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Do you feel like your eyes are on fire? Or are you having uncomfortable prickling in your eyes?
Well, if your answer is yes, you are not alone my friend. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our eyes often bear the brunt of modern challenges and burning eyes is one of them. The warmth or stinging sensation in the eyes brings sheer discomfort and disrupts our daily activities. Burning and tired eyes have become a common complaint, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. But what exactly causes this irritating sensation and how can we find relief? Let's explore.
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Dry eyes: This occurs due to insufficient tear production, poor tear quality or when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes dry and irritated.
Allergies: Airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can cause eyes to itch, water, and burn, contributing to burning eyes.
Digital eye strain: Prolonged use of digital screen, reading in dim light and focusing intensely for extended periods can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision and burning sensation.
Environmental irritants: Excessive exposure to smoke, dust, pollen or pollutants can irritate the eyes and cause a burning sensation.
Conjunctivitis or pink eye: This highly contagious infection of the eye lining can cause redness, burning, and discharge.
Contact lens overuse: Wearing contacts for extended periods or not cleaning them properly can irritate your eyes.
Medical conditions: In some cases, burning eyes can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition like thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies.
The symptoms of burning eyes may include:
Persistent burning or stinging sensation
Redness
Irritation
Blurred Vision
Sensitivity to light
Tiredness in the eyes
Itching
Tearing
Consult an eye specialist if you are experiencing the above symptoms.
If the burning is mild and temporary, try home remedies that can heal the problems. Some of them are:
Warm or Cool Compresses
Increase Water Intake
Reduce Screen Time
Get Enough Sleep
Incorporate Omega-3-rich foods
Avoiding Irritants
For persistent or severe burning, it is recommended to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosing burning eyes usually involves the following:
A detailed medical history: Discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and any potential triggers.
Eye examination: Checking for signs of inflammation, infection, or other abnormalities.
Tear tests: Assessing tear production and quality.
Allergy testing: If allergies are suspected.
The treatment for burning eyes depends on the underlying cause. Your healthcare professional will determine the burning eyes causes based on the symptoms and examination
findings. Here are some common approaches:
Artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops are helpful for dry eyes.
Antihistamines or allergy medications: For allergy-related burning.
Antibiotics or antiviral medications: If an infection is present.
Reducing screen time and taking breaks: To prevent digital eye strain.
Lifestyle changes: Avoiding irritants, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated can contribute to eye health.
Prescription medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications depending on the diagnosis.
As we conclude our exploration into the realm of burning eyes, it becomes evident that this seemingly mundane discomfort can have a significant impact on our daily lives. From the subtle annoyance of dryness to the intense heat of persistent irritation, our eyes communicate their distress in various ways. However, armed with knowledge about the symptoms, causes, and treatments, we can empower ourselves to take proactive steps towards burning eye relief.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience persistent or severe burning eyes, consult an ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospitals.
In most cases, burning eyes are not serious and resolved with proper treatment. However, persistent or severe burning, accompanied by other symptoms like vision changes or pain, warrants immediate medical attention.
Artificial tears are often the first line of defence for mild burning eyes, especially if dryness is suspected. Cool compresses can also provide temporary relief. However, consult your doctor for persistent or severe symptoms.
Practices like using artificial tears regularly, limiting screen time, taking breaks from eye strain, avoiding irritants, and maintaining good eye hygiene can help prevent burning eyes.
