Blinking Problem

[kg988]

Thank you for reading this.  I will try to add as much detail as possible.  I have been having an eye problem for the past 1.5 years.  The best way to describe it is the need to blink really hard every few minutes in both eyes.  My eyes aren’t dry, blurry, or red, it doesn’t feel like anything is in them and I haven’t noticed it coinciding with any exposure to food, dust, etc.  My eyelid muscles get sore and strained from all the hard blinking I have to do.  Also my eye balls themselves get sore.  It doesn’t feel like it is on the surface of my eye, but more internal.  Also, it feels like I have to constantly be aware of my blinking. It happens daily, but some days are worse than others.  Once it starts, it doesn’t stop and happens in all environments (at computer, driving, watching TV, eating etc).  I wake up in the morning without the problem but as the day progresses it gets much worse.  
I have seen an allergy specialist, my family doctor and an eye doctor about the problem but haven’t really gotten any solutions for it.  Here are the solutions we have tried so far and none have worked:  
1) Washing hair with baby shampoo and washing around eyes
2) Dandruff shampoos in case dandruff was irritating my eyes
3) Eye drops (natural tears) 4 times a day for a week
4) Over-the-counter allergy medications
5) Allergy tests to diagnose what I am allergic to and tested different foods with no effect on eye problem.  Also I constantly change detergents and soaps, using mild ones.
6) Updated prescription for glasses
7) Wearing sunglasses everywhere, including indoors


Does anyone know what this is or any possible treatments?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Thanks for the update.  The discomfort of light sensitivity can usually be reduced by avoiding sunlight, closing the eyes, wearing dark glasses, or darkening the room. Photophobia or eye discomfort in bright light is a fairly common symptom. However, it can also be due to eye problems and you may benefit from further evaluation by another ophthalmologist. The cause for the light sensitivity should be determined for proper management. Take care always.

[kg988]

Thank you for answering.  I forgot the mention that the problem in not involuntary.  I can control it and it is really that my eyes feel strained.

Is there anything else it could be?  The only thing that I have noticed that helps slightly is wearing sunglasses for a long period of time.  It helps a bit, but not much.  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? This could be due to blepharospasm or  abnormal contraction or twitch of the eyelid, which may also be due to  neurological causes. You may benefit from further evaluation by a neurologist also. The cause is unknown but conditions like fatigue, stress, irritant and even dry eyes may contribute. Treatment may depend on the underlying cause where drug therapy, surgery and even stress management may help.  Take care and do keep us posted.