Blinking is something we do thousands of times a day. But when you notice discomfort, it makes even the simplest tasks uncomfortable. You don’t have to suffer from eye irritation—not when your optometrist can help you find relief. And finding the solution begins with understanding what’s causing your symptoms.
Some common reasons why your eye may hurt when you blink include:
- Eye strain
- Dry eyes
- Allergies
- Pink eye
- Styes
- Headaches
If you ever notice significant discomfort, visit your optometrist. They can help!
Eye Strain
Your eyes are remarkably sensitive. Sometimes, something as simple as strain can cause discomfort when blinking. If you spend too long using screens or focusing on something nearby, you might notice a heavy, sore feeling in your eyes.
This is entirely normal—it’s called eye strain. This common condition develops when your eye muscles work too hard. If your eyes feel sore—especially after concentrating on something for a while—step away and give them a short break. This simple shift might be enough to ease the discomfort.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common complaint—especially when blinking becomes uncomfortable. This condition develops when your tear film is unbalanced. Either the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears being produced can’t fully do their job.
Dry eyes cause:
- Irritation or redness
- A gritty or scratchy sensation
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
When you’re dealing with dry eyes, blinking becomes uncomfortable. If you notice a persistent dry, stinging sensation, visit your optometrist to try dry eye therapy—a safe and long-lasting way to find relief from dryness.
Allergies
Allergies can be tricky—and they’re a common cause of eye discomfort. If you’re sensitive to things like pollen, pet dander, dust, or even seasonal changes, your eyes may react.
Eye allergies tend to make your eyes overly sensitive. This can cause discomfort whenever you blink. They also cause:
- Redness
- Watery or teary eyes
- Sensitivity
- Swelling around the eyes
- Itchy eyes
Allergies impact people differently, but they often inflame the eyes. Fortunately, with a mixture of medication, antihistamines, and eye drops, you can effectively find relief. If you notice your symptoms don’t go away, talk to your optometrist.
Pink Eye
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection developing on the eye’s surface. It irritates the conjunctiva—the thin transparent layer covering the white of your eye.
Some common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
- Excessive tearing
- Discharge around the eyes
- Inflammation
- Visible redness
Treatment for pink eye depends on which type you’re experiencing. Bacterial pink eye can be treated with antibiotics and proper hygiene, while viral pink eye needs to run its course. Your optometrist can help you find a strategy that minimizes discomfort while encouraging a smooth recovery.
It’s important to note—pink eye is highly contagious. If you think pink eye is causing your symptoms, follow proper hygiene practices wherever possible to avoid passing it on to others.
Styes
Tiny oil glands line the edges of your eyelids. They’re responsible for keeping your eyes moist and protected from bacteria. But sometimes, they become inflamed—usually because of clogged glands—and create a stye.
If you have a stye, your eye might hurt when you blink. You may also notice:
- A small, red bump on the eyelid
- Tenderness or pain in the affected area
- Swelling around the infected gland
Styes are usually harmless. They tend to go away on their own within a few days, so avoid popping them at all costs. If you notice your stye is becoming more visible or irritating, visit an optometrist to talk about treatment options.
When to Visit Your Optometrist
Many eye conditions can be treated at home, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, you need help from an eye care professional to find relief. If you ever notice significant pain or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Instead, visit your optometrist as soon as you can.
Some signs you need to visit an optometrist include:
- Persistent or severe eye pain.
- Sudden redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Blurry vision or drastic changes in eyesight.
- Light sensitivity that worsens over time.
- A sensation like something is stuck in your eye that doesn’t go away.
These are all signs of serious eye conditions. Never put your vision at risk—significant discomfort always warrants a visit with an experienced eye care professional. Early detection makes all the difference in the world!
Don’t Deal With Discomfort—We Can Help
Blinking shouldn’t hurt—this is a sign of something wrong. While mild discomfort develops due to subtle conditions, any significant discomfort needs to be taken seriously. Your vision is precious, so it should always be a priority.
That’s why our team at Northern Lights Optometry is happy to step in and help. Whether you’re dealing with mild irritation or an eye emergency, our team is ready to give your eyes the attention they deserve. Contact us today to book an appointment, and together, we’ll make your eyes and vision our top focus—just like you deserve.
