A constant stinging or burning sensation in your eyes can be frustrating and distracting.. The irritation can make it hard to focus on work, enjoy reading, or even feel comfortable throughout your day.
Most often, a burning feeling in your eyes is a sign of dry eye disease, which happens when your tears aren’t able to provide enough moisture for your eyes. Dry eye may arise due to your eyes not producing enough tears or due to poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly.
Understanding the reasons behind your discomfort is the first step toward finding relief.
Signs Your Eyes Need Attention
A burning or stinging feeling is a clear signal from your eyes. You might also notice other symptoms of irritation. These can range from mild annoyances to more persistent problems that affect your vision.
Common Symptoms of Eye Discomfort
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness in your eyes
- A feeling like something is in your eye
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
- Watery eyes—the body’s response to irritation
- Blurry vision or tired eyes
What Causes Burning Eyes?
Several factors can disrupt the natural moisture in your eyes, leading to an uncomfortable burning sensation. Often, it’s related to the quality or quantity of your tears. Your tear film is more complex than you might think, and any imbalance can cause issues.
Dry Eye Disease & Your Tears
Dry eye disease is a common condition that happens when your tears don’t lubricate your eyes properly. A healthy tear film has three layers: oil, water, and mucus. A problem with any of these layers can cause uncomfortable symptoms like burning and stinging.
Not Enough Tear Production
Sometimes, your eyes just don’t produce enough of the watery part of tears. This is a frequent cause of dry eye disease and can happen for several reasons. Certain factors can slow down your tear production over time:
- Age: Tear production often decreases after age 50.
- Gender: Women may experience dry eyes more, especially with hormonal changes.
- Diet: A diet low in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids can be a factor.
- Contact Lenses: Wearing contacts can sometimes lead to eye irritation.
Tears That Evaporate Too Quickly
Your tears can also dry up too fast if the oily layer is out of balance. Common causes for this issue are often related to your eyelids or environment, and may include:
- Blocked oil glands on the edge of your eyelids
- Blinking less often when you read, drive, or use a computer
- Environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry air
Can Lifestyle Factors Make Eyes Burn?
Your daily habits and environment play a role in your eye health. Factors like dehydration, eye fatigue from extended screen use, and even low humidity can contribute to burning eyes. Paying attention to these factors can help you connect them to your symptoms.
What Happens If Dry Eye Disease Goes Untreated?
When your eyes don’t have a healthy tear film for protection, it can lead to other issues. You might experience more frequent eye infections or even damage to the surface of your eye. It can also make daily activities like reading or driving at night more difficult.
Simple Changes to Soothe Your Eyes
You can take simple steps at home to help manage the discomfort of burning eyes. These habits can also help prevent symptoms from getting worse. Small adjustments to your daily routine can make a noticeable difference.
- Protect Your Eyes from Air: Avoid having fans, heaters, or hair dryers blow directly into your eyes.
- Add Moisture to Your Air: Use a humidifier to put more moisture into the air in your home.
- Take Screen Breaks: Close your eyes for a few minutes or blink repeatedly to help spread your tears.
- Position Your Computer Screen: Place your screen below eye level so you don’t have to open your eyes as wide.
- Avoid Smoke: Stay away from smoke, as it can worsen dry eye symptoms.
When to See a Dry Eye Doctor in Surprise
If you’ve tried simple changes and your eyes still burn, it may be time to get professional input. As your dry eye doctor in Surprise, we can help figure out the reason for your discomfort. If you have ongoing symptoms like red, irritated, or painful eyes that interfere with your daily life, it’s a good idea to get yourself checked out.
At West Valley Dry Eye, we’re dedicated to helping you find comfortable vision. If you’re ready to find relief, schedule a visit with us today.