This article will address the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of burning eyes.
Burning Eyes Causes
Burning eyes can have several causes. Here are some of the most common causes of burning eyes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids caused by excess bacteria on the eyelashes or clogged oil glands in the eyelashes. It also can make your eyelids itchy and swollen. Blepharitis can affect both eyes or just one eye. Blepharitis is not contagious.
Dryness
Dry eyes are caused by not having enough tears or having tears of poor quality. One symptom of dry eyes is burning.
Dry eyes are common, affecting about 20 million people in the United States.
Allergies
Allergies do not always just affect your nasal passages. Ocular allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, can cause symptoms in the eyes.When an allergy trigger irritates the eyes, they produce histamine to fight against the allergen. This is what leads to allergic symptoms.
Burning is a common symptom associated with eye allergies. Environmental triggers can include pollen, pet dander, dust, and smoke.
Sunburn
Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause photokeratitis. You can think of this as a sunburn on the eyes. You could get this from an activity like watching a solar eclipse or the bright sun reflecting off sand, water, or snow. The UV light from tanning beds also can raise the risk for photokeratitis.
Using good protection for the eyes in bright conditions can help protect against photokeratitis.
Ocular Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness on the face. However, for some people, it also can cause redness in or around the eyes. This is called ocular rosacea. It is possible to have rosacea symptoms only in the eyes.
Pink Eye
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is a viral infection that causes burning, redness, and discharge. Pink eye easily spreads from person to person. This can happen by sharing personal items like towels and makeup. Frequently washing your hands can help prevent pink eye.
Pterygium
A pterygium is a growth of tissue that can become large enough to cover some of your cornea (the dome-shaped part in the front of the eye). Another name for pterygium is surfer’s eye. It’s caused by wind and UV exposure.
A pterygium can remain small enough not to cause any symptoms, or it can become large enough to impede your vision.
Burning Eyes Symptoms
In addition to burning eyes, you may have other symptoms. Those symptoms will depend on the exact cause of your burning eyes. Here are some other symptoms you may have along with burning in one or both of your eyes:
Redness in the eyes Eyelid swelling Feeling as if something is in your eyes Pain Sensitivity to light Tearing
If your eye redness is related to a problem like allergic conjunctivitis, you may have symptoms that go beyond just the eyes. This can include a runny nose and sneezing.
Diagnosis
You should see a healthcare provider for burning eyes if you also have:
Changes in visionDischargePain in the eyesSensitivity to light
To find out the cause of burning eyes, an eye doctor, such as a ophthalmologist or optometrist, or other healthcare provider will perform an eye exam. They will examine specific parts of the eye, including your:
Cornea Conjunctiva (the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye) Eyelids Vision
The healthcare provider also may ask you questions to help pinpoint the cause of your burning eyes. This may include questions about:
Your exposure to any potential allergensWhether you have other symptoms, including symptoms occurring elsewhere in your bodyHow long you’ve had symptomsWhat treatments you’ve tried so far, if any
Treatment
Treatment for burning eyes will depend on the cause. Some of the treatments used include eye drops or eye ointments that help with:
AllergiesDry eyesInflammationInfection
Some things you can try at home to help your burning eyes include:
Using cool compresses on top of the eyes Using artificial tears four to six times daily Avoiding allergy triggers, if you suspect that allergens are causing your burning eyes Using over-the-counter (OTC) allergy drops for the eyes Washing eyelids with baby shampoo if there are crusts on the eyelids (this would be appropriate for blepharitis)
Do your best to avoid touching the eyes when using your home treatments.
Summary
Burning eyes can have several causes, including allergies, dryness, and pink eye. In addition to burning eyes, you may have other symptoms. If you have other symptoms, they might include sensitivity to light, redness in the eyes, or a change in vision.
You should see a healthcare provider for burning in the eyes if you also have pain, discharge from the eyes, or swelling. A healthcare provider may prescribe certain eye drops to help treat the burning and recommend home treatments like using a cold compress over the eyes.
A Word From Verywell
It may feel scary, and quite possibly painful, to have burning eyes. If you’re unsure why your eyes are burning, and you have other symptoms, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor or another healthcare provider. There are treatments that can help provide relief.
Learn more: Allergies vs. COVID-19: What Are the Differences?
Learn more: How to Choose Artificial Tears
Learn more: Causes of Eye Pain and Treatment Options
