Our eyes produce tears constantly to maintain lubrication and offer protection against foreign particles. These tears form a complex film with three layers: an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer, and a mucus inner layer, which keep the eye surface smooth and clear. When tears begin to burn, it indicates a disruption in this delicate balance or an underlying eye health issue. This burning sensation can range from mild discomfort to a more persistent problem.
Common Reasons for Burning Tears
One common cause for burning tears is dry eye syndrome, where eyes don’t produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly. This instability in the tear film can lead to a gritty, scratchy, or burning sensation, inflaming the ocular surface. Dry eye can stem from factors like aging, certain medications, hormonal changes, or prolonged screen use which reduces blinking frequency.
Allergies frequently cause burning, itchy, and watery eyes. When allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander contact the eyes, the immune system releases histamines. These histamines cause blood vessels in the conjunctiva to dilate, leading to redness and irritation, and stimulate excess tear production.
Environmental irritants like smoke, pollution, dust, and strong winds can also trigger burning tears. These factors can physically irritate the eye surface or contain chemical pollutants that cause inflammation and burning. Sweat dripping into the eyes can also cause a temporary burning sensation due to its sodium content.
Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), can result in burning tears. This inflammation of the conjunctiva can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Viral conjunctivitis often presents with burning, redness, and watery discharge, while bacterial conjunctivitis may involve sticky discharge and a gritty feeling.
Extended periods of near-focused work, like using digital screens or reading, can lead to eye strain. Reduced blinking rates during these activities cause the tear film to evaporate more rapidly, resulting in dryness and burning.
Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, causes burning, itching, and redness along the eyelid margins. It often involves issues with the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tears, leading to an unstable tear film that evaporates too quickly. Bacterial overgrowth or microscopic mites can also contribute to this inflammation.
Contact lens wear can also lead to burning tears. Improper hygiene, such as touching lenses with unwashed hands or using contaminated lens cases, can introduce bacteria or irritants. Contact lenses can also disrupt the natural tear film, leading to increased evaporation and dryness. Sensitivity to contact lens solutions or protein buildup on the lenses can also cause irritation.
When to Consult a Doctor
If burning tears persist for more than a week or two, or if symptoms worsen, it is advisable to consult an eye doctor. Medical attention is also recommended if the burning is accompanied by severe pain, changes in vision such as blurriness or light sensitivity, or discharge that is thick, greenish, or resembles pus. A sensation of a foreign object in the eye that doesn’t resolve, or intensifying redness, also warrant professional evaluation. These symptoms could signal an underlying eye condition.
Relieving Burning Eyes and Prevention
For immediate relief from burning eyes, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide moisture and help wash away irritants. Applying a clean, cool compress to closed eyes for about five to ten minutes can also reduce inflammation and soothe the burning sensation. Maintaining good eye hygiene, such as gently cleaning eyelids with a warm washcloth, especially for conditions like blepharitis, helps remove debris and reduce irritation.
To prevent future occurrences, avoid known irritants and allergens, such as smoke, dust, and pollen, by keeping windows closed during high-pollen seasons or using air filters indoors. Practicing the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help reduce eye strain from screens. Ensuring adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water supports healthy tear production, and using humidifiers in dry indoor environments can help prevent tear evaporation.