Why Do Your Eyes Burn?

Burning eyes can be a distressing and uncomfortable experience, often accompanied by sensations of heat, irritation, or dryness. This symptom can arise from various underlying causes, ranging from environmental factors to medical conditions. Understanding the reasons behind burning eyes is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. This extensive guide will explore the common causes of burning eyes, lifestyle factors contributing to this condition, associated medical conditions, home remedies for relief, and when to seek professional help.

Understanding Burning Eyes

Burning eyes, though common, should not be ignored as they may indicate underlying health issues. The sensation of burning or discomfort in the eyes can occur intermittently or persistently and may vary in intensity. It can affect people of all ages and may be triggered by various factors, including environmental conditions, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions. Identifying the signs and knowing when to seek help from an eye doctor is essential for maintaining optimal eye health.

Common Causes of Burning Eyes

• Dry Eye Syndrome: Dry eye develops when the eyes either generate insufficient tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This can result in irritation, redness, and a burning sensation.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, pet dander, or other allergens can cause inflammation and irritation in the eyes, leading to a burning sensation.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to smoke, pollution, strong wind, or dry air can irritate the eyes and cause them to burn.
• Eye Strain: Extended use of digital devices, prolonged reading, or intense visual tasks can strain the eyes, resulting in discomfort and a sensation of burning.
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): If the thin membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inner eyelid becomes inflamed, it can cause redness, itching, and a burning feeling.
• Blepharitis: Swollen eyelids from infections can make your eyes red, swollen, and burn.

Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Burning Eyes

• Prolonged Screen Time: Prolonged periods of screen time can exert strain on the eyes, potentially leading to dryness and discomfort.
• Contact Lens Wear: Incorrect use of contact lenses, wearing them for too long, or improper hygiene practices can cause irritation and burning in the eyes.
• Poor Air Quality: Exposure to indoor pollutants, allergens, or environmental irritants can irritate the eyes and cause them to burn.
• Lack of Sleep: Not enough sleep can leave your eyes tired and dry, making them feel even more burning or uncomfortable.
• Excessive Rubbing of Eyes: Rubbing the eyes excessively can irritate the delicate tissues and exacerbate symptoms of burning and discomfort.

Medical Conditions Associated with Burning Eyes

• Sjögren’s Syndrome: An immune system condition that affects glands making moisture, causing dry eyes and mouth.
• Rosacea: A persistent skin problem that can impact the eyes, leading to redness, swelling, and burning feelings.
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Dysfunction of the oil-producing glands in the eyelids can lead to evaporative dry eye and discomfort.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can impact the eyes, manifesting as symptoms of burning and irritation.
• Systemic Inflammatory Disorders: Certain systemic inflammatory conditions, such as sarcoidosis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can affect the eyes and contribute to symptoms like burning, dryness, and irritation.

Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips for Relieving Burning Eyes

• Use of Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can help hydrate the eyes and alleviate symptoms of dryness and burning.
• Warm Compresses: Applying a warm cloth to your eyes can reduce swelling, improve oil gland function, and relieve discomfort.
• Proper Eyelid Hygiene: Cleaning the eyelids regularly with a gentle cleanser can help remove debris, reduce inflammation, and prevent blepharitis.
• Avoiding Eye Irritants: Minimizing exposure to smoke, dust, pollen, and other environmental irritants can help prevent or reduce symptoms of burning eyes.
• Taking Regular Breaks from Screens: Following the 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away—can ease eye strain and dryness from long screen use.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Knowing when to seek professional help for burning eyes is crucial for identifying and addressing underlying issues effectively. Although occasional mild burning sensations may not demand immediate attention, persistent or severe symptoms may suggest more serious underlying conditions that necessitate professional evaluation and treatment. Here are some signs that indicate it is time to seek help from an optometrist in Mahogany:

• Persistent Symptoms: If you experience persistent burning sensations in your eyes that don’t improve with self-care measures or worsen over time, it is essential to consult an eye care professional. Chronic or recurrent symptoms may signal an underlying eye condition that requires medical attention.
• Worsening of Symptoms Over Time: If your symptoms of burning eyes persist or worsen despite trying home remedies or lifestyle adjustments, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
• Impact on Daily Activities: If burning eyes significantly disrupt your daily tasks like reading, driving, or using a computer, it is crucial to seek professional assessment. Persistent discomfort and irritation can affect your quality of life and productivity, warranting a thorough assessment by an eye care specialist.
• Associated Symptoms: When burning eyes are coupled with other worrisome symptoms like severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, eye discharge, or sensitivity to light, it’s imperative to promptly seek medical assistance. The presence of these symptoms could suggest a potentially severe eye issue or infection, necessitating prompt medical attention.

Conclusion

Burning eyes can be a symptom of various underlying causes, including dry eye syndrome, environmental factors, and medical conditions. Understanding the triggers and knowing when to seek professional help is crucial for managing symptoms and maintaining optimal eye health. By implementing lifestyle changes, practicing good eye hygiene, and seeking timely medical care, you can alleviate discomfort and prevent complications associated with burning eyes. For contact lens wearers, it is vital to ensure a proper fit and maintain them regularly by scheduling periodic contact lens exams.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Now!

If you experience persistent or severe eye symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult Premier Eye Care – Mahogany, your trusted eye clinic in Calgary, for expert evaluation and treatment. Your eyes deserve the best care to ensure long-term health and well-being.