Blinking should feel effortless. In fact, you probably don’t even think about blinking. But when you have eyelid pain, every time you blink can be distracting. You might find yourself squinting or even trying to blink less, but the pain keeps coming back. It’s a common problem, one that our team at Insight Eyecare regularly helps patients with.
A sore eyelid can point to a few things, including inflammation, a blockage in one of the tiny glands along your eyelid’s edge, or even dry eye disease. While the pain is usually temporary and manageable, it’s your body’s way of signalling that something needs attention.
Common Causes for a Sore Eyelid
A Stye or Chalazion
Have you noticed a small, tender bump on your eyelid? This could be a stye, which can happen when an oil gland lining your eyelid gets clogged and infected right at the base of an eyelash. It often looks like a small pimple and can be quite sore to the touch.
A chalazion is similar, but it’s a blockage in a gland a bit further back on the eyelid. These bumps are typically not as painful as a stye, but they can grow larger and cause your eyelid to feel heavy or swollen.
Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)
Blepharitis is a general term for eyelid inflammation. If this is the cause of your eyelid pain, you may experience symptoms like:
- Red, swollen, or itchy eyelids
- A burning or stinging sensation in your eyes
- Crusty flakes at the base of your eyelashes
Because symptoms like redness and swelling can look like other issues, it helps to get an eye exam from an eye doctor in South Surrey.
Dry Eye
Sometimes, eyelid pain isn’t about the eyelid itself but about a lack of moisture on the eye’s surface. Your tears help your eyelid slide effortlessly over your eye, and if you don’t have enough, every blink can create friction. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing one of the common symptoms of dry eye disease.
Signs and Symptoms to Notice
Eyelid pain can feel different for everyone. It’s helpful to pay attention to exactly what you’re experiencing, as it can give our team clues about the underlying issue when you come in for an eye exam. Notice if you have any of these signs:
- Pain that feels sharp, achy, or gritty
- A visible bump or lump on the eyelid
- Redness or swelling along the lash line
- Watery eyes or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling like something is in your eye, such as a stray eyelash
Contact Lenses and Eyelid Irritation
If you wear contact lenses, they might be contributing to your eyelid discomfort. Lenses sit on your tear film and can sometimes disrupt the natural balance of moisture in your eyes. This can contribute to dryness and that scratchy feeling when you blink.
It’s also important to follow proper cleaning routines for your lenses and case to avoid potential health risks. Tiny particles of dust or debris can stick to a lens and irritate your eyelid with every movement. If you always feel discomfort, your lens material or solution might not be the right fit for your eyes. Our team can help address this issue during a contact lens exam and fitting.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
While many cases of eyelid pain resolve on their own, there are times when you should seek professional care. If the pain gets worse, lasts for more than a week, or starts to affect your vision, it’s a good idea to have it checked.
The Benefits of an Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam can uncover what is contributing to your discomfort. Our optometrist in South Surrey and White Rock uses specialized tools to closely examine your eyelids, glands, and tear film to help you feel more comfortable.
Schedule Your Appointment
We don’t want you to deal with eyelid pain all on your own. Our team at Insight Eyecare is here to help identify the source of the problem and recommend a clear path toward relief. Book an appointment to give your eyes the attention they deserve.
