Experiencing burning eyes when you have a cold is a common symptom. This sensation arises from the body’s response to the viral infection and can be attributed to several underlying physiological mechanisms. Understanding these reasons and managing discomfort can provide relief.
How Colds Affect Your Eyes
When a cold virus enters your body, it triggers an immune response that leads to widespread inflammation. This inflammation, while primarily affecting the respiratory system, can extend to the delicate tissues surrounding your eyes. The common cold is often caused by adenoviruses, which are also known culprits for viral conjunctivitis, commonly called “pink eye.” This direct viral infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelid, can cause symptoms such as a burning, grittiness, redness, and watery discharge.
Congestion can significantly impact your eyes. Your eyes are connected to your nasal passages through tear ducts. Swollen nasal passages or sinuses, which are air-filled cavities around your eyes and nose, can put pressure on these tear ducts, potentially obstructing the normal flow of tears. This disruption can lead to either an accumulation of tears or, paradoxically, dry eyes, both of which can result in irritation and a burning sensation. The inflammatory response itself can also affect tear quality and production, contributing to eye dryness.
The body’s overall sensitivity increases during an illness, which can amplify existing eye irritations. The sneezing and coughing associated with a cold can also contribute to eye discomfort, sometimes spreading the virus from your hands to your eyes if you touch your face. This combination of direct viral effects, inflammatory responses, sinus pressure, and changes in tear film collectively contributes to the burning sensation.
Soothing Eye Discomfort
Several self-care measures can help alleviate burning and discomfort. Applying a warm compress to your closed eyelids can be soothing. This can help reduce congestion and provide comfort, especially if there is discharge that causes eyelids to stick together. Gently cleaning your eyelids with a clean, wet washcloth can also help remove irritants and discharge.
Using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help moisturize the eyes and relieve dryness, burning, and grittiness. These drops can be used multiple times a day as needed. Avoid rubbing your eyes, even if they feel itchy or irritated, as this can worsen the discomfort and introduce further infection.
Ensuring adequate rest and maintaining good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids can also support your body’s recovery and help keep your eyes moisturized. While these measures can provide relief, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
When to Seek Medical Help
While burning eyes often resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Seek medical advice if you experience severe eye pain, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light (photophobia). These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye condition, such as keratitis.
Other red flags include persistent redness that does not improve, thick or colored discharge, or if your symptoms worsen. If your eye symptoms do not improve after a few days of self-care, or if you frequently experience eye colds, it is also recommended to consult a doctor. An optometrist can help determine if your symptoms are caused by viral conjunctivitis or another type of conjunctivitis, such as bacterial or allergic, which may require different treatments.