A burning sensation in your eyes while wearing glasses can be uncomfortable. Many people who wear corrective lenses experience this irritation. While usually not a sign of a serious underlying condition, understanding its causes can help find relief.
Primary Reasons for Burning Eyes While Wearing Glasses
An outdated or improperly prescribed lens power is a frequent cause of eye burning. When your glasses prescription does not accurately match your current visual needs, your eyes must work harder to focus, which leads to eye strain and fatigue. This continuous effort to compensate for incorrect vision can manifest as a burning sensation, blurred vision, or headaches.
Dry eyes can also be exacerbated by wearing glasses. Glasses may alter natural airflow around the eyes, increasing tear evaporation. This can worsen dry eye conditions, as eyes lack sufficient lubrication, leading to burning, stinging, or a gritty feeling.
Another common culprit is dirty or scratched lenses. Smudges, dust, or scratches on the lens surface can scatter light, causing glare and reducing clarity. Your eyes then strain to see through these imperfections, leading to discomfort and a burning sensation.
Ill-fitting frames can contribute to eye irritation. Glasses that are too tight or improperly positioned may create pressure points on the nose or temples, leading to headaches and discomfort. Frames that do not sit correctly can also interfere with tear film distribution, contributing to dryness and burning.
Additional Contributing Factors
Prolonged digital screen use often leads to digital eye strain. This condition can cause reduced blinking, eye fatigue, and a burning sensation, which glasses might not fully alleviate if not optimized for screen use. Blue light from screens, combined with decreased blinking, can increase visual stress and discomfort.
Environmental irritants can also play a role in eye burning. Factors like dry air from air conditioning or heating, dust, smoke, pollution, or airborne allergens can irritate the eyes. Glasses may sometimes trap these irritants closer to the eyes, potentially intensifying the burning sensation.
Underlying eye conditions can also make burning eyes more noticeable or uncomfortable while wearing glasses. Conditions such as blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) or conjunctivitis often present with burning symptoms. Ocular rosacea can also cause eye inflammation and burning.
Strategies for Relief and Professional Guidance
To alleviate eye burning, several self-care measures can help. Regularly cleaning glasses with an appropriate lens cleaner and microfiber cloth ensures clear vision and reduces eye strain. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can combat dryness and provide moisture.
For those experiencing digital eye strain, practicing the 20-20-20 rule is recommended: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Ensuring proper lighting and an ergonomic setup for screen use, along with taking regular breaks from close-up work, can also reduce discomfort. If discomfort from frame fit is suspected, a professional glasses fitting can often resolve the issue.
It is advisable to consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist if eye burning persists despite self-care measures. Professional evaluation is also important if the burning is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, pain, blurred vision, discharge, light sensitivity, or headaches. A comprehensive eye exam can help rule out an incorrect prescription or identify any underlying medical conditions contributing to the irritation.