Eye Pain When Blinking? 7 Possible Causes You Should Know

Eye pain when blinking can be caused by dry eye disease, a stye, eyelid inflammation, a foreign object in the eye, or a corneal abrasion. The discomfort may feel like burning, stabbing, scratching, or pain each time your eyelid moves. Mild symptoms may result from irritation, but eye pain accompanied by redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?
Every time you blink, your eyelids move across the surface of your eyes.
This movement spreads the tear film evenly to keep the eye lubricated and protected. If there is a problem affecting the eyelids, tear film, or cornea, the friction created during blinking can make the pain more noticeable. Below are some of the most common causes of eye pain when blinking.

1. Dry Eye Disease
   Dry eye disease can cause the surface of the eye to feel irritated, burning, or as though something is stuck inside. When the tear film becomes unstable, the eye’s surface becomes irritated, making blinking uncomfortable. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, blinking helps distribute tears across the eye’s surface. Problems with tear production or tear quality can lead to dry eye symptoms.
   Other symptoms may include:
   • A gritty or sandy sensation
   • Red eyes
   • Light sensitivity
   • Blurred vision
   • Excessive tearing
2. Stye (Hordeolum)
   A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a painful lump that develops along the eyelid. Each blink can place pressure on the inflamed area, making the discomfort more noticeable.
   Symptoms of a stye may include:
   • A painful lump on the eyelid
   • Redness of the eyelid
   • Swelling
   • Tenderness to touch
   • Watery eyes
3. Blepharitis
   Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. It can cause pain, irritation, or itching when blinking. Other symptoms may include crusting around the eyelashes, red eyes, a foreign body sensation, and dry eyes. Blepharitis can become chronic or recur over time. If symptoms persist, an eye examination is recommended to evaluate the eyelids and identify the underlying cause.
4. Foreign Object in the Eye
   Dust, sand, eyelashes, or other small particles trapped in the eye can cause pain every time you blink. As the eyelid moves, the foreign object may rub against the eye’s surface.
   Common symptoms include:
   • A sensation that something is in the eye
   • Watery eyes
   • Red eyes
   • Pain when blinking
5. Corneal Abrasion
   A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, fingernails, foreign objects, or trauma to the eye are common causes of corneal abrasions. Because the cornea contains numerous nerve endings, even a small scratch can be extremely painful.
   Symptoms may include:
   • Eye pain when blinking
   • A sensation of something stuck in the eye
   • Excessive tearing
   • Red eyes
   • Light sensitivity
   • Blurred vision
6. Keratitis
   Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea that can cause eye pain, redness, and blurred vision. People who wear contact lenses should be particularly cautious if they develop eye pain, especially when it is accompanied by redness, glare, or decreased vision. Clinical guidelines on acute red eye identify eye pain and photophobia as warning signs that may indicate serious conditions such as keratitis. If your eye becomes painful and red, stop wearing contact lenses immediately and seek prompt medical evaluation.
7. Eyelid Disorders
   In addition to styes and blepharitis, other eyelid conditions can also cause pain when blinking. Misdirected eyelashes or abnormal eyelid positioning may cause the lashes to rub against the cornea. Repeated friction can lead to irritation, excessive tearing, a foreign body sensation, and pain. A comprehensive eye examination can help assess the position of the eyelids and eyelashes.

Is Eye Pain in Only One Eye Dangerous?
Eye pain when blinking may occur in only one eye.
Possible causes include a stye, a foreign object, a corneal abrasion, or an eyelid disorder. However, pain affecting one eye that becomes progressively worse or is accompanied by redness or decreased vision should never be ignored. A proper eye examination is needed to determine the exact cause before appropriate treatment can be recommended.

Should You Rub a Painful Eye?
No.
Rubbing your eye may worsen irritation. If a foreign object is present, rubbing can also scratch the cornea and cause further injury. If your eye feels as though something is inside, avoid attempting to remove embedded objects with your fingers or other tools.

When Should Eye Pain When Blinking Be Examined Immediately?
Seek prompt medical attention if your eye pain:

• Becomes increasingly severe
• Is accompanied by decreased vision
• Is associated with light sensitivity
• Causes significant eye redness
• Occurs after an eye injury
• Develops after chemical exposure
• Is caused by a foreign object that cannot be removed
• Occurs in a contact lens wearer with a red eye

Eye pain, photophobia, reduced visual acuity, contact lens use, and a history of eye trauma are all warning signs that require urgent ophthalmic evaluation.

How Do Eye Doctors Diagnose the Cause of Eye Pain?
An ophthalmologist will examine the eyelids and the surface of the eye to look for signs of inflammation, infection, or foreign bodies. The cornea will also be evaluated for scratches or other abnormalities. In certain cases, a special fluorescein dye may be applied to help identify damage to the corneal surface. Additional tests may be recommended depending on your symptoms and examination findings.

Don’t Ignore Eye Pain That Gets Worse
Eye pain when blinking may result from conditions affecting the eyelids or the surface of the eye. Dry eye disease, styes, blepharitis, foreign objects, corneal abrasions, and keratitis are among the most common causes. If your eye pain becomes more severe or is accompanied by redness, light sensitivity, or decreased vision, schedule an eye examination immediately. If your eye hurts every time you blink, consult an ophthalmologist to determine the underlying cause and receive the appropriate treatment.