Burning in the eyes. Why does it sting the eye? Possible causes of burning sensation in the eye

It should immediately be noted that this symptom cannot be called normal. In addition, it causes a lot of inconvenience, since the burning sensation is sometimes quite strong and occurs very often. And to deal with this problem, you first need to find out the reasons.

So, we list the causes of burning eyes:

1. Eye infections. Moreover, they can be absolutely of any nature: bacterial, fungal and viral. For instance, burning sensation in the eyes refers to . In addition, often this manifestation occurs after infection with the flu or SARS.

2. Eye injuries can also cause burning and. For example, as a result of getting a small mote (especially if it has sharp hazel), there will be discomfort.

3. Burns. They can be both thermal (impact hot water or steam), and chemical (for example, after contact with the eyes detergent for dishes or something else).

4. Eye strain and fatigue. Symptoms of fatigue include discomfort, redness, and burning.

5. Allergy. Manifestations this disease can be very different, including they touch the eyes. For example, increased tearing and burning may occur.

6. Endocrine disorders. Surprisingly, they can also cause burning eyes. Sometimes problems with thyroid gland accompanied by swelling eyeballs, burning and redness of the eyes.

7. Dry eye syndrome or, in other words, an insufficient amount fluid produced by the lacrimal glands. As a result of insufficient hydration of the mucous membrane of the eye, discomfort and.

8. Wrongly matched contact lenses or non-compliance with the rules when wearing them.

9. Serious eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Treat - no cure

It should be noted right away that self-medication is not best friend healthy person. Yes, a symptom like burning eyes, may seem frivolous and not at all dangerous. But, as it was already possible to understand, it may indicate the development serious illness. Therefore, the first thing you should do is visit an ophthalmologist. He will examine his eyes for a hit in them. foreign bodies and the presence of injuries, as well as conduct other studies and prescribe necessary treatment. But there are some measures that will help relieve the burning sensation in one case or another.

  • With dry eye syndrome, you need to moisturize the eyeballs using artificial tears. It is also important to drink enough fluids (at least 2 liters per day).
  • In the case of an infection, of course, it must be treated.

    The eyes just need to be allowed to rest. Therefore, during the working day, you need to just close your eyes for 10-15 minutes at least 2-3 times. This will help eliminate discomfort.

    Can be used call, as this will help relieve inflammation.

Prevention

So, in order not to arise burning eyes, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene (so as not to bring bacteria into your eyes), monitor your health, and also visit an ophthalmologist every six months.

It remains only to add that the burning sensation in the eyes is not as harmless as it seems. So if this symptom occurs, it is better to go to the doctor, and not resort to the help of folk remedies.

Discomfort in the eyes frequent occurrence which everyone has encountered at least once. Causes of burning in the eyes can be caused as external factors and disturbances in the functioning of the body. We will look at the main causes of discomfort, as well as ways to eliminate them.

Causes of the problem

Severe cramps and an unpleasant burning sensation in the eyes are often symptoms of ailments that affect the mucous membranes. If a problem is found, it is necessary to establish the cause of its occurrence, which will allow you to choose the right course of treatment.

So, what factors can cause discomfort?

  • Injuries. Friction, shock and foreign objects can provoke discomfort;
  • infectious diseases. pathogenic microorganisms, represented by viruses, fungi can provoke the development of a number of eye ailments: conjunctivitis, glaucoma, herpes, etc .;
  • Overvoltage. Full time job at the computer or with small details makes eye muscles constantly tense up. This, in turn, can cause itching, burning and even pain;
  • Photophobia. An abnormal reaction of photoreceptors to light, caused by a significant dilation of the pupils. It usually occurs as a result of the development of certain types of diseases (measles, corneal erosion, rubella);
  • Increased tearing. Most often occurs due to allergic reaction accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the eyeballs;
  • Burns. Chemical and thermal burns cause damage to the mucosa and, accordingly, severe burning;
  • Hormonal imbalance. instability hormonal background caused by endocrine disorders, in some cases, it also affects the condition of the mucous membranes, including the eyes;
  • Incorrect selection of contact lenses. This problem is common in people who regularly use optical contact lenses.

The list of causes of discomfort is incomplete, and therefore, to treat a burning sensation in the eyes, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist. Via modern methods examination, he will be able to find out exactly what factors influenced the occurrence of the problem and how it can be dealt with.

What are the symptoms?

Why do eyes hurt? As already noted, mechanical damage to the mucous membranes, as well as the development of infectious and viral ailments, can cause discomfort.

What symptomatic picture will be a direct indication for seeking help from an ophthalmologist?


  • itching and cramps;
  • It's a dull pain;
  • increased tearing;
  • sensation of a foreign object inside the orbit;
  • redness of the "proteins" and the iris;
  • feeling of intense pressure on the eye sockets.

Such signs may indicate increased dryness in the eyes, ignoring which in some situations leads to partial loss of vision. To find out the nature of discomfort, first of all, it is worth consulting with a qualified physician.

Possible diseases

Often, discomfort and pain are the result, or rather, a sign of the development of some more serious problems with health. Therefore, they should never be ignored.

If the eyes are very sore, what diseases can this indicate?

  • Glaucoma. Raise intraocular pressure provokes the appearance of discomfort, pain and a feeling of pressure on the eyes;
  • Barley. Often, pain is caused by suppuration on the rim of the upper or lower eyelid;
  • Dry eye syndrome. Insufficient secretion of natural lubrication makes a person feel foreign object inside the orbit and burning;
  • Keratitis. Inflammatory processes in the cornea cause redness and pain when moving the eyes;
  • Conjunctivitis. Purulent formations that occur in the mucosa provoke the appearance of puffiness. This, in turn, causes severe itching or burning;
  • Blepharitis. Acute or chronic inflammation eyelid tissue causes a feeling of clogging of the eye.

As you can see, the list of possible eye diseases is quite serious. In addition, eye pain, photophobia, severe burning, redness, and tearing may indicate the development of herpes zoster, measles, rubella, allergies, sinusitis, and vascular disease.

Diagnosis of diseases

In order to assign competent treatment, it is necessary to undergo an appropriate examination in the clinic. Otherwise, you can start the disease and provoke serious complications.

In order for the ophthalmologist to be able to confidently issue a “verdict” to the patient, he must diagnose:


  • make a visual examination of the patient;
  • find out the symptoms
  • check the reaction of the pupils to the light stimulus;
  • find out the patient's history;
  • check if there is a decrease in visual acuity;
  • determine the degree of sensitivity of photoreceptors to light;
  • in cases of suspected infectious viral diseases make appropriate analyses.

Methods of treatment

How can redness of the eyes and burning eyes be cured?

Depending on the cause of the problem, the specialist prescribes a certain drug. resort to self-treatment not worth it, because in most cases such experiments do not bring positive results.

What types of medicines can be prescribed by a doctor?


  • Tetracycline ointment. This remedy allows you to cope with conjunctivitis, mechanical damage, thermal burns, as well as ailments that were caused by pathogens;
  • Oftalmoferon. The drug fights viral manifestations as well as dry eye syndrome;
  • Emoxipin. The drug affects the blood microcirculation in small vessels, due to which there is a rapid resorption of hemorrhages in the eyeball;
  • Tsipromed. Effective eye drops are struggling with infectious diseases, blepharitis and mechanical damage mucous;
  • Thiotriazoline. One of the most effective means stimulating tissue regeneration after chemical and thermal burns;
  • Levomycetin. Sufficient strong medicine with very a wide range actions. It is used to eliminate infectious diseases such as keratitis or purulent conjunctivitis;
  • Drops "artificial tear". Effective treatment dryness and severe burning sensation in the eyes involves the use of drops, which are very similar in composition to human tears. Their regular use allows you to quickly cope with discomfort in the eye sockets.

In the absence of viral and infectious diseases, itching, burning and tearing can be dealt with folk remedies. Phytotherapists recommend using potato and nut lotions, compresses from decoctions of mint, black tea, onion peel, calendula and aloe.

A feeling of excessive dryness or burning in the eyes is often referred to as burning. Sometimes these symptoms are temporary and harmless, but mostly they are a sign of serious eye problems.

Burning eyes: causes

A symptom that delivers very unpleasant sensations can be caused by the following factors:

  • Unfavorable environmental conditions. This symptom is often associated negative impact environment: smog or smoke; windy weather; too bright sun (prolonged exposure to direct sun rays, which can lead to retinal burns); irritants chemical origin (cosmetics, washing gels, etc.).
  • An allergic reaction that can cause: fungal spores, mold; pollen, causing burning in the eyes and lacrimation; animal hair; dust, etc.
  • Eye diseases (symptoms caused by some kind of eye disease, including chronic ones): conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyeballs); blepharitis (inflammatory processes that develop on the skin of the eyelids); keratitis (corneal disease); dry eye syndrome; meibomitis, which is chronic; Schergen syndrome.
  • Other factors: age-related changes; taking certain medications, side effects which include dryness and burning in the eyes.
Photo 1: Wearing poor quality contact lenses can cause this unpleasant symptom like pain and pain in the eyes. Source: flickr (Tru Pal).

Additional symptoms with burning in the eyes

A burning sensation in the eyes is often accompanied by other symptoms, of which it is worth noting:

  • various eye secretions;
  • feeling of dryness;
  • redness, pain;
  • fear of light;
  • profuse lacrimation;
  • cut;
  • fuzzy "picture";
  • blurred vision.

Cutting and burning in the eyes

Cutting, pain, burning are symptoms indicating the presence of inflammatory processes progressing in the area of ​​​​the eyeballs (conjunctivitis, blepharitis). They are often complemented by redness, increased lacrimation, painful sensations to bright lighting.

Cutting can occur in a room with very dry air, as well as in smoky or excessively dusty rooms.

Similar symptoms may also bother people wearing soft lenses.

Burning eyes and tearing

A burning sensation, as well as profuse lacrimation, are the main manifestations of allergies. The glands of the separation of tears begin to work more intensively in order to quickly get rid of the irritant that led to these consequences. In this situation, it is necessary to take an anti-allergic drug in a timely manner, as well as instill eye drops with a medicine that contains corticosteroid hormones.

Dryness and burning in the eyes

People who long time are near the monitor or due to their professional activity forced to intensely concentrate their attention, often face the problem of dry eyes.

When working with a PC, the eyes stare at one point for a long time, blink less, and, accordingly, are poorly moistened with tears. The mucous membrane dries up, which causes burning and severe discomfort.

Burning and redness of the eyes

One of the most common causes of eye redness is an infectious disease called blepharitis. The infection affects the follicles that are on the eyelid (its wet part).

Similar symptoms can occur with conjunctivitis. Note that if the pathology was provoked by a virus, then the patient can be dangerous to others, because this disease is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Uveitis is an inflammation that affects blood vessels, causes burning and redness of the eyes. The disease itself is not as terrible as the complications that may appear later, including 100% blindness.

Also, one of the ailments that give such symptoms is a disease of the cornea, or rather ulcers on it, which occur due to bacterial damage to the iris of the eyeball.

The eyes also turn red with the development of glaucoma, when eye pressure rises rapidly and the patient feels sharp pain and a decrease in the quality of vision.

Injuries to the cornea can cause burning and redness of the eyes.

Burning in the eyes with fever

As a rule, a symptom characteristic of viral and infectious diseases- temperature accompanied by a burning sensation in the eyes.

There is, for example, a sign adenovirus infection which affects the mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, lymph and intestines.

What measures should be taken if there is a burning sensation in the eyes

The method of treatment largely depends on specific reasons, which provoked the occurrence of the symptom in question.


Photo 2: Self-medication can negatively affect not only the local level, but also harm the whole body as a whole, so taking any medicines should only be carried out after consultation with a specialist. Source: flickr (Brett Renfer).

What not to do if a symptom appears

If there is a burning sensation or dryness of the eyeballs, in no case should you:

  • rubbing the eyes and eyelids, as this contributes to increased discomfort, which then will be difficult to eliminate;
  • drip eye drops without medical indications;
  • wear contact lenses.

In what cases should you urgently visit an ophthalmologist

It is not worth delaying a visit to the doctor for any unhealthy symptoms, however, there are special factors, when they appear, you need to urgently make an appointment with a specialist. Among them are the following:

  • burning sensation in the eyes accompanied by photosensitivity, painful sensations, lacrimation;
  • the presence of any eye discharge;
  • blurred or reduced quality of vision (blurred picture) along with dryness and burning.

Note! Even if a person does not experience any of the above symptoms, but feels dryness or burning sensation that does not go away for several days, it is necessary to visit a specialist in order to avoid the risk of developing serious pathologies and irreversible processes.

Homeopathic treatment for burning eyes

Many patients suffering from various eye pathologies are wondering if homeopathy helps in this?

If we consider on which the method is based homeopathic treatment, then for the eyes it can also do a lot of useful things.

Homeopathic medicines, in particular classic granules and drops, help treat various inflammatory processes, as well as chronic and acute ailments, such as conjunctivitis, barley, blepharitis, chalazion, dryness and burning sensation due to allergies and other diseases.

Blepharitis

Homeopaths prescribe:

(Apis), (Belladonna), Clematis (Clematis), Natrium muriaticum (Natrium muriaticum), (Nux vomica), Sepia (Sepia) and Mercurius solubilis (Mercurius solubilis).

From blepharitis with the presence of ulcers great help like this homeopathic remedies, how:

(Kreosotum), (Argentum nitricum), Petroleum (Petroleum) and Kali phosphoricum (Kali phosphoricum).

Burning eyes is a feeling of burning and dryness in the eyes. Very often, a burning sensation is a symptom of serious problems in the eyes.

Burning eye symptoms

Burning in the eyes may be accompanied by other eye symptoms, including:

  • eye discharge
  • feeling of dry eyes
  • itching and burning in the eyes
  • redness and pain in the eyes
  • pain, lacrimation and photophobia
  • blurred vision

Causes of burning in the eyes

Distinguish the following reasons the appearance of this symptom:

1. Environmental reasons. Most often, the symptom of burning in the eyes causes aggressive environmental influences:

  • strong wind
  • dust or smoke
  • intense solar exposure
  • chemical irritants (soap, makeup removers, cosmetics, etc.)

Causes associated with allergies

  • pollen
  • mold
  • fungus, fungal spores
  • animal dander

2. Eye causes

  • dry eye syndrome
  • inflammation of the lining of the eye (conjunctivitis)
  • inflammation of the skin of the eyelids (blepharitis)
  • inflammation of the cornea (keratitis)
  • chronic meibomitis
  • Sjögren's syndrome
  • wearing contact lenses


3. Other reasons

  • elderly age
  • taking certain medications

When should you urgently see a doctor?

  • if the burning sensation of the eyes is accompanied by pain or hypersensitivity to light and lachrymation
  • if you have any discharge from the eyes
  • if, along with a burning sensation, there is a deterioration or blurred vision

Even if you do not have any of the above symptoms, but there is a burning sensation in the eyes, you should consult a specialist.


How to treat burning eyes

The treatment for burning eyes mainly depends on the cause that led to this symptom.

In case of impact negative factors environment must be avoided in the first place similar situations. Cold compresses with a decoction of chamomile will help to quickly relieve the symptoms of burning around the eyes, in case of environmental causes.

For allergies, the doctor prescribes antiallergic medications, which minimize the occurrence of burning in the eyes.

Burning eyes with dry eye syndrome are relieved by the use of moisturizing drops. It is often necessary to use artificial tears that do not contain preservatives.

What should absolutely not be done?

If there is a burning sensation in the eyes, you should not:

  • rubbing the eyes, this exacerbates burning symptoms
  • instill eye drops without a doctor's prescription
  • wear contact lenses

What happens if the symptom is not treated?

On their own, without consequences for your vision and health, a burning sensation in the eyes caused by environmental reasons can pass.

In other cases, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease, which leads to the development of this symptom.

Prevention

Here are some tips to help you avoid burning your eyes:

  • Visit your eye doctor regularly to diagnose conditions that may be causing the burning sensation.
  • If you wear contact lenses, tell your eye doctor if you experience burning symptoms.
  • Wear eye protection ( sunglasses, masks, goggles) when exposed to adverse factors environment.
  • If you suffer from a condition that causes burning (such as dry eye syndrome), use moisturizing drops to reduce symptoms.
  • Never ignore new symptoms or sensations that come up in your eyes.

Cutting, dryness and burning in the eyes can be signs of completely different ophthalmic diseases, many of which can lead to visual impairment. If symptoms occur regularly, without fail contact a specialist.

Symptoms

Burning in the eyes is usually the main sign indicating the development of pathology. However, in combination with it, the following symptoms may occur:

  • itching in the corners of the eyes;
  • resi;
  • hyperemia (redness);
  • peeling skin around the eye;
  • swelling of the eyelids;
  • photophobia (photophobia);
  • lacrimation.

The doctor evaluates all the symptoms in a complex and, on the basis of this, makes a diagnosis.

One of the most common causes of burning and dry eyes is conjunctivitis. It refers to diseases of an infectious nature, and the penetration of fungi, viruses, bacteria can provoke its occurrence.

If you do not start treatment at the first symptoms, then the disease can go into a chronic phase. Additional symptoms there may be lacrimation, a sensation of a foreign object in the eyes, the formation of purulent discharge.

Burning also occurs with keratitis. This dangerous pathology, since it causes clouding of the cornea, which can significantly reduce visual acuity.

Accompanying symptoms are photophobia, inability to close the eyelids, severe pain in the eyes.

Causes of burning in the eyes

Several reasons why discomfort occurs:

  • ticks;
  • dystonia;
  • blepharitis (inflammatory process of the eyelids);
  • conjunctivitis;
  • uveitis;
  • ulcerative lesions;
  • glaucoma.

The symptom is typical for blepharitis, barley, the development of inflammatory processes in lacrimal ducts. You should not try to make a diagnosis yourself, and even more so start treatment. Inadequate therapy can cause vision loss.

One of the reasons may be demodicosis - tick damage. The disease is accompanied by discomfort in the eye area, redness, itching and pain.

  • disruption of the endocrine system;
  • pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • dysfunction of the sebaceous glands;
  • liver disease;
  • pathological processes affecting the nervous system.

Vascular dystonia, which causes burning and itching around the eyes, may develop as a result of an allergic reaction to creams, ointments, and cosmetics used. Corneal ulcers are caused by bacterial infection. One more serious reason- glaucoma. It is accompanied by a pronounced redness of the eyes, caused by an increase in pressure in the vessels.

Allergy

Allergic reactions can develop at any age. The cause may be food, plant pollen, dust, medication.

The most commonly diagnosed allergic diseases include:

  • pollinous conjunctivitis;
  • angioedema;
  • keratoconjunctivitis.

An allergic reaction can be the result of dry eye syndrome, the development of infectious diseases, the use of contact lenses.

Traumatic lesions

Injury to the mucosa or eyelids of any nature - mechanical, thermal, chemical is always accompanied severe pain, burning in the eyes, lacrimation.

A sign can indicate not only the pathology of the organs of vision, but also systemic disorders in organism. It may accompany the following conditions:

  • hyperthyroidism;
  • blood diseases;
  • autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis;
  • a number of skin diseases;
  • SARS, influenza;
  • vasculitis;
  • hormonal changes.

Dry eye syndrome develops in those who work a lot of time at the computer, are in a room with dry air, and wear contact lenses.

During the day, itching around the eyes, the pain intensifies, and over time, tearing develops. Under the influence of ongoing changes, the cornea suffers from hypoxia, resulting in the development of keratitis.

To avoid such consequences, people whose eyes have increased load be sure to use artificial tears.

Which doctor should I contact?

Initially, you should consult an ophthalmologist for advice, but in the course of treatment, recommendations from other specialists may be required: an allergist, an endocrinologist, a therapist.

You should immediately visit a doctor in the following cases:

  • burning combined with pain in the eyes, photophobia, lacrimation;
  • there are discharge from the eyes of any nature (purulent, serous);
  • deterioration, blurred vision.

If discomfort in the eyes is a temporary phenomenon, provoked by a short exposure to factors such as strong winds, then an appeal to a specialist is not required.

Treatment

Causes and treatment are interrelated: the treatment regimen is determined by the doctor and depends on the disease that caused the eye burning. In diseases of an allergic nature, in which itching, burning in the nose, eyes, are prescribed antihistamines. Dry eye syndrome is eliminated with the help of artificial tears.

With infections of a bacterial nature, keratitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, it is necessary to use antiseptic agents (Oftalmodek), antibacterial drops (Tobrex, Tsipromed). Corticosteroids, NSAIDs may also be prescribed.

If a viral infection is detected, the doctor prescribes antiviral drugs(Zovirax) in combination with immunomodulators and vitamins.

Eliminate fungal infection You can use Okomistin.

It is possible to treat diseases due to which a burning sensation in the eyes develops with the help of the following drugs:

  • Tetracycline ointment eliminates conjunctivitis, the effects of mechanical and thermal injury, diseases caused by bacterial overgrowth.
  • Ophthalmoferon is prescribed for viral infections and dry eye syndrome.
  • Emoksipin is used to normalize blood circulation in small vessels.
  • With thermal and chemical lesions, Thiotriazoline is prescribed - a drug that stimulates regenerative functions.
  • The use of Levomycetin contributes to the speedy elimination of infectious diseases.

It is imperative to consult a doctor, since it is not always possible to identify the cause on your own, but it is necessary to evaluate clinical picture generally.


Folk recipes

In case of burning and itching in the eyes ethnoscience advises to use washings with decoctions of St. John's wort, juice of daisies. In case of development inflammatory process it is recommended to use blueberry infusion. Chamomile decoction also helps against inflammation.

One of the simple and repeatedly proven methods is washing the eyes with tea leaves. You can apply tea bags to your eyes - this will eliminate irritation and redness of the eyes. However, you need to understand that the method will only eliminate the symptoms, therapeutic effect from the procedure will not.

Preventive actions

To reduce the risk of developing ophthalmic diseases, there are the following recommendations:

  • regular visits to the ophthalmologist (every year);
  • usage protective equipment under the influence of adverse factors;
  • if necessary, use eye drops for dryness;
  • do not touch your eyes with dirty hands;
  • if your eyes are dry, you should not scratch them, as this will only aggravate the situation.

As you can see, there are many diseases that can cause burning and pain in the eyes. You can not ignore this symptom or try to take measures on your own, without diagnosis. In cases where the causes are the penetration of an infection, a virus, with traumatic lesions, the consequences of self-treatment can be deplorable.