I have little white bumps on the corner of my right eye. it isnt affecting my vision, but is sore and slightly painful to the touch. what could it be?

Pinguecula: Sounds like a pinguecula, which is a deposit/build up on the white part of the eye (sclera) due to uv light and dryness of the eyes. You can use artificial tears, and use a cap and/or sunglasses when outdoors. Sometimes you do not notice them until there is inflammation causing a red background making the white spot(s) more noticeable.

Eyeball or lid?: If the little white bumps are on the edge of the lid, it could be blepharitis/meibomian gland dysfunction. Try hot compresses and gentle q-tip scrubs after a shower to try to get rid of these. An ophthalmologist (eye md) can help if this doesn't work. If the bumps are on your eyeball, they may be a pingueculae, which are benign and found at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions next to your cornea.