If you feel a sharp, distracting pinch every time you blink, you might be wondering if it’s a stray eyelash or something more serious that’s causing the irritation.
Pain when you blink often points to irritation or inflammation on the surface of your eye or eyelid. At Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care can help you determine the cause with a professional eye exam.
Common Reasons for Eye Pain & Discomfort
If your eye feels scratchy and irritated, one common cause is dry eye. This happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep their surface smooth and lubricated. This can make blinking feel gritty, almost like a piece of sand is stuck in your eye.
Sometimes the problem is on your eyelid. A stye can form as a tender, red bump right on the edge of your eyelid, making blinking painful. You might also notice general inflammation and crustiness along the lash line—a condition known as blepharitis.
You could also be dealing with conjunctivitis, often called pink eye. This condition causes the thin layer covering the white of your eye to become inflamed. Your eye may look red or pink and feel itchy or watery, and blinking can aggravate the discomfort.
Less Obvious Causes of Sore Eyes
The cause of your discomfort could also be an eyelash or a speck of dust that has found its way into your eye. Even a tiny particle can cause a scratching sensation when you move your eyelid.
A corneal abrasion—a small scratch on the clear, protective front layer of your eye—can also be the source of the pain. This can happen due to rubbing your eye or because of a small foreign object. The cornea is very sensitive, so even a minor scratch can cause significant discomfort.
Occasionally, the pain you feel in your eye isn’t from the eye itself. For instance, a sinus infection can create pressure behind your eyes that makes them ache. Allergies and even migraines can also show up as eye pain and sensitivity to light.
How an Eye Doctor Finds the Cause
Your Eye Health Evaluation
To find the source of your discomfort, your eye doctor starts by having you describe your symptoms. They’ll look closely at your eye’s surface with magnification and bright lights, which helps them see tiny issues that you can’t.
A complete eye exam also includes a review of your general health history.
See a Professional
Trying to guess the cause of eye pain yourself often means a delay in getting help. As your eye doctor in Plainville, we have modern technology and instruments that help us get a clear view of the structures in your eye. This lets us see what’s happening, so that you can get the right support.
Soothe Your Eye at Home & Professional Solutions
Simple Comfort Measures
While you wait for your appointment, you can take a few steps to find some relief. A clean, warm compress held gently over your closed eye can help soothe irritation. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can also provide temporary comfort by adding moisture.
It’s also a good idea to rest your eyes. Try to reduce your time looking at digital screens and stay away from very bright lights, which can make your eyes feel strained and uncomfortable.
Professional Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of your discomfort, an eye doctor can recommend optical solutions. Medicated eye drops can help manage inflammation or address an infection. Your eye doctor may also suggest specific eyelid hygiene routines to keep the area clean.
For some conditions related to eyelid function and chronic dryness, alternative dry eye therapies are available. Treatments like OptiLift can help improve comfort and address underlying issues with your eyelids.
When to Get Professional Eye Care
Schedule an Appointment
It’s a good idea to schedule a visit with an eye doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- The pain continues for more than a day or two
- You notice any changes in your vision
- Your eye is very red or produces a sticky discharge
Seek Immediate Help
You should seek prompt care if you have unbearable eye pain, if you begin seeing halos around lights, or if your vision suddenly gets worse. These are all potential signs of an eye emergency.
Keep Your Vision Safe
You don’t have to wonder about the cause of your eye pain. For personalized attention and a clear path forward, contact our team at Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care and schedule your appointment.
