Burning Eyes: What Causes the Burning Sensation and How to Manage It 

Introduction

We have all been there, you wake up one day and notice that your eyes are stinging. It feels like a grain of sand is stuck in your eyes, and no matter how much you blink, that burning feeling just won’t go away. 

It’s an annoying, prickly burning sensation in eyes that can ruin your focus and make your eyes look red and tired. Usually, it is just our eyes telling us they need a break or some extra moisture, but sometimes there are other reasons too. 

In this article, we will explore exactly why that stinging sensation happens by breaking down the most common burning eyes causes. You will also find some simple, quick fixes to soothe your eyes, along with clear warning signs to help you decide when it is time to stop reaching for eye drops and call a doctor instead. 

What Are Burning Eyes?

Burning eyes can be defined as a form of ocular discomfort characterised by a stinging or sharp sensation in or around the eye. It often mimics the feeling of having a foreign object or irritant trapped on the eye’s surface, frequently accompanied by aching or throbbing^1,2. 

Essentially, it is your body’s way of saying the surface of your eye is irritated or inflamed. 

Why Do Eyes Burn?

Most of us have experienced that sharp, stinging sensation that makes us want to keep our eyes tightly shut. But have you ever wondered why do eyes burn? Here are some common causes for burning eyes: 

• Environmental Irritants: Exposure to external factors like smog, cigarette smoke, or pool chlorine, as well as chemicals found in makeup. 
• Allergic Reactions: Sensitivity to seasonal triggers (hay fever) or specific allergens. 
• Infections: Viral or bacterial conditions, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), flu or symptoms related to COVID-19. 
• Lifestyle and Strain: Excessive screen time or issue with your contact lenses. 
• Physical Conditions: Issues involving the eyelids and tear film dysfunction (dry eyes). 
• Other Conditions: For example, headache or common fever^1,2,3.

Ultimately, burning eyes may be a clear signal that your eyes need a break or a bit of extra care. By identifying your specific triggers, whether it’s reducing screen time or avoiding known allergens, you can move away from daily discomfort and back toward clear, pain-free vision. 

Burning Eyes and Associated Symptoms

A burning sensation in your eyes can stem from a variety of underlying issues. While specific symptoms often depend on the root cause, some common burning eyes symptoms are as follows: 

• Foreign Body Sensation: Scratchy feeling or the sense that something is stuck in your eye. 
• Irritation: Stinging, burning, or general pain. 
• Tearing: Excessive watering. 
• Appearance and Discharge: Redness and visible discharge. 
• Vision and Fatigue: Blurred vision and a heavy feeling in the eyelids⁴.

If you suspect an infection (pink eye) is the root cause of the burning pain, watch out for the following symptoms: 

• Pink or bloodshot appearance in the whites of the eyes 
• Swollen eyelids or a puffy look to the eye’s clear surface 
• Lashes matted together by dried fluids, especially upon waking. 
• Leaking of pus or mucus (ranging from clear to thick yellow or green). 
• Intense itching, burning, or an uncontrollable urge to rub the area. 
• Heavy, watery eyes that won’t stop tearing up. 
• Contact lenses feeling jagged, uncomfortable, or failing to sit properly⁵. 

While many instances of eye burning are temporary reactions to environmental triggers or excessive screen time, persistent symptoms should never be ignored. If you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain, or symptoms that do not improve, it is essential to consult an eye care professional. Early diagnosis is the most effective way to protect your vision and find lasting relief from discomfort. 

Burning Eyes Home Remedies

It is incredibly distracting when your eyes burn. Whether it is from looking at a screen for too long, seasonal allergies, or just dry air, getting some relief is usually a priority. 

Here are some burning eyes remedies that you can follow at home: 

1. Applying Cold Compresses

Gently apply a clean, cool compress to the affected area. Cold compresses help to constrict blood vessels and numb the area slightly, which may provide relief from inflammation or allergies⁶. 

2. Applying Warm Compresses

To help clear away any build-up, gently press a warm, damp cloth against the affected area for several minutes. This process will effectively soften and loosen the crusts, making them much easier to wipe away without irritating your eyes¹. 

3. Applying Cucumber Slices

Applying cucumber slices has long been used as a supportive measure for soothing red, tired, or puffy eyes due to the anti-inflammatory properties of cucumber⁷. It also provides a refreshing, cooling sensation that helps soothe strain and irritation in eyes. 

4. Using Artificial Tear Drops

For burning or dry eyes, 4 to 6 applications of artificial tears daily may be an effective standard treatment¹.

5. Flushing Your Eyes

Flushing your eyes with normal saline or clean water can effectively soothe irritation and reduce burning caused by chemical exposure or allergens. This immediate irrigation helps neutralise the area by physically removing harmful substances from the eye’s surface⁸.

6. Staying Hydrated

Proper hydration is vital for eye health. Since your body can’t produce adequate tears when dehydrated, drinking enough water ensures your system can maintain a stable, lubricating tear film to prevent dryness and burning⁹.

7. Doing Blinking Exercises

Prolonged screen time can reduce the number of times we blink our eyes. Blinking keeps the eyes evenly lubricated, thus helping avoid dryness and burning sensation. For this exercise, close your eyes, squeeze them shut firmly, and open them. Do 15 squeeze blinks three times a day¹⁰.

Note: While these burning eyes home remedies may provide comfort to a certain extent, remember that your vision is precious; if burning persists or is accompanied by pain, it’s always best to consult an eye care professional. 

Treatment for Burning Eyes

Treatment plans for burning eyes vary based on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Here is some eye burn treatment based on the diagnosis^1,11,12:

• Dry Eyes: Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) may help relieve dryness and discomfort by keeping the surface of the eye moist. These drops do not treat an infection but can support eye comfort, especially in people with reduced tear production or prolonged screen use. 
• Allergies: Antihistamine eye drops may help reduce itching, redness, and watering caused by allergic reactions. They work by limiting the effect of histamine, a chemical released during allergies that triggers eye irritation. 
• Viral Infections: While viral conditions, such as herpes that affects the eye, require antiviral drops or specialised ointments, adenovirus infections like viral conjunctivitis are usually managed with supportive care, such as cold compresses, to alleviate symptoms. 
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to help control bacterial infection. These drops should only be used under medical guidance, as not all cases of conjunctivitis are bacterial in origin. 

Chronic conditions, such as dry eyes, may require ongoing management¹. Treatment may be accompanied by supportive management like cold or hot compresses based on the condition. In most cases, you may see a gradual improvement and return to normal within 1 to 2 weeks. It is essential to follow your provider’s instructions. 

When Should You See a Doctor?

It is always a good idea to keep a close watch on eye symptoms, as they can escalate quickly. Here are the specific red flags that indicate it is time to call your doctor: 

• If you notice thick, green, or pus-like drainage (often a sign of a bacterial infection). 
• If your eyes feel unusually painful or if bright lights cause significant discomfort. 
• If you notice any sudden blurriness or a decrease in the clarity of your vision. 
• If the inflammation in your eyelids is visibly increasing or they feel heavy. 
• If you experience reduced vision¹.

If you are unsure, don’t wait for things to clear up on their own; reach out to an eye care specialist to ensure your symptoms are not masking a serious issue. 

How to Prevent Burning Eyes?

Burning eyes are usually your body’s way of saying you need a break or something is irritating you. Consistent use of these techniques may significantly decrease the frequency and intensity of eye discomfort to some extent. 

• 20-20-20 Rule: Since we tend to blink less frequently while staring at screens, our tear film evaporates more quickly, leading to dry and irritated eyes. To prevent digital eye strain, a cause of dryness and burning, practice the 20-20-20 rule by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes¹³.
• Stay Away from Allergens: Once you identify the triggers for your discomfort, avoid those allergens (pets, pollen or cosmetics) to prevent burning eyes from recurring¹.
• Hygiene: To prevent eye infections, always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or eyes. If you use contact lenses, make sure you follow all hygiene steps¹³. 
• Use Humidifier: Combat dry winter air by using a humidifier to help keep your eyes comfortable¹².

Incorporating these tips into your lifestyle may help avoid eye discomfort and help keep your eyes refreshed, comfortable, and free from irritation. 

Conclusion

The stinging, burning sensation in your eyes is a vital signal from your body that something like digital strain, environmental irritants, or an underlying health issue needs your attention. By practicing simple habits like the 20-20-20 rule, staying hydrated, and using soothing home remedies, you can manage minor discomforts and keep your vision clear. However, always remember that your eyes are delicate. If symptoms persist, or if you experience pain or vision changes, seeking professional medical advice is the most important step toward ensuring long-term ocular health and comfort. 

Also Read: Eye Pain: Causes, Treatment & Home Remedies 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Reference

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