Allergies Eyes Burning: Why Your Eyes May be Burning And How to Treat
Burning eyes are the stinging or burning sensation in one or both eyes.
It can be due to allergies or even when the eyes are dry. Irritants can also cause them.
However, it is treatable and even preventable.
There are various treatments available for burning eyes.
According to a study by the Survey of Ophthalmology, Ketorolac 0.5% Ophthalmic solution is an effective solution that helps with the burning of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
Thus, many ways exist to prevent and even treat eye burning.
What are burning eyes?
Burning eyes refer to a burning or stinging sensation in one or both eyes.
It can be painful or even obstruct your daily functioning, making it difficult to drive or work.
Burning eyes usually react to irritation or a lack of lubrication in the eyes or tears.
It may last for weeks and months or come and go suddenly.
Causes of Allergies Eyes Burning
There are many causes of burning eyes, including:
Allergies
Your eyes might burn with allergic rhinitis, hay fever, or other allergies, especially around pollen, mold, and other allergens.
It happens when the allergens get into the eyes, causing the body to produce antihistamines.
This leads to the burning of the eyes.
If you touch it, an allergen like pet dander or dust might also burn your eyes.
Dry eye
Dry eyes is a condition that happens when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.
If your eyes are not lubricated properly, they may cause burning, stinging, gritty, or itching.
You can use artificial lubricants like Eyemist to keep your eyes lubricated.
Ocular Rosacea
It causes the skin around your eyes and eyes to be inflamed. It can lead to swelling, redness, burning, or a crusty discharge.
Blepharitis
It is an irritation or inflammation of the edges of the eyelids.
Low humidity
Dry indoor air can leave the skin and your hair dehydrated, along with your eyes.
If your eyes burn more indoors, especially in a heated environment, it could be due to the air.
Irritants
Your eyes may even be sensitive to everyday chemicals in everyday products.
Being around such chemicals too much may lead to eye burning and irritation.
Common irritants include cigarette smoke, chlorine, preservatives and fragrances, and household cleaners.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis and treatment of burning eyes depend on its cause. To determine the reason, the doctor will
- Ask you about the symptoms and their starting date
- Discuss the medical family history to find out what may be causing the medical conditions
- Perform a physical exam and an eye exam
Dry eye syndrome or eye allergies are the most common causes of burning eyes. Therefore, your doctor may suggest allergy tests.
Treatments
There are many remedies to help you with burning eyes:
- Antihistamines (allergy medicines)
It can help improve symptoms of allergies of the eye and allergic pink eye. They come in pills that help relieve various allergy symptoms or eye drops to treat eye allergies.
- Eye drops
You can use over-the-counter eye lubricants or artificial tears to combat the dryness of the eye.
You can also use artificial tears like Eyemist to help alleviate dry eyes.
- Baby shampoo
You can relieve crusting from Blepharitis by gently clearing the eyelids with baby shampoo and water. Rinse thoroughly and then gently pat it dry with a towel.
- Eyewash
You can use warm tap water to flush pollen grains, irritants, or dust out of your eyes.
Or you can also get an eye wash kit. It comes with a small cup and sterile saline water.
- Cool or warm compresses
You should apply a clean, wet washcloth for about five to ten minutes. It can help relieve pink eye, photokeratitis, and Blepharitis.
Prevention of allergic eye burning
You cannot always prevent it. It is because there are a lot of allergens and viruses out there.
But taking these steps can help prevent them to some extent:
- Be gentle
Avoid rubbing your eyes as much as possible. It can spread germs or allergens to your eyes and irritate them.
- Go fragrance-free products
Use household cleaners and personal products without fragrances.
- Avoid allergy triggers
Stay away from triggers of allergies.
Try to keep your windows closed during windy days and in pollen seasons. You can also use air filters to reduce allergens around you.
- Keep the water of the swimming pool out of your eyes
Wear goggles to prevent eye irritation. You should shower and wash your face after swimming.
- Protect from sun damage
Wear sunglasses or sports goggles with a 100% UV protection rate when outside in day time.
- Stop pink eye germs
Avoid sharing personal items with others, such as makeup, towels, or even eye drops.
- Avoid debris from getting into the eyes
Wear safety goggles or proper eye protection when working with construction equipment and tools.
- Good hand hygiene
Wash your hands properly before touching your face or eyes, eating, and using the bathroom.
Also Read: Learn natural remedies to ensure quick relief. Read our article “Natural Remedies for Eye Allergies: Relief without Medication.”
When to see a doctor for burning eyes
The first thing is to find the cause of burning eyes to get medical attention.
You should see a healthcare provider if your eyes burn and sting, but you don’t know why.
Takeaway
There are, thus, many reasons why your eyes may be burning.
To treat burning eyes, it is important to know the cause behind it.
Therefore, if home remedies for treating burning eyes do not work, you should immediately go to a doctor for it.
Frequently asked questions
How can I relieve burning eyes caused by allergies?
You should use warm water to wash irritants from your eyes, such as pollen grains or dust. You can also use over-the-counter lubricants and artificial tears to combat eye dryness.
Can wearing contact lenses worsen burning eyes due to allergies?
As your contact lenses may trap allergens, yes. Wearing contact lenses can worsen burning eyes due to allergies. Therefore, you should always practice contact lens hygiene when wearing them.
What eye drops should I use for burning eyes?
Antihistamine and decongestant combination eye drops reduce watering eyes, itching eyes, and redness. For example- Antazoline phosphate, Opcon-A, and Naphcon-A.
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