A sharp, nagging, or bruised feeling in your eyelid every time you blink can be distracting and uncomfortable. You might notice it on your upper eyelid or right along your lash line. This kind of discomfort can be common, and while the teams in Calgary, Olds, Sundre, and Carstairs can provide a thorough exam, understanding the potential causes can be helpful for prevention.
Most often, eyelid pain comes from a minor irritation, a blocked gland, or a small infection around your eye. These issues are typically temporary and can often be managed at home, but sometimes they signal the need for an eye exam.
Common Causes of a Sore Eyelid
Eyelid discomfort usually comes from something affecting the skin around your eyes or the meibomian glands that line your eyelids. Here are a few frequent factors that can cause that tender feeling.
A Stye or Chalazion
You may see a small, tender bump on the edge or surface of your eyelid. This is often either a stye or a chalazion, which are similar but have slight differences.
- A stye is an infection in an eyelash follicle that often looks like a small pimple right on the lash line.
- A chalazion is a blocked oil gland that forms a bump farther back on the eyelid.
Blepharitis
This condition involves inflammation of the eyelids, typically along the area where your eyelashes grow. It’s often caused by bacteria or skin conditions. It can make your eyelids feel sore, scratchy, and gritty, as if something is in your eye.
An Injury or Object
Sometimes the cause is simple. A small scratch you may not remember, a bit of dust, or even a stray eyelash trapped under the lid can cause discomfort with every blink. These problems usually resolve on their own, but for anything more serious, you may need emergency eye care.
What Makes Your Upper Lash Line Hurt?
If the discomfort feels very specific to your upper lash line, the cause might be related to your daily routine or a minor blockage right at the base of your lashes.
Irritation from Makeup
Old mascara, eyeliner, or other eye makeup can clog glands and cause irritation along the lash line. Replacing eye makeup regularly is an easy way to avoid this.
Contact Lens Issues
If you wear contact lenses, an improper fit or debris on the lens can irritate the inner surface of your eyelid. Not cleaning them correctly or following proper safety tips can also cause discomfort when you blink.
Ingrown Eyelash
Just like other hairs on your body, an eyelash can sometimes grow in the wrong direction. When this happens, it can poke the sensitive skin of your eyelid or the surface of your eye, creating a sharp feeling with every blink.
Can Stress and Lifestyle Factors Cause Eyelid Pain?
Your overall health and daily habits can affect your eyes. While stress may contribute to styes and other issues, it may encourage the behaviours that lead to eye irritation. It’s important to note, however, that stress does not directly cause eyelid discomfort.
Eye Strain
Long hours in front of a computer or phone can lead to digital eye strain. This can cause dryness and fatigue, making your eyelids feel tired and sore. Taking regular breaks away from your screen can help your eye muscles relax.
Lack of Sleep
Fatigue affects your whole body, including your eyes. When you’re tired, your eyes may feel dry or overworked, which can contribute to eyelid discomfort.
Eye Rub
Stress or fatigue can lead to a habit of rubbing your eyes. This action can transfer germs from your hands and irritate the delicate skin on your eyelids.
Simple At-Home Care for a Sore Eyelid
For many minor cases of eyelid discomfort, a few simple steps at home can help soothe the soreness. These gentle actions can support the healing process.
- Apply a warm compress: Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and gently place it over your closed eye for 5–10 minutes. This method can help reduce swelling and unclog glands.
- Keep the area clean: Gently clean your eyelids with a clean cloth or cotton swab and a small amount of diluted baby shampoo or a special eyelid cleanser.
- Take a break from irritants: Avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses until the discomfort and any swelling have gone away. This gives your eyelid a chance to heal.
When to See Your Eye Doctor
While most eyelid discomfort resolves on its own, it’s a good idea to have it checked out if the symptoms persist or get worse. An eye care professional can properly diagnose the issue and offer a path toward relief.
You may want to schedule a visit if you notice:
- Discomfort that is severe or doesn’t improve after a few days of home care.
- Changes in your vision.
- Significant swelling or redness that spreads.
- A bump on your eyelid that grows quickly.
- Any discharge from your eye.
Let’s Get You Feeling More Comfortable
If you need a professional assessment, our practice may have a convenient location for you. The teams in Calgary, Olds, Sundre, and Carstairs are here to listen to your concerns and provide a personal, in-depth examination to find the cause of your discomfort. Book an appointment with us: We’d love to help you get back to feeling comfortable.
