Burning Eyes: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Sometimes, it starts with a faint sting. Then comes the uneasy warmth, the discomfort, and the instinctive blink that offers no relief. Burning eyes can disrupt your day, impact your focus, and signal something deeper happening within your eyes.

What are Burning Eyes?

Burning eyes describe a feeling of heat, stinging, or discomfort in one or both eyes. It may feel like your eyes are being lightly pricked or scorched from inside, often without any obvious injury. This sensation can come on gradually or appear suddenly. It can sometimes be accompanied by redness or watering. 

For many, it’s mild and short-lived. For others, the irritation lingers, creating a persistent distraction that can interfere with vision, work, and sleep. The intensity can vary throughout the day and often worsens in dry air, polluted spaces, or after prolonged screen time.

Commonly linked with dry eye, burning eyes can be caused by a range of conditions. However, pinpointing the reason helps prevent recurring flare-ups. 

Common Symptoms: Burning Eyes

The sensation isn’t always the same for everyone. For some, it’s like a soft flame licking the corners of the eyes. For others, it can feel like sand stuck under the eyelid. A burning feeling in the eye may show up alone or be paired with other symptoms. These may include:

• Watery discharge or excessive tearing
• Redness in or around the white of the eye
• Itching or prickling
• Dry patches on the eyelid
• Crusting near the lashes, especially in the morning
• Temporary blurred vision

Causes of Burning Eyes

The reasons for burning eyes range from everyday triggers to medical issues. Smoke, dust, and strong perfumes can act as surface irritants, especially if you wear contact lenses or rub your eyes frequently. Eye allergies are another common burning eyes cause, especially during seasonal changes.

Medical causes behind burning eyes include the following.

1. Dry eye: Reduced tear production leads to a scratchy, burning sensation.
2. Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, often with crusting and discomfort.
3. Conjunctivitis: Infection or inflammation of the thin membrane lining the eye.
4. Pterygium: A fleshy growth on the white part of the eye that may sting.
5. Eye infection: Bacterial or viral infections can spark redness, itching, and burning.

Diagnosis of Burning Eyes

To identify what’s causing your discomfort, an ophthalmologist may begin with a slit-lamp examination. This procedure provides a magnified view of the eye’s surface. Tear film quality and eyelid health are also assessed during this check.

In some cases, a fluorescein dye test is done to detect corneal abrasions or ulcers. 

Allergy testing or swabs may be needed when inflammation doesn’t subside with basic care. 

If your job involves screen use, your doctor may evaluate your tear breakup time (TBUT) and assess your blinking habits and exposure duration.

Accurate diagnosis allows tailored treatment, especially when burning eyes symptoms stem from more than one root cause.

Treatment for Burning Eyes

Commonly prescribed burning eye treatments are artificial tears that lubricate the eye surface. Preservative-free options are preferred for regular use. In cases linked to infections, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed for bacterial infections, while antiviral eye drops are used in specific viral conditions.

For blepharitis, warm compresses followed by lid cleaning help reduce inflammation. Allergic triggers are managed using antihistamine drops. Some conditions might benefit from short-term steroid use under medical supervision. If digital screens are a factor, adjusting light settings and taking frequent breaks makes a difference.

Home Remedies for Burning Eyes

Not every eye irritation needs a prescription. In fact, some burning eye home remedies can soothe mild cases effectively. Here are two safe and comforting burning eye home remedies:

1. Cold compress: Wrap a clean cloth around an ice pack and place it gently over closed eyes. It helps reduce swelling and provides instant relief.
2. Chamomile tea bags: Once cooled, these can be placed on closed lids to soothe tired, irritated eyes. Avoid use if you are allergic to chamomile.

Preventive Tips for Burning Sensation in Eyes

Preventing a burning sensation in the eyes begins with small but mindful actions. Blinking consciously during long screen hours helps keep your eyes moist. Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your devices can also ease visual stress.

When outdoors, especially on dusty or sunny days, wear protective sunglasses. Stay away from cigarette smoke and heavily scented sprays. If you wear makeup, choose hypoallergenic products and remove them thoroughly at night. Keep your hands clean before touching your face or eyes. And most importantly, drink enough water. This is because hydration plays a big role in maintaining eye health.

Conclusion

Burning eyes might seem like a minor issue at first. But when left unaddressed, the irritation can become a regular and unwanted part of daily life. 

At Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, your comfort and vision are our top priority. With decades of experience and advanced diagnostic tools, we offer clarity and care.