Burning eyes, or ocular burning, is a stinging or irritation in one or both eyes. Potential causes range from environmental irritants like tobacco smoke to underlying health conditions like dry eye syndrome. Depending on the cause, eye burning can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Feeling discomfort in your eyes can make daily tasks challenging. Speak with an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctors) to find the source of the burning sensation in your eyes.

Eye burning is an uncomfortable stinging sensation in your eyes. The intensity of the burning can vary from mild to severe irritation. Your eyes may feel dry, gritty, or like there is something in them.

Along with a burning or stinging sensation, you may also experience other eye-related symptoms, such as:

• Redness
• Itchiness 
• Watering (tearing) 
• Dryness 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Blurred vision 
• Sticky or stringy eye discharge
• Swelling or puffiness on the eyelids or around the eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses 

Several factors can cause burning eyes, including environmental irritants and underlying conditions. Identifying the cause is the first step in finding effective treatment and relief. 

Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears. Having dry eye syndrome happens when tears evaporate too quickly or do not spread evenly throughout your eyes. Too little moisture and lubrication on the eye’s surface can lead to eye discomfort that may feel like a burning sensation.

Other symptoms of dry eye include:

• Itchiness 
• Redness
• Watering (tearing) 
• Stringy mucus in and around the eyes
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light 

Environmental factors, such as dry climates, wind, or prolonged use of screens (e.g., computers), can lead to dry eyes. Your risk for dry eye increases as you get older.

Taking certain medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can also reduce eye tear production. People with certain chronic (long-term) conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and thyroid disorders, have a higher risk of developing dry eye symptoms.  

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids—usually along the edges, where eyelashes grow. It develops when bacteria build-up at the base of your eyelashes or when the tiny oil glands in the eyelids become clogged. Some people develop blepharitis due to an overpopulation of Demodex, microscopic mites that live at the base of hair follicles. 

Blepharitis can be acute or chronic, with recurrent symptoms that may include:

• Burning, stinging, or itchy eyes 
• Watery (teary) eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Eye redness 
• Sensitivity to light
• Foamy tears 
• Crust on eyelashes or eyelids after waking up  
• Blurry vision
• Eyelashes growing in the wrong direction or falling out 

People with dandruff, rosacea, oily skin, or allergies have an increased risk of developing blepharitis.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. Inflammation of the conjunctiva makes small blood vessels in the eye more visible, causing the whites of the eyes to appear pink or reddish-colored. Pink eye is contagious and can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact.

Bacteria and viruses that spread quickly from person to person can cause an eye infection, leading to pink eye symptoms such as: 

• Burning, itching, eye irritation
• Crusting on the eyelids or eyelashes
• Eye discharge that may be yellow, white, clear, or green
• Feeling like something is in the eye 
• Blepharitis
• Watery, tearing eyes 
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses 

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system but can also affect other body parts and systems, including your eyes. Studies show that nearly 70% of people with COVID-19 infections report experiencing at least one eye-related symptom, with eye burning as the most common.

Eye burning from a COVID-19 infection typically develops within the first three days to a week of having other COVID-19 symptoms like:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Headache 
• Fatigue
• Loss of taste/smell 
• Watery eyes 
• Light sensitivity 

Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, develop after exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

In an attempt to fight off the allergen, the body produces histamine, a chemical that triggers eye allergy symptoms, such as:

• Burning sensation 
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Blepharitis
• Watery, tearing eyes 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Dark circles under your eyes 

Some people with eye allergies experience them seasonally, such as in the spring or summer when grass, tree, and flower pollen counts are higher. Others with dust mites or pet dander allergies may experience them year-round. People with eye allergies may also experience classic allergy symptoms in response to an allergen, such as sneezing, runny nose, and skin rashes. 

Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea is inflammation in your eyes and eyelids, leading to burning, redness, and irritation. It often accompanies facial rosacea, a chronic skin condition that causes facial flushing (redness) on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Ocular rosacea can cause also cause watery eyes and swollen eyelids.

Researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes ocular rosacea, though environmental and genetic factors likely play a role. Certain triggers can lead to or worsen ocular rosacea symptoms, including alcohol consumption, drinking hot beverages, experiencing extreme weather conditions, and participating in high-intensity sports.

Other less common causes of burning eyes include: 

• Pterygium: Also known as “surfer’s eye,” a pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of fleshy tissue that can grow large enough to extend to the cornea, affecting vision. Wind and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause a pterygium. Symptoms may include eye burning, redness, and general discomfort in your eyes. 
• Autoimmune conditions: Some chronic autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause dry, burning eyes. 
• Photokeratitis: Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or artificial light can cause a sunburn on the eyes or photokeratitis. Watching a solar eclipse or the sun reflecting off snow or water can cause eye sunburn that can cause burning pain and vision changes.
• Contact lens use: Wearing contact lenses for a prolonged time period or having improper lens hygiene can cause eye burning, redness, and dryness.
• Chemical exposure: Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine in pools, or air pollutants can irritate the eyes, leading to a burning sensation, redness, and tearing.

Treatment for burning eyes can help relieve pain, discomfort, and other worsening symptoms. Some causes of eye burning may resolve with at-home treatments, while others may require medical treatment.

At-Home Treatments 

Self-care measures can help soothe some causes of eye burning. At-home treatments for burning eyes include:

• Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress, such as a cold, damp cloth, can reduce inflammation and soothe burning eyes. 
• Warm compresses: Gently wiping a warm, wet cloth across your eyelids and eyelashes can help remove dandruff-like flakes or crust and clear blockages in tear ducts. 
• Artificial tears: Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops can lubricate your eyes and reduce dryness.
• Eyelid hygiene: Gently cleaning your eyelids with diluted baby shampoo or eyelid cleaning products and warm water can help remove debris and prevent bacterial overgrowth.  
• Allergen avoidance: If you have eye allergies, avoid or limit your exposure to known allergens. Wear eye protection, like sunglasses, outdoors, and consider vacuuming home carpets regularly to avoid allergens.

Medications 

If you have an eye infection that requires treatment, your healthcare provider may prescribe or recommend medicated eye drops. Antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and prescription eyedrops containing steroids can treat eye burning.

Common mast stabilizers include Elestat (epinastine) or Cromlom (cromolyn), which can help prevent allergy-related eye inflammation and relieve symptoms like eye burning. Lotemax (Loteprednol 0.5%) and Alrex (Loteprednol 0.2%) are common prescription eyedrops containing steroids. Antibiotic eye drops, and ointments treat eye burning caused by bacterial infections.

Medical Procedures

For chronic or severe cases of eye burning, your healthcare provider may recommend medical procedures such as:

• Punctal plugs: If dry eyes cause severe burning or discomfort, a healthcare provider may insert tiny plugs into your tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and help your eyes retain moisture. 
• Meibomian gland expression: A healthcare provider uses tools to gently massage the meibomian (oil) glands, clearing blockages and activating consistent oil production. 
• Surgery: In cases of pterygium causing vision problems, surgery to remove the growth can help restore vision and reduce symptoms. Your healthcare provider may transplant a thin piece of healthy tissue to the affected area to prevent regrowth of the pterygium. 

Taking steps to protect your eye health may help prevent burning eyes. Some tips to help reduce or prevent burning eyes include the following:

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection
• Limit your exposure to eye irritants like wind, dust, and chemicals
• Use a humidifier in your home to moisten the air and prevent dry eye symptoms 
• Drink a good amount of water to stay hydrated
• Take breaks from screens to reduce eye strain

While most cases of eye burning resolve without complications, persistent or severe eye discomfort can lead to more serious concerns, such as: 

• Vision problems: Prolonged eye irritation or inflammation can affect your vision and may lead to permanent vision loss.
• Corneal ulcers: Untreated eye infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), can cause corneal ulcers, open sores on the outer layer of the cornea (the clear dome-shaped front surface of the eye), leading to eye scarring or vision loss.
• Keratoconus: This progressive eye disease causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape, causing blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Keratoconus can develop after excessively rubbing your eyes or experiencing burning and soreness in your eyes.

See a healthcare provider if you experience persistent eye burning that does not improve with self-care measures.

Speak with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you are also experiencing the following symptoms along with eye burning: 

• Eye discharge that is thick, green, or pus-like 
• Severe eye pain 
• Sensitivity to light
• Decrease in vision 
• Swelling in or around the eyes 

An eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye examination, including visual tests and a slit-lamp exam, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend an effective treatment. 

Allergies, environmental irritants, and certain health conditions can cause a burning sensation in your eyes. You may also experience redness, itchiness, and dryness along with a burning sensation in your eyes.

Contact your healthcare provider if your eye burning persists for weeks and disrupts daily activities. Depending on the cause of your eye burning, your ophthalmologist may prescribe eye medications to treat your symptoms.