Ever found yourself saying, “Why do my eyes feel like they’re on fire?” Burning eyes can be an uncomfortable and distracting sensation that many people experience daily. While it might feel alarming, this symptom could be linked to several common causes.
5 common causes of burning eyes include:
- Dry eye
- Eye allergies
- Eye strain
- Environmental irritants
- Contact lens issues
The good news? Most of these causes are easily identified during a routine eye exam and are manageable with professional guidance.
1. Dry Eye Syndrome
One of the most frequent causes of burning eyes is dry eye syndrome. Dryness happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears they make are of poor quality, so they evaporate too quickly.
Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Redness
- A gritty feeling, like there’s sand in your eyes
- Blurry vision, especially after prolonged screen time
Possible factors that could trigger or worsen dry eye are:
- Spending hours staring at computer or phone screens
- Exposure to air-conditioned or heated environments
- Smoking or dry climates
- Untreated eye conditions like blepharitis
Relief for Dry Eye
Dry eye is often a chronic condition, which means the most effective way to get relief is to understand the cause. Your eye doctor can examine your eye health and discuss potential treatments, like prescription drops or tear duct plugs, for severe symptoms.
However, there are ways to manage dry eye at home:
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist
- Blink often, especially when you’re on digital devices
- Consider using a humidifier to improve the moisture in your environment
2. Allergies
Seasonal allergies don’t just make you sneeze and sniffle; they can also wreak havoc on your eyes. Burning, watery, or itchy eyes can be a sign of an allergic reaction to environmental triggers such as pollen, pet dander, or dust.
When allergens come into contact with your eyes, your immune system releases histamines, triggering inflammation and irritation in your eyes.
Here’s how to combat eye allergies:
- Use antihistamine eye drops to reduce itching & burning
- Wash your face & rinse your eyes with clean water after spending time outdoors to remove pollen.
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen days & switch to HEPA air filters indoors
If over-the-counter solutions don’t help, an allergy specialist can guide you toward stronger treatments tailored to your needs.
3. Eye Strain
Have you been glued to your screen for hours without taking a break? Overuse of digital devices is a primary cause of digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Long periods of focus can tire your eye muscles, causing them to feel dry, sore, and burn.
Some signs you have digital eye strain are:
- Burning or irritated eyes
- Headaches or tension around your forehead
- Trouble focusing after prolonged device use
You can help combat digital eye strain with the 20-20-20 rule:
- Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away
- Focus for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes the break they deserve
You can also help prevent digital eye strain by adjusting your workspace. Adjust the lighting on your screen, use blue light filters, and keep computer/laptop screens an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level.
Eye strain and dry eye can share similar symptoms. Your eye doctor can help tell you if one—or both—is the cause of your discomfort and how you can manage symptoms effectively.
4. Environmental Irritants
The environment around you can significantly impact how your eyes feel. Everyday irritants like smoke, chlorine from swimming pools, smog, or even strong household cleaning products can all trigger burning sensations.
These environmental elements either dry out the surface of your eyes or irritate the tissues, leading to redness, stinging, or burning.
Here’s how to avoid eye irritation:
- Wear protective eyewear, such as goggles, when cleaning or swimming
- Avoid smoky or polluted areas when possible
- Flush your eyes with clean water immediately if they come into contact with strong chemicals
5. Contact Lens Problems
If you’re a contact lens wearer, your lenses might be behind your burning eyes. Wearing them for too long or not cleaning them properly can irritate your corneas or cause eye infections, leading to discomfort. Old or ill-fitting lenses are other culprits to be mindful of.
Some ways your contacts could cause burning eyes include:
- Wearing contacts beyond their recommended usage time
- Sleeping in contact lenses not designed for overnight use
- Using expired or improper cleaning solutions
Here are some tips for proper contact lens use:
- Follow your optometrist’s guidelines on how long you should wear your lenses each day & when to replace them
- Always clean your hands before handling your contacts
- Use fresh contact solution daily & avoid rinsing lenses with tap water
If burning persists, it might be time to speak with your eye doctor about trying a different brand or switching to daily disposables.
Take Control of Your Vision Health
Burning eyes are often your body’s way of signalling that something needs attention, and most of the time, simple changes can make a big difference.
Whether you’re dealing with dry eye syndrome, allergies, or screen-induced strain, your eyes will thank you for identifying the issue and taking steps to resolve it.
At West Coast Optical, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of your burning eyes and find effective solutions to your vision problems. Book an appointment today to get started on finding relief for your burning eyes.
