Eye Burning | Causes, Treatment, and the Best Eye Drops for Burning Eyes

Burning eyes can be an annoying and worrying problem. In most cases, eye burning can be quickly evaluated, the cause identified, and both burning and related symptoms such as headache can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, there are some less common causes that may require specialized medical care.  

In this article, we cover everything related to this condition, with a special focus on the very common issue of burning eyes upon waking up.

Causes of Burning Eyes

Eye irritation is often described as a burning sensation in the eyes. Common causes of eye burning include the following:

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is characterized by flaky, dandruff-like scales at the base of the eyelashes, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Additional symptoms can include eye redness and eyelid swelling.

Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears or do not produce the right quality of tears. Dry eye tends to be more common in women and older adults. Other possible symptoms include:

– Pain or discomfort  

– Eye redness  

– A heavy or tired feeling in the eyelids  

– Blurred vision  

Eye Allergies

Also known as allergic conjunctivitis, eye allergies develop when irritating substances come into contact with the eyes. The body reacts by releasing histamine, which can trigger burning in the eyes. Common triggers include dust, pollen, smoke, perfumes, pet dander, and certain foods. Other symptoms of eye allergies can include:

– Itching  

– Redness  

– Tearing  

– Swollen eyelids  

Sunburn of the Eye

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause a burning sensation in the eyes, a condition known as photokeratitis. In addition to burning, symptoms may include:

– Eye pain  

– Redness  

– Sensitivity to light  

– The feeling that something is in the eye  

– Excessive tearing  

– Blurred vision  

Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea is a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids and typically affects people who have rosacea, a chronic skin condition that leads to facial redness. Additional symptoms of ocular rosacea may include:

– Burning or stinging in the eyes  

– Bloodshot or watery eyes  

– Sensitivity to light  

– A gritty or foreign-body sensation  

– Dry eyes  

– Swollen, red eyelids  

Pterygium

Pterygium is a benign, wedge-shaped growth of tissue on the white part of the eye that can extend toward the cornea. It is often linked to chronic sun exposure, wind, and dust. Although it is noncancerous, it may cause:

– Burning or irritation  

– Redness  

– Dryness  

– A feeling of something in the eye  

– In advanced cases, visual disturbance if it reaches the cornea  

Diagnosis of Burning Eyes

To diagnose the cause of burning eyes, an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) will usually take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms, their duration, and possible triggers such as allergens, environmental factors, or medications.  

A comprehensive eye examination may include:  

– Inspection of the eyelids and eyelashes  

– Examination of the conjunctiva and cornea with a slit lamp  

– Tests to assess tear quantity and quality (for dry eye)  

– Checking for signs of infection, allergy, or inflammatory conditions  

Based on the findings, the doctor can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment of Burning Eyes

Treatment for burning eyes depends largely on the underlying cause.  

For example, if the burning is due to a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to clear the infection.  

In many cases, treatment focuses on relieving dryness and irritation. Other interventions that a doctor may recommend for burning eyes include:

– Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops  

– Warm compresses on the eyelids, especially in blepharitis or ocular rosacea  

– Eyelid hygiene (cleaning the lid margins and lashes)  

– Avoiding known allergens or irritants such as smoke and strong fragrances  

– Antihistamine or anti-allergy eye drops in cases of eye allergies  

– Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays to protect against sun-related damage  

– Using humidifiers in dry environments  

– Adjusting screen time and taking regular breaks to reduce eye strain  

Best Eye Drops for Burning Eyes

There are many effective types of eye drops that can help relieve burning eyes. Among the most commonly recommended are:

Allergy Eye Drops

These are formulated to treat symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as burning, itching, redness, and tearing. They may contain antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, or a combination of both to help block or prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances in the eye.

Anti-Redness Eye Drops

These drops are designed to reduce eye redness by narrowing the superficial blood vessels in the conjunctiva. They can temporarily relieve redness and mild irritation, but they should be used with caution and not for prolonged periods without medical supervision, as overuse may worsen redness over time.

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops used to treat dry eye, one of the most common causes of eye burning. They help moisturize the eye surface, reduce friction, and relieve symptoms such as burning, grittiness, and foreign-body sensation. They are available in different viscosities and preservative-free formulations, which are often preferred for frequent or long-term use.