Burning Eyes: Causes, Relief & When to See a doctor

If you’ve ever felt that stinging, irritating, or burning sensation in your eyes, you’re not alone, and we know just how uncomfortable it can be. Burning eyes can be frustrating, especially when the cause isn’t obvious or the discomfort keeps coming back. Whether it’s a one-time flare-up or a lingering irritation, it can interfere with everything from screen time to sleep. 

The good news is that burning eyes are usually treatable, and understanding the root cause is the first step towards relief. From environmental triggers to underlying conditions, this blog explores some of the most common causes, simple ways to soothe your symptoms, and signs it may be time to seek professional care.

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What Causes Burning Eyes?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but some causes are more common than others. Burning eyes can stem from a variety of everyday triggers or underlying conditions, and understanding the source is an important first step. 

• Environmental irritants: Wind, smoke, dry air, and pollution can all dry out or inflame the eyes, especially if you’re outdoors for extended periods or in a poorly ventilated space. 
• Screen time and eye strain: Staring at digital screens for long stretches of time can reduce how often you blink, leading to dry, irritated eyes. Blue light exposure and poor lighting can make things worse. 
• Allergies: Pollen, dust, pet fur, and other common allergens can trigger a burning sensation, often accompanied by redness, tearing, or itchiness. 
• Contact lens discomfort: Wearing lenses too long or not cleaning them properly can irritate the surface of the eyes. (Read more about contact lens care here!) 
• Eye infections: Conditions like conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye) can cause a burning feeling along with redness, discharge, and swelling. Infections should be diagnosed and treated promptly.
• Blepharitis: This common and often overlooked condition causes inflammation of the eyelid margins, leading to burning or gritty sensation. If this sounds familiar, we offer treatment options that can help manage blepharitis and ease your symptoms. 

While burning eyes can be caused by something as simply as dry air or screen time, persistent or severe symptoms should always be checked by an eye care professional. 

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Home Remedies for Burning Eyes

For many people, at-home strategies can go a long way in easing the discomfort of burning eyes. While these remedies aren't a cure for underlying conditions, they can offer much-needed relief, especially when symptoms are mild or triggered by everyday factors. 

• Use preservative-free artificial tears: Over-the-counter drops help keep your eyes moist without added chemicals that can sometimes make irritation worse. They’re safe to use multiple times a day. However, if you’re finding yourself needing to use them more than 3 times a day, it’s advisable to have it looked at by an optometrist to investigate the root cause.
• Apply a warm compress: Gently placing a clean, warm cloth over closed eyes can help loosen any debris around the eyelids and soothe inflammation. Applying a warm or cold compress over closed eyes can provide soothing relief - warm compresses can help unclog meibomian glands to support eye lubrication, while cold compresses may ease irritation and burning sensations.
• Limit screen time and follow the 20-20-20 rule: To reduce digital eye strain, try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid irritants like smoke or harsh winds: Protect your eyes by staying away from smoke, strong winds, and other environmental triggers when possible. Wearing glasses outdoors can help.
• Keep your environment humidified: Using a humidifier indoors, especially during dry seasons or in air-conditioned spaces, can prevent your eyes from drying out. 

If these remedies don’t improve your symptoms or the burning sensation worsens over time, it’s important to speak with an eye care professional. 

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When to See a Doctor

While occasional burning eyes can often be managed at home, there are times when it’s best to get a professional opinion. If your symptoms are more than just a passing irritation, paying attention to the following signs can help you know when it’s time to book an appointment: 

• The burning sensation persists for more than a few days: If the discomfort doesn’t improve or keeps coming back, it may point to an underlying issue that needs medical attention. 
• You notice swelling, redness, or discharge: These symptoms could indicate an infection or inflammation that may require prescription treatment. 
• You experience blurry vision or light sensitivity: Changes in your vision or increased sensitivity to light shouldn’t be ignored, especially if they come on suddenly.
• You have a history of eye issues or recurring symptoms: If burning eyes are part of a pattern you’ve noticed before, a more thorough evaluation may be needed to uncover the cause and prevent future flare-ups.
  

Getting professional care is not just about treating symptoms, it’s about protecting your long-term eye health. An optometrist can help pinpoint the cause of your discomfort and recommend treatments that provide lasting relief. 

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Professional Treatment for Burning Eyes

When home remedies aren’t enough to bring relief, a visit to your optometrist can make all the difference. Burning eyes can have many underlying causes, and an in-person exam can help ensure nothing important is missed even when symptoms feel inconsistent. 

Rather than treating just the discomfort, an eye exam looks at the full picture: the health of your tear film, eyelid margins, and eye surface for signs of dryness, inflammation, or infection. Based on what they find, they can recommend targeted treatments such as prescription drops, in-office procedures, or customized lid hygiene routines.

In some cases, burning may be linked to lesser-known conditions like eyelid inflammation, something many people don’t realize they’re experiencing. If needed, we offer management options to help address this and prevent future flare-ups. 

Professional care helps protect long-term eye health, especially if symptoms keep coming back.

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Conclusion

Burning eyes are a common concern, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the discomfort. Whether it’s caused by dry air, screen time, or something more complex, there are solutions that can bring lasting relief.

If your symptoms persist, booking an eye exam is the best way to get long-term comfort and a treatment plan that works for you. 

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

What causes burning eyes? 

Burning eyes can be caused by dry eyes, allergies, eye strain, environmental irritants, or underlying eye conditions like blepharitis or conjunctivitis.
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When should I see an optometrist about burning eyes? 

If the burning sensation is persistent, painful, accompanied by vision changes, or not relieved by over-the-counter drops, you should book an eye exam.
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Can screen time cause burning eyes?

Yes, prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain and dry eyes, which may cause burning or discomfort. Taking regular breaks and using preservative free artificial tears can help.
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Can allergies cause my eyes to burn?

Absolutely. Seasonal allergies or indoor allergens like dust and pet dander can trigger eye irritation, redness, and a burning feeling. 

What treatments are available for burning eyes?

Treatment depends on the cause. Options may include lubricating eye drops, warm compresses, lifestyle changes, allergy management, or in office blepharitis/dry eye management.
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Are burning eyes related to contact lens use? 

Yes, improper wear, dirty lenses, or lens intolerance can lead to irritation and burning. Make sure your lenses are clean and worn as directed.