Burning eyes may be both unpleasant and alarming. If you've been suffering from burning eyes, don't miss out on these great home cures. In some situations, the reason for feeling like your eyes are burning might be obvious, in which case you can address the burning feeling with over-the-counter drugs. However, some cases of burning eyes do require more expert treatment.
Because of the variety of potential reasons for burning eyes, anybody feeling like their eyes are burning should see a doctor as soon as possible. The therapy of choice will be determined by the origin and severity of the burning eyes.
First, let's take a look at the potential causes of and diagnosis for burning eyes.
How to Diagnose Burning Eyes
It is critical to determine the underlying cause of burning eyes. People who have burning eyes should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Typically, the doctor will begin the diagnostic process by obtaining your medical history and questioning you on your symptoms. They will most likely ask you about how long you’ve been feeling like your eyes are burning, the factors that worsen or improve the feeling of burning in your eyes, and whether you have a history of any other eye-related disorders.
The doctor will also check to see if you are taking any other types of medications. That’s because some types of medication, such as decongestants, can cause burning eyes.
After this, your doctor will likely conduct a physical examination of your eyes, during which they will look for symptoms of abnormalities, dryness, and damage in the eyes. To see the eyes more clearly and carefully, they may employ scopes or other specialized equipment.
Eye physicians may also use drops on the eyes to monitor the flow of tears and moisture levels in the eyes.
How to Get Rid of Burning Eyes
The therapy your doctor prescribes for burning eyes will be determined by the underlying reason. If your burning eyes are caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops as treatment.
However, the overall goal of any method of therapy is to reduce eye dryness.
Other forms of treatment that a doctor may suggest for burning eyes include:
- Using a moderate cleanser and lukewarm water to clean the eyelid margins around the root of the eyelashes before gently patting the eyes dry
- Using eye lubricant drops to minimize redness and increase eye comfort
- Preparing a warm compress by immersing a clean, soft washcloth in warm water and then applying it to the eyes
A doctor may also give lubricating eye drops or artificial tears for very dry eyes. If eye drops are ineffective, eye ointments may be used to treat pterygium.
In addition to these treatment options, you can also supplement this with some home remedies. Try these 7 tips at home to relieve the burning feeling in your eyes:
Tea Bags
Tannic acid in tea might help calm your eyes. Make a cup of tea using a green or black tea bag, then let it cool fully. To relieve the burning feeling, place the cooled tea bag over your eyes one at a time.
Protect Your Eyes
Take a break from the computer and rest your eyes. Staring at a bright computer screen for extended periods of time may cause discomfort and burning. You can also protect your eyes from the sun and wind by wearing sunglasses.
Cooled Spoons
Metal spoons that have been chilled may be placed over your eyes to bring relief. In a glass of ice water, place four metal spoons. Place one spoon on each eye once it has been chilled. As the spoons warm up, replace them with the spoons that are still being chilled in the glass of ice water.
Cold Compress
A cool compress might help reduce irritation and burning in the eyes. Begin by sprinkling cold water over and around your eyes. Then, wrap a clean cotton towel over some ice packs, ice cubes, or a packaged frozen food item. Once you’ve done this, you can place the cold compress on your closed eyes for several minutes.
Sliced cucumber
Cucumber slices are high in antioxidants, and are a traditional treatment for eye irritation and inflammation. Place two cucumber slices in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes to cool. Then, shut your eyes and rest for 10 minutes with the cold cucumber slices on your closed eyelids.
Baby Shampoo
Baby shampoo can be great for cleaning out your eyes of any irritants. Get some warm water and a tiny bit of baby shampoo. Use a cotton swab dipped in water to wipe the base of your eyelashes. This can help clear clogged oil glands and reduce irritation in your eyes.
Burning eyes are unpleasant, but there are several natural therapies that may give quick relief and soothe the stinging feeling in your eyes. However, depending on the degree of the burning, you may need pharmaceutical eye drops or a prescription from a doctor.
If you have persisting issues with your eyes, then don’t ignore it! What you think is a little case of irritation may be a more severe eye problem, so make sure to consult your doctor if you have a case of persistent burning eyes.
