Dorothy FarrarStinging in the eye when blinking (winking)
Hardly any sensory organ is as sensitive to pain as the eye. A stinging in the eye when blinking and with the smallest eye movements is particularly unpleasant . What are the causes behind it and how can it be effectively prevented.
Description
Regular blinking is vital for the eyes. Its job is to evenly distribute healthy tear fluid and thereby supply the eye with valuable nutrients and oxygen . The tear fluid also contains antibodies that protect the eye from germs and foreign bodies. If the liquid is too thin or distributed poorly, the eye may sting or scratch. Because the eyelid glides directly over the cornea and conjunctiva without a tear film. It feels dry and hurts.
But not only a too thin or low tear fluid causes the stinging pain when blinking. Overgrown eyelashes, eye injuries or infections can also be responsible for the unpleasant stinging of the eyes. Only a specialist can diagnose and successfully alleviate the specific disease behind it. It is therefore advisable to consult an ophthalmologist if you have frequent stinging pain in the eye.
causes
In many cases, an eyelash that grows in the wrong direction can trigger blinking pain. Their constant rubbing over the cornea disturbs eye movements in particular and can lead to damage in the long term if left untreated. If there is also a suspicion of a foreign body in the eye , a specialist should ensure that it is professionally removed. Because the tiny particles, such as grains of sand, are often hidden under the eyelids and are difficult to remove.
Various infections also make blinking uncomfortable. This can be conjunctivitis, for example, which is caused by dry eyes , but also – especially in children – by contagious bacteria . In addition to the stinging and burning pain, conjunctivitis causes itching . Other side effects are reddened and swollen eyelids , especially in the morning hours.
Bacterial conjunctivitis also secretes a yellowish-green secretion that temporarily sticks the eyes together. Corneal inflammation is also triggered by an infection with viruses or bacteria. The so-called keratitis causes bacteria to penetrate the cornea through small injuries. In some cases, dry eyes, herpes simplex viruses or fungi cause corneal inflammation.
A superficial eye injury from UV radiation or an eye chemical burn can also cause inflammation of one or more layers of the cornea. Diseases of the facial or optic nerves as well as various diseases of the iris, the iris or the tear ducts cause stinging when blinking.
Diseases
- eye infections
- eye burn
When to the doctor?
A stinging eye when blinking can be a first sign of conjunctivitis or a foreign body in the eye. An eyelash that has grown in an unfortunate direction can also be the reason for such a stinging eye. It is important at this point: the person concerned should not attempt any self-experiments on their own eyes. If there is a foreign body in the eye, you should put yourself in professional hands. The human eye is one of the most sensitive organs in the body, so extreme caution is required. You should urgently refrain from attempting to remove the foreign body yourself.
If you have conjunctivitis, you should also see a doctor. Especially if a purulent secretion escapes from the eye, a doctor’s visit should no longer be put off. Otherwise there is a risk of serious consequential damage, such as corneal inflammation or damage to the retina . If you suffer from an eye infection, you should always keep the affected eye very clean. Otherwise, the inflammation can significantly worsen. In such a case, appropriate treatment with effective medication is urgently required.
diagnosis and course
In order to identify the correct condition that is hiding behind the eye pain , the eye specialist carries out a series of specific examinations. In addition to measuring the pressure in the eye and examining the fundus of the eye, the doctor analyzes the eye fluid, observes blinking frequencies and opening times and asks about accompanying symptoms and allergies . The ability to see and dilate the pupil is checked, as are superficial damage and any foreign bodies. As an extended examination, the specialist can consult nuclear spin and computer tomography .
complications
Eye stinging when blinking (winking) can happen for a variety of reasons, so the complications can be just as varied. In many cases, a foreign body in the eye is responsible for the stinging. Such a foreign body can cause various complications, so extreme caution is required at this point. You should definitely refrain from attempting to remove the foreign body yourself. This can only result in further complications or injuries, such as damage to the retina. In such a case, going to the doctor should not be put off, as otherwise serious damage could result.
However, a stinging eye when blinking (winking) can also indicate an infection. A stye is often responsible for this, which can also have a number of different complications. If a stye or a similar infection remains without medical treatment, this inflammation can worsen many times over. In the worst case, an abscess forms in the eye. This is a collection of pus that should only be removed or treated by a doctor. However, if the affected person uses appropriate medication for a stye, the above-mentioned complications can be avoided at an early stage.
treatment and therapy
Depending on the underlying disease, the doctor decides which treatment to carry out. If the lacrimal gland produces too little eye fluid, the patient is given eye drops. They are instilled into the lower connective sac as so-called artificial tears. Tear substitute liquids with hyaluronic acid have a particularly long-lasting effect. Those affected should also drink a lot to stabilize the fluid balance in the body.
Tip: Once opened, eye drops should not be used longer than recommended on the package insert. Some patients require further measures, such as anti-inflammatory drops or eye cleaning with a special soap. To regulate tear drainage, using a plastic plug can help block the entrance to the tear duct. If a foreign body or an eyelash is discovered in the eye, the ophthalmologist will remove it immediately with a local anesthetic. The stinging that occurs when you blink your eyes after the treatment usually disappears after it has healed.
Even small injuries to the eye can be repaired with a short surgical procedure. Deeper damage to the cornea can be successfully treated by straightening it with the laser device. Ointments or gels that have an antibacterial effect usually help with conjunctivitis or corneal inflammation. In these cases, special hygiene such as frequent hand washing is required, because the bacteria or viruses are contagious. Antibacterial ointments or drops also help to relieve the stinging of the eyes in the event of a flash in the eye caused by UV rays. If the symptoms are more severe, the doctor will prescribe cortisone-containing medication.
prevention
Preventive measures that are easy to implement help to maintain eye health in the long term. Anyone who drinks enough, avoids drafts and stays away from overheated and smoky rooms ensures that the flow of tears in the eye remains stable. Frequent blinking and periods of rest when working on a computer help the eyes to rest. Contact lens wearers support their eye health by regularly wetting and cleaning the lenses.
Again, good hygiene is advisable. Washing your hands thoroughly before inserting and removing lenses will prevent bacteria or viruses from getting into your eyes. To avoid damage from UV radiation, skiers or sun worshipers should definitely wear UV sunglasses.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.