Experiencing pain in the outer corner of your eye when blinking can be concerning. Understanding the potential causes of this symptom is crucial to finding appropriate treatment, whether it’s mild discomfort or sharp pain. Eye pain, especially when blinking, can indicate various conditions, from minor irritations to more serious underlying health issues. In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of pain in the outer corner of the eye, possible treatments, and when it’s necessary to seek medical attention.
What Causes Pain in the Outer Corner of the Eye When Blinking?
Blinking pain can happen for several reasons, from external irritants to internal eye conditions. The outer corner of the eye, also known as the lateral canthus, is susceptible to various issues due to its proximity to structures like the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding muscles. Understanding the root cause of the pain is essential for determining the right course of action.
1. Dry Eye Syndrome
One of the most common causes of eye pain, especially when blinking, is dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. The result is insufficient eye lubrication, leading to irritation and pain. This discomfort is often more noticeable when blinking, as the eyelid rubs against the dry eye surface.
Symptoms:
- Eye pain
- Watery eyes (as a reflex to dryness)
- Blurred or blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Sensation of something in the eye
Treatment:
- Lubricating eye drops: These artificial tears help restore moisture to the eye.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the eye can stimulate tear production and relieve discomfort.
- Preservative-free eye drops: For regular use, non-preservative drops are ideal.
2. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the inner eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. It can cause pain and discomfort, particularly in the outer corner of the eye. Bacterial or viral infections, allergens, or irritants can cause this condition.
Symptoms:
- Redness in the eye
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Eye pain, especially when blinking
- Discharge from the eye
- Sensitivity to light
Treatment:
- Antibiotic eye drops (for bacterial infections)
- Artificial tears or lubricating drops to reduce irritation
- Warm compress to soothe the eye
If conjunctivitis is suspected, it’s crucial to visit an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
3. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacterial infections or clogged oil glands. It can result in pain, redness, and swelling at the outer corner of the eye, especially when blinking. Blepharitis is often accompanied by other symptoms such as itchy eyelids, eyelid inflammation, and a sensation of grittiness or foreign body in the eye.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the outer corner of the eye when blinking
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Flaky skin around the eyelids
- Watery eyes
Treatment:
- Warm compress: A warm compress can help loosen the debris and reduce swelling.
- Gentle eyelid massage: This can help clear clogged oil glands and promote healing.
- Medicated eye drops: If bacterial infection is involved, antibiotic drops may be prescribed.
4. Foreign Body in the Eye
A foreign object in the eye can cause immediate discomfort and pain, particularly when blinking. The outer corner of the eye is a common area where debris, such as dust, eyelashes, or small particles, can get trapped. The sensation of a foreign body in the eye can be sharp and irritating.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain, particularly when blinking
- Sensation of something in the eye
- Redness or irritation
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
Treatment:
- Flushing the eye: Rinsing with clean water or using an artificial tears solution can help remove the foreign object.
- Avoid rubbing the eye: Rubbing can push the object deeper into the eye or cause further damage.
- Seek medical attention: If the object is not easily removed or causes significant pain, visiting an eye doctor is essential.
5. Tear Duct Infection (Dacryocystitis)
A tear duct infection occurs when the tear ducts become blocked or infected. This condition can cause pain and swelling near the corner of the eye, especially when blinking. Dacryocystitis is more common in infants but can occur in adults as well.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the corner of the eye
- Swelling near the tear duct
- Watery eyes
- Redness or tenderness around the eye
Treatment:
- Warm compress: Helps to alleviate discomfort and promote drainage.
- Antibiotic eye drops: If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Surgical intervention: In severe cases, surgical tear duct drainage may be necessary.
6. Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the surface of the cornea, the clear tissue at the front of the eye. This can cause sharp pain, especially when blinking, as the eyelid moves across the damaged area. Corneal abrasions can be caused by foreign objects, eye injuries, or even overly aggressive eye rubbing.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain, especially when blinking
- Blurry vision or blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Redness or irritation
Treatment:
- Antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection
- Lubricating drops to keep the eye moist
- Avoid contact lenses until the eye heals
- Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is severe or a significant reduction in vision.
7. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. It can cause pain and discomfort, particularly in the outer corner of the eye. Allergic reactions can also lead to itching, redness, and excessive tearing.
Symptoms:
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Redness in the eye
- Pain in the outer corner of the eye when blinking
- Sensitivity to light
Treatment:
- Antihistamine eye drops: These can help alleviate the symptoms of allergic reactions.
- Lubricating eye drops: To soothe irritation and dryness.
- Avoid allergens: If possible, minimize exposure to the triggers.
8. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are a type of severe headache that often cause intense pain around one eye, including the outer corner. The pain can be sharp and may worsen when blinking. Cluster headaches are rare but can be debilitating when they occur.
Symptoms:
- Intense, sharp pain around one eye
- Swelling and redness in the eye
- Pain when blinking or moving the eye
- Sensitivity to light
Treatment:
- Prescription medications: Such as triptans or steroids, to manage cluster headache pain.
- Oxygen therapy: Breathing in pure oxygen can sometimes relieve the pain of a cluster headache.
9. Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is an optic nerve inflammation which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This condition can cause pain around the eye, particularly when blinking, as well as vision changes. It is often associated with autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms:
- Pain when moving the eye or blinking
- Blurred vision or vision loss
- Eye discomfort
- Light sensitivity
Treatment:
- Steroid eye drops: To reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Seek medical attention: Optic neuritis requires prompt medical attention and diagnosis.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
While many of the conditions listed above can be treated at home, there are situations where immediate medical attention is required. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional care:
- Severe pain that doesn’t subside
- Vision changes, including blurry vision or temporary vision loss
- Pain when blinking that is accompanied by significant swelling or redness
- Discharge from the eye, especially if it’s thick or yellow
- Headaches and eye pain that don’t go away
- Pain from a recent eye injury
In these cases, visiting an eye doctor promptly can help prevent further complications and ensure appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Pain in the outer corner of the eye when blinking can be caused by various conditions, ranging from dry eye syndrome to more serious eye infections. Understanding the underlying cause of the pain is essential for finding the right treatment and alleviating discomfort. Whether it’s a simple irritation, an eye infection, or a more serious condition, addressing the symptoms early can help you avoid long-term complications. If the pain persists or worsens, seeking professional care from an eye doctor is always recommended to ensure the best outcome for your eye health.
References
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-pain-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17796-eye-pain
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050744