A burning sensation in one eye feels like stinging or irritation. This common symptom, which may include a gritty feeling or excessive tearing, can signal various underlying issues. Understanding these reasons helps determine appropriate relief.
Common Causes of Burning Sensation
Dry eye is a frequent reason. This condition occurs when eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to inadequate lubrication. Environmental factors like dry indoor air, wind, and prolonged screen time contribute, as reduced blinking during computer use can lessen tear distribution. Medications and age also play a role.
Allergies are another prevalent cause, especially for individuals with hay fever or sensitivities to pollen, pet dander, dust, or mold. When allergens contact the eye, the body’s immune response releases histamines, leading to burning, itching, and watering. Environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, chlorine, cosmetics, or household cleaning products can directly irritate the sensitive eye surface.
Eyestrain, often from prolonged reading or extensive computer use, can cause a burning feeling. This happens as eye muscles work harder, leading to fatigue and discomfort. Contact lens wear can also irritate if lenses are not cleaned properly, worn too long, or if the cleaning solution causes sensitivity. Overwearing lenses restricts oxygen flow to the cornea, leading to irritation.
A foreign body lodged in the eye, such as a speck of dust, sand, or plant material, can cause immediate and persistent burning. This often comes with redness and a feeling that something is constantly in the eye.
Less Common or Serious Causes
Eye infections are a less common but more serious cause. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, involves inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelid. This infection can be viral, bacterial, or allergic, often starting in one eye and potentially spreading, accompanied by redness, discharge, and a gritty feeling. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid edges, can cause burning with crusting or red, swollen eyelids. Styes, infected lumps on the eyelid, may also contribute.
Corneal issues, such as abrasions or ulcers, represent significant concerns. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, often from a foreign object or improper contact lens use. If a scratch doesn’t heal correctly, it can develop into a corneal ulcer, an open sore often caused by infection. These conditions can lead to severe pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and discharge.
Inflammation within the eye, such as uveitis (affecting the middle layer) or scleritis (inflammation of the white outer layer), can cause burning, redness, and pain. Ocular rosacea, linked to the skin disorder rosacea, can also lead to eyelid inflammation, pain, and burning.
Systemic medical conditions can also manifest with a burning sensation. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can affect the eye area, leading to burning, a painful rash, and other eye symptoms like redness and light sensitivity. Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, reduces moisture production, including tears, resulting in chronic dry and burning eyes.
Immediate Steps and Self-Care
When experiencing a burning sensation, several immediate steps can offer relief. If irritation from a foreign particle or chemical is suspected, gently rinsing the eye with clean water or sterile saline solution can help flush out the irritant. Avoid rubbing the eye, as this can worsen irritation or cause further damage. Applying a cool compress over the affected eye can also help soothe the burning and reduce discomfort.
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, often called artificial tears, are an effective option for mild to moderate dry eyes. These drops help replenish the eye’s moisture and lubrication, mimicking natural tears. Thicker gel drops or ointments can provide longer-lasting relief, especially for overnight use. If contact lenses are worn, remove them immediately to check for damage or give the eye a break. Resting the eyes by reducing screen time and avoiding intense visual focus can also provide comfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many causes of a burning eye can be managed at home, certain symptoms indicate a need for medical evaluation. Seek attention if you experience severe pain or if the burning worsens significantly despite self-care.
Changes in vision, such as new blurriness, double vision, or increased sensitivity to light.
Persistent or severe redness of the eye, especially if it is spreading.
Discharge from the eye, such as pus or excessive tearing, particularly if thick or discolored.
A foreign object in your eye that cannot be easily removed with rinsing, or a recent eye injury or chemical exposure.
Symptoms persist for more than 24 to 48 hours without improvement, or if accompanied by fever, headache, or nausea.
These signs could indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring specific treatment.