experiencing this condition, you may feel pain when blinking, accompanied by a feeling like something is stuck in your eye.

Not only that, dry eyes will also make your eyes red, itchy, sore, and can even cause blurred vision.

3. Allergic conjunctivitis

If complaints of eye pain when blinking are accompanied by itchy, red and watery eyes, the cause could be allergic conjunctivitis . As the name suggests, this condition occurs due to exposure to allergy-triggering substances (allergens) in the form of dust, pollen, pet dander, or various ingredients contained in detergents and perfumes.

Exposure to these various substances can make the eyes irritated , itchy and red. Apart from that, allergic conjunctivitis will also trigger aches and pains and a feeling like something is stuck when you blink.

4. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a medical term to describe inflammation of the eyelids. This condition can cause the eyelids to become swollen and red, which of course will cause eye pain when blinking.

Until now, the cause of blepharitis is still not known with certainty. However, several things, such as bacterial infections and blockages of the oil glands on the inside of the eyelids, are thought to cause this condition.

   Also read: 7 Ways to Maintain Eye Health

5. Iritis

Iritis or what is often called anterior uveitis is inflammation that occurs in the iris, which is the colored part of the front of the eye. There are various causes, ranging from impact on the eye to certain health problems that occur due to infection, such as shingles, tuberculosis and syphilis .

Inflammation that occurs in the iris can cause eye pain when blinking. These complaints will usually also be accompanied by other symptoms, including the eyes becoming sensitive to light, blurry vision, and headaches.

6. Corneal abrasion

The next cause of eye pain when blinking is corneal abrasion , which is a scratch that occurs on the cornea or the clear layer that protects the front of the eye. This condition generally occurs due to dust, dirt, contact lenses, or nail scratches.

Not only does it make your eyes hurt when you blink, scratches on the cornea can also cause your eyes to become red, feel like there is sand, and be sensitive to light, and make your vision blurry.

7. Corneal ulcer

Another cause of eye pain when blinking that you need to be aware of is corneal ulcers. This condition is characterized by an open wound on the cornea which often occurs due to a viral or bacterial infection. However, certain conditions, such as inverted eyelids and autoimmune diseases, can also cause corneal ulcers.

If you have a corneal ulcer, you will feel pain when you blink, red, itchy and watery eyes, and white spots will appear on the cornea.

How to Treat Sore Eyes When Blinking

There are various ways to deal with complaints of sore eyes when blinking, ranging from home methods to medical methods. If the pain that appears is still mild, applying a warm compress to the eyes can be an initial treatment to help relieve the complaint.

You can also use eye drops that contain antibiotics or antivirals to treat complaints of sore eyes when blinking caused by bacterial infections and viral infections.

Apart from that, eye drops with certain ingredients, such as diclofenac or ketorolac , can also be used. These two ingredients function to reduce pain and inflammation in the eyes. Even so, you need a doctor's prescription to get it.

On the other hand, if you feel that your eye pain when blinking is quite severe or is accompanied by nausea, swollen eyes, or decreased ability to see, immediately consult a doctor . Later, the doctor will carry out an examination and determine the appropriate treatment according to the condition of your eyes.