Occasionally, blinking can feel uncomfortable or painful. Some people describe the sensation as feeling as if the eye or eyelid is bruised. There are a variety of reasons why your eye feels bruised when you blink.
11 Causes of Painful Blinking
The causes of painful blinking range from injury to infection and beyond. Depending on the cause, you may need to see your doctor to find relief from painful blinking.
1. Injury
Any injury to the eye or the eyelid can lead to painful blinking. You might experience pain if you receive a blow to the face near the eye and the area is swollen and bruised. Injuries to the eye itself are also a cause of eye pain, and they can be very serious. Chemical burns caused by substances such as acids, alkali ingredients found in cleaning products, or other irritants can cause significant eye pain. If you have injured your eye, you should see a doctor right away to prevent damage to your vision.
2. Corneal Abrasion
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of the eye that protects the iris and pupil. The delicate tissue of the cornea is susceptible to scratches that can cause pain while blinking. Corneal abrasions can happen if you scratch your eye with a fingernail or if debris gets into your eye and scrapes the cornea. Mild corneal abrasions typically heal without long-term damage to the eye.
3. Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer is an injury to the cornea that results in an open sore. It can develop as a complication of a corneal abrasion. They can also be the result of an infection or inflammation of the eye. Speak to your doctor right away if you suspect you have a corneal ulcer. They may prescribe medicated eye drops to speed healing and prevent infection.
4. Keratitis
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, often caused by an infection. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other germs, including parasites that sometimes affect contact lens wearers. The infection may leave eyes feeling sore, dry, or gritty, and you may notice sensitivity to light. You should see your doctor if you think you have keratitis. You may need medicated eye drops or oral medications to treat the condition. If you wear contact lenses and develop eye pain, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor.
5. Stye
A stye is a painful red bump that develops on the outside of the eyelid. Styes are usually caused by an infection. They may or may not be filled with pus. A similar bump can also form on the inner surface of the eyelid; this is called an internal hordeolum. Both types typically resolve within a few days. Call your doctor if the bump doesn’t improve or gets worse.
6. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the surface of the eye and the membranes inside the eyelid. It can cause pain, swelling, and significant redness. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, a viral infection, or irritation due to allergies. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type, it is contagious and can spread easily via touch. Wash your hands frequently to avoid giving it to others.
Treatment depends on the type. Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own within one to two weeks; lubricating eye drops and cool compresses can help with comfort. Bacterial conjunctivitis often resolves on its own as well, though your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to speed recovery. Allergic conjunctivitis can often be managed with antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medications.
7. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. It often happens when the oil glands along the lash line get blocked. This leads to swelling and redness. It can be linked to conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis. Warm compresses and lubricating drops can ease discomfort.
8. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of serious eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. The most common type, called open-angle glaucoma, usually develops slowly and is painless, many people don’t notice symptoms until vision loss has already occurred. This type does not typically cause pain with blinking.
A less common but more urgent type, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency. It causes sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. You may also see halos around lights. Seek care immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Regular eye exams are important for catching glaucoma early.
9. Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is swelling of the optic nerve. The swelling can cause pain when you move your eye, along with blurred vision or changes in color vision. Optic neuritis is most commonly associated with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis. In some cases, it may be related to an infection. Most people recover their vision over time, but your doctor can help determine the cause and recommend treatment.
10. Dry Eye
Chronic eye dryness can leave the surface of the eye sore and sensitive. Blinking may irritate the eye if there isn’t sufficient moisture from tears. Lubricating eye drops can ease discomfort. You can ask your doctor about treatment if the problem persists.
11. Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layers of the eye. It can be caused by infection or injury. It may also be a result of an underlying condition such as an autoimmune disease. Without prompt treatment, uveitis can lead to permanent vision loss.
Relief for Painful Blinking
Some causes of painful blinking can be managed with home care. You can relieve discomfort from a stye or blepharitis with warm compresses and keeping the area clean.
Using lubricating eye drops may help relieve pain from the swelling and pressure. Lubricating eye drops may also help with dry eyes or eye irritation due to seasonal allergies. Staying indoors and avoiding allergens and irritants such as dust or mold can prevent some eye discomfort.
You may find that reducing screen time makes your eyes feel better. Some people blink less frequently while viewing screens, which can worsen mild irritation.
When to See a Clinician
Infections and injuries to the eye can quickly become serious and put your vision at risk. If you suspect that you have any type of injury or infection, you should see a doctor. You should also seek immediate care if you experience sudden severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, or see halos around lights, as these may be signs of a medical emergency.
