When feeling unwell, a common and often irritating symptom can be a burning sensation in the eyes. This discomfort can range from a mild stinging to a more intense irritation, sometimes accompanied by a gritty feeling or excessive tearing. Understanding why this symptom occurs when you are sick can help in finding appropriate relief.
Common Illnesses That Cause Burning Eyes
Burning eyes frequently accompany common viral infections such as the cold and flu.
Allergies, whether seasonal or triggered by environmental factors like dust or pet dander, are another frequent cause of burning eyes. When allergens irritate the eyes, the body releases histamines, leading to a burning sensation.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, also leads to burning and irritation. This inflammation of the conjunctiva can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, as well as allergies. Sinus infections can also contribute to eye burning.
How Illnesses Lead to Burning Eyes
The burning sensation in your eyes when you are sick often stems from the body’s immune response. When an infection or allergen enters the body, the immune system triggers inflammation as a defense mechanism. This inflammatory response can affect the conjunctiva and eyelids, leading to redness, swelling, and the characteristic burning feeling. Certain immune cells and chemical mediators released during inflammation contribute to this discomfort.
Another significant factor is dry eyes, a common consequence of illness. Fever and dehydration, often experienced when sick, can reduce tear production or increase the rate at which tears evaporate from the eye’s surface. Tears form a protective film over the eye, and when this film is disrupted or insufficient, the eye surface becomes irritated, leading to a burning or gritty sensation. Some medications taken for illness, such as antihistamines or decongestants, can also reduce tear production, exacerbating dryness.
Furthermore, increased discharge from infections, like mucus or pus, can directly irritate the eye surface. This discharge, along with allergens, can accumulate and cause additional irritation, contributing to the burning sensation. Sometimes, general malaise or inflammation can also make the eyes more sensitive to light, a condition known as photophobia, which adds to the overall discomfort. This light sensitivity can result from altered processing of visual signals in the brain or direct ocular inflammation.
Managing Burning Eyes and Seeking Care
To help alleviate burning eyes when you are sick, several home care strategies can provide relief. Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can rehydrate the eye surface and soothe irritation caused by dryness. Applying a clean, warm or cool compress over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes can also help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Ensuring adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids is important, as dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms. Resting your eyes and minimizing strain, such as taking breaks from screens, can also be beneficial. Avoiding irritants like smoke or known allergens can prevent further aggravation of symptoms.
While many cases of burning eyes resolve with home care, it is important to know when to seek professional medical attention. Consult a doctor if the burning sensation is accompanied by severe pain, changes in vision, or excessive light sensitivity. Persistent redness, thick or greenish discharge, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days, also warrant a medical evaluation. These signs could indicate a more serious eye condition requiring specific treatment.