Do you sometimes have a burning, stinging pain in your eyes? This can be so annoying that you can't do anything or drive a car. This usually happens because of irritation or a lack of moisture in the eye, which means that there are not enough tears. Sometimes this burning sensation comes on suddenly and goes away quickly. But for some people, it can last for weeks or months. So, let's talk about this in more detail.
Why do our eyes get so itchy?
There can be many reasons for eye inflammation. Some are very simple, but others may require medical treatment. Let's take a look at the main causes.
| Reason | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Allergies | If you have allergies to things like dust, pollen, mold, or pet dander, your eyes can become irritated. Sometimes, this can happen if you touch your eyes with something like this on your hand. |
| Eyelid infection (Blepharitis) | This is when the eyelid margin becomes swollen or infected. In addition to eye inflammation, you may also see symptoms such as crusting around the eye, redness, and swelling of the eyelid. |
| Dry Eye | This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough moisture, that is, tears, or when the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly. This causes the eyes to burn, sting, itch, and feel like there is a grain of sand inside. |
| External irritants | Our eyes can be sensitive to chemicals in everyday products, such as chlorine in swimming pools, cigarette smoke, perfumes, makeup, face washes, and household cleaners. |
| Decreased humidity in the air | The air becomes dry, especially in air-conditioned (A/C) rooms and heated environments. This dry air can cause dry, itchy skin and eyes. |
| Ocular rosacea (Ocular rosacea ) | This is a condition that is associated with a skin condition that causes swelling of the eyes and the skin around them. The eyes may be inflamed, swollen, red, and have a crusty discharge. |
| Sunburn (Photokeratitis) | To be precise, this is an "eye sunburn." It occurs due to overexposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. This condition can even be caused by the light from welding. |
| Eye disease (Conjunctivitis) | This is the "eye disease" we all know. It is an infection of the membrane that covers the white of the eye (conjunctiva). It can be caused by allergies, viruses, or bacteria. The main symptoms are eye inflammation, crusting, and redness. |
| Pterygium | This is when tissue on the surface of the eye grows abnormally. Initially, the eyes may feel irritated, dry, and itchy. |
| Shingles | A painful, blistering disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster). If this infection spreads to the eyes, it can cause symptoms similar to those of an eye infection (inflammation, redness). |
What remedies can be done at home?
In most cases, if it is not due to a serious medical condition, you can get relief from eye irritation with simple things you can do at home.
- Antihistamines: If you have itchy eyes due to allergies, there are medications you can take in the form of pills or eye drops. But remember, you should always consult your doctor before using any medication.
- Eyelid cleaning: If you have crusty eyelids due to blepharitis, mix a little baby shampoo with a little water and gently clean the eyelids with it. Then rinse thoroughly with water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
- Lubricant Eye Drops: Eye drops called "artificial tears" are available at pharmacies to help relieve dry eyes. If you are allergic to certain preservatives, choose a brand that is labeled "preservative-free."
- Eye washing: If something like dust or pollen gets in your eyes, rinse them gently with clean water.
- Hot or cold compresses: Soak a clean cloth in hot or cold water and place it over your eyes for 5-10 minutes. This can help relieve eye conditions like photokeratitis and blepharitis.
How to prevent eye inflammation?
While we can't always prevent eye irritation, there are a few things we can do to reduce the risk.
- Avoid allergens: Stay away from dust, pollen, and other things as much as possible. Keep windows closed during high pollen times.
- Don't rub your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can further damage your eyes and introduce germs from your hands into your eyes.
- Use unscented products: Choose mild, fragrance-free soaps, creams, and face washes that you use.
- Protect your eyes when swimming: Wear goggles when swimming in swimming pools. This will help prevent chlorine water from getting into your eyes.
- Hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often, especially before touching your face and eyes, before eating, and after using the toilet.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection when going out during the day.
- Stop spreading eye infections: Do not share items such as towels, pillowcases, eye drops, and makeup with others.
When should you see a doctor immediately?
It is very important to know exactly what is causing the eye irritation, as sometimes it can be a medical condition that requires medical treatment.
Although eye irritation is common, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition, so be very aware of these symptoms.
If you have any of the symptoms below along with eye inflammation, see a doctor immediately.
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Vision loss or blurred vision
- A rash on the face or body
- Difficulty looking at light (light sensitivity)
Since our eyes are an organ that we use every day, even a minor discomfort can have a big impact on our lives. So, don't ignore things like eye irritation and pain. If home remedies don't provide relief within a day or two, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Eye irritation is very common. It is mainly caused by dry eyes or an irritant.
- Simple home remedies such as rinsing with cool water, keeping the eyes clean, and using lubricant eye drops can provide relief.
- Always seek medical advice before using any type of medicated eye drop.
- If your eye inflammation is accompanied by vision changes, severe pain, headache, or fever, it could be a sign of a serious condition. So see a doctor immediately.
- Many eye infections can be prevented by good habits like frequent hand washing and avoiding rubbing your eyes.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Burning Eyes? Is this a dangerous condition?
Burning eyes are usually caused by dust/soap getting into the eyes. But this 'Burning Eyes' condition is when you feel like rubbing your eyes all day long, like there's a burning sensation inside your eyes, like there's a fire inside! This is often the main symptom of dry eyes.
💬 What are the main causes of burning eyes?
There are several main reasons for this: 1) 'Dry Eye Syndrome' - When the production of tears in the eyes decreases/tears dry up quickly, the eyes become dry and itchy. 2) 'Allergic Conjunctivitis' - When dust, pollen, or animal fur gets into the eyes, the eyes become red and itchy (Histamine release). 3) This inflammation also occurs when there is an infectious disease of the eyes, such as 'Pink Eye / Viral Conjunctivitis'. 4) This also occurs when you stare at your phone/computer for a long time (Digital eye strain).
💬 What are the home remedies for eye inflammation? When should I see a doctor?
Stop looking at your phone while sleeping, rinse your eyes with ice water/hot water, and use artificial tears/lubricating drops that you can buy at the pharmacy! However, if 1) your vision becomes blurry with inflammation, 2) you have severe eye pain (Photophobia/Ulcer) and can't look at light, 3) you have green/yellow discharge from your eyes, it means that your eyes are starting to rot, you should see an eye specialist immediately!
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