A burning sensation from eye drops can be an uncomfortable experience. This reaction is common and can stem from various factors, from mild irritation to an underlying issue. Understanding the difference helps determine if medical attention is needed.
Expected Sensations
A mild, temporary stinging or burning sensation can be a normal reaction when applying certain eye drops. The eye’s surface is highly sensitive, and any liquid, even saline solution, can trigger a brief feeling. Some eye drops contain active ingredients, such as those found in redness-relief formulations like tetrahydrozoline or naphazoline, which can cause a brief sting.
Many standard eye drops also include preservatives, most commonly benzalkonium chloride (BAK). These can induce mild, temporary irritation or stinging, especially for individuals with sensitive eyes. Additionally, some medicated drops, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are known to cause a stinging sensation when first placed in the eye.
Causes of Significant Discomfort
When eye drops cause a more pronounced, prolonged, or painful burning sensation, several underlying reasons might be at play. Severely dry or irritated eyes can sting more when drops are applied because the compromised ocular surface exposes delicate nerve endings. Even lubricating drops might initially sting if the eyes are very dry, suggesting that more frequent application could be beneficial.
Allergic reactions to eye drop ingredients, including active compounds, preservatives, or other additives, can lead to significant discomfort. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, and itching in addition to burning. Benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a widely used preservative, is a frequent culprit for irritation and allergic responses due to its potential to damage ocular surface cells.
An existing infection or inflammation in the eye can also heighten the burning sensation from eye drops. Conditions like bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis (corneal inflammation) can make the eye surface more vulnerable and reactive to any introduced substance. This increased sensitivity means that even appropriate medicated drops can cause discomfort when interacting with an already compromised eye. Using drops not intended for a specific eye condition can further exacerbate symptoms.
Redness-relief drops, which contain vasoconstrictors like tetrahydrozoline or naphazoline, temporarily shrink blood vessels to reduce redness. However, frequent or prolonged use can lead to a “rebound redness” effect, making the eyes appear even redder once the drops wear off. These drops counteract the body’s natural response to irritation, potentially worsening the underlying problem. Similarly, using expired or contaminated eye drops can introduce bacteria or degraded ingredients, leading to irritation or infection.
A corneal abrasion, a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye, typically results in significant pain and burning when eye drops are applied. The cornea is densely packed with nerve endings, making it extremely sensitive to any damage. This pain is often accompanied by increased light sensitivity and can worsen with blinking. Eye drops formulated with pH levels that do not align with the eye’s natural physiological balance can trigger a burning sensation upon contact.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While some mild burning from eye drops can be normal, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Severe or worsening pain and burning that persists long after application are warning signs. Other indicators include increased redness, noticeable swelling around the eye, or any discharge that appears thick, yellowish, or greenish.
Changes in vision, such as new blurriness or increased sensitivity to light, coupled with burning, should prompt a visit to a doctor. A persistent feeling of a foreign body in the eye, or if the underlying eye symptoms do not improve despite regular eye drop use, also indicates a need for professional evaluation.
Tips for Eye Drop Use
Following proper practices can help minimize discomfort and ensure the effective and safe use of eye drops. Always verify the expiration date on the bottle and store eye drops according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying drops to prevent contamination.
Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface. This prevents the introduction of bacteria into the bottle, maintaining sterility. Adhere to the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or on the product label. If multiple types of eye drops are prescribed, wait at least five minutes between applications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.
For individuals with sensitive eyes or those requiring frequent eye drop use, considering preservative-free options can be beneficial. Preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK) can sometimes cause irritation with prolonged use. If burning or discomfort persists, or if you have any concerns about your eye drops, discuss them with your pharmacist or eye care provider.