Burning Eyes
Burning eyes are a common complaint with many possible causes. Allergies, dry eyes, environmental irritants, and infections often lead to burning eyes. Less common but more serious causes include certain health conditions or chemical exposure.
People may notice a burning feeling after being around smoke, dust, or strong smells. Dry air, wearing contact lenses, or spending long hours looking at screens can also trigger this discomfort. Sometimes, an infection or an underlying health problem causes burning eyes.
Definition of Symptom
Burning eyes describe a stinging or irritating feeling in one or both eyes. This sensation may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. People often notice burning eyes alongside other problems, such as eye irritation, watery eyes, or eye redness. These symptoms can make daily tasks harder and cause discomfort. Other symptoms sometimes include:
- Discharge from the eyes
- Tearing or excessive watering
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
The table below shows some common symptoms that may occur with burning eyes:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Eye irritation | Itching, stinging, or gritty feeling. |
| Redness | Pink or red look to the white of the eye. |
| Discharge | Fluid coming from the eye, can be sticky. |
| Tearing | Watery eyes or excess moisture. |
| Eye pain | Soreness or sharp pain in or around eyes. |
| Blurred vision | Vision that appears fuzzy or unclear. |
These symptoms can vary in strength. Mild cases might only have slight irritation, while severe cases could include pain, swelling, and vision changes. Burning eyes can affect one eye or both. Some people may see only redness, while others experience watering or sticky discharge. Each person’s experience may look a little different.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Many things can cause burning eyes. Dry eyes often happen when the eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears dry up too fast, leading to discomfort or a burning feeling. Allergies often make eyes burn or itch. Pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold are common triggers. When allergens touch the eyes, they can cause redness and swelling.
Infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) can cause burning, along with discharge and tearing. Both viruses and bacteria can cause pink eye. Chronic problems like blepharitis or ocular rosacea can also play a role. Blepharitis makes the eyelid edges swollen, while ocular rosacea affects the eyes and eyelids, causing irritation and burning.
Photokeratitis happens when too much UV light hits the eyes, like from sun exposure or tanning beds without protection. People sometimes call it “eye sunburn.” Some people develop a growth called a pterygium on the eye, which can cause irritation and a burning feeling. Key causes include:
- Dry Eyes
- Eye Allergies
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Blepharitis
- Ocular Rosacea
- Photokeratitis (Eye Sunburn)
- Pterygium
- Infections or irritants
Other Non-Disease Causes
Many people experience burning eyes from non-disease triggers in the environment or daily routine. Exposure to dust, pollen, or pet dander often leads to irritation, especially during allergy season. Smoke, air pollution, or chlorine from swimming pools can cause a stinging or burning feeling in the eyes. Dry, windy weather can also lead to dryness and irritation.
Makeup and personal care products sometimes get into the eyes and cause discomfort, especially if they contain preservatives or harsh chemicals. Wearing contact lenses can cause burning, especially if the lenses are not cleaned properly. Switching to different types of lenses or using lubricating eye drops or artificial tears may help ease symptoms.
How It Causes the Symptom
Changes or problems in the tear film often lead to burning eyes. The tear film protects and keeps the surface of the eye moist. When it dries out or becomes unstable, eyes may burn or sting. Smoke, wind, or chemical fumes can irritate the eye surface.
These triggers can cause redness, itching, or a burning feeling. Allergens and pollution also contribute. Some people notice burning after using certain eye drops. Ingredients in these drops can irritate sensitive eyes and cause discomfort. Blinking helps spread tears and flush away irritants. Staring at screens and blinking less often can dry out the eyes, making burning sensations more likely.
Eye conditions like dry eyes and blepharitis can damage or inflame the eye surface, causing symptoms like grittiness, light sensitivity, and watery eyes. Light sensitivity can result from irritation or inflammation and often appears with burning or stinging.
Possible Complications
If people do not treat burning eyes, they may develop more serious problems, ranging from ongoing discomfort to possible vision issues. Common complications include:
| Complication | Description | Possible Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Dry Eye | Eyes produce fewer or poorer quality tears | Persistent discomfort, redness |
| Infection | Germs enter through irritated tissue | Swelling, pus, pain |
| Corneal Damage | Surface of the eye gets scratched or infected | Blurred vision, scarring |
- Chronic Dry Eye: Eyes may become dry all the time, leading to pain and blurred vision.
- Infections: Scratching or rubbing burning eyes can let bacteria in, raising the risk of eye infections.
- Corneal Damage: In severe or untreated cases, the clear front part of the eye (cornea) can get scratched or infected.
Sometimes, burning eyes are linked to health issues such as Sjogren’s syndrome or allergic eye disease. If these are not managed, eye symptoms can get worse. Warning signs that can mean a problem is getting worse include:
- Vision changes
- Pus or thick discharge
- Constant pain or redness
When to Seek Medical Attention
Burning eyes are often mild and can get better with rest or home care. However, sometimes you should contact an eye doctor or healthcare professional. Seek medical attention right away if you notice:
- Sudden changes in vision, like blurriness or seeing floaters and flashes.
- Eye discharge or pus.
- Severe pain or swelling.
- Redness that does not fade.
- Eye injury or exposure to chemicals.
- Burning that lasts more than a few days.
Contact an eye doctor if:
- The discomfort gets worse or does not improve with home remedies.
- You notice new light sensitivity.
- You have double vision.
- Your eyes are extremely watery or dry.
An eye doctor can check for infections, allergies, or other problems that need treatment. If you cannot see an eye doctor quickly, go to urgent care or an emergency room for serious symptoms.
