When burning eyes indicate a more serious problem

Burning eyes are a common symptom that may indicate a variety of problems, some of which are simple and may go away on their own, while in other cases they may indicate a more serious problem that requires medical consultation. The "Dalili Medical" website reviews in this report the cases in which burning eyes may indicate a more serious problem.

**What are the deficiencies that may cause burning eyes?**

A deficiency in one or more vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, can be a cause of burning eyes.

**Can burning eyes hurt your eyes?**

Burning eyes are usually a non-serious problem, and are often the result of allergens. However, if the condition is severe, such as in cases of sunburn in the eye or pink conjunctivitis, it may be necessary to obtain appropriate treatment from a specialist.

**Does lack of sleep cause burning eyes?**

Lack of sleep, stress, and eye strain can lead to a temporary burning sensation, and this feeling usually goes away with time.

**Can dryness cause burning eyes?**

Yes, dryness can cause burning eyes, in addition to other symptoms such as blurred vision and itching, which indicate a lack of moisture in the eye.

**Causes of burning eyes**

Sometimes, the patient can easily identify the cause of burning eyes, as he remembers being exposed to irritants such as chemicals, perfumes, dust, shampoo, cosmetics, or cleaning products. However, there are other causes that may lead to burning eyes, such as:

- **Herpes zoster of the eye**: Herpes can infect the eye and cause redness, pain, and burning, which requires immediate medical consultation.
- **Keratitis**: This is the layer that appears on the upper white part of the eye, which leads to redness, irritation, sensitivity to light, and increased tears.
- **Rheumatoid arthritis**: In this case, the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the joints, and can affect the eye, causing burning, redness, and increased tears.

Sunburn in the eye
Excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to eye burns, medically known as photokeratitis. In addition to the burning sensation, the patient may experience other symptoms such as light sensitivity, redness, pain, and headache.

 Chemical eye burns
Exposure to chemicals, whether when using cleaning tools or while working in the chemical industry, can cause eye burns and tearing. This condition requires an immediate visit to the doctor.

Wearing contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses for long periods or sleeping in them can cause eye irritation, leading to itching, redness, and tearing. The condition may worsen if the lenses inside the eye are torn, which can lead to serious infections.

 Eye contact with contaminated water
Burning eyes is a common problem after leaving a chlorinated pool or one that is contaminated with sweat and urine. In addition to the burning sensation, this condition may also cause a rash.

 Dry eyes
A person can suffer from dry eye syndrome permanently or temporarily. This may be due to wearing contact lenses or using some medications such as flu or cold medications, which dry out fluids. In the case of temporary dryness, home remedies or moisturizing drops can be used. However, if the condition is due to a lack of tear production, it is advisable to visit a doctor to receive appropriate treatment.

 Foreign body entering the eye
A person may feel that there is a foreign body in his eye, such as dust or sand, and this is often accompanied by symptoms such as itching and redness. This can occur as a result of exposure to a stormy atmosphere or during cleaning. This condition can be eliminated by using a saline solution or artificial tears, with the need to wash hands well before touching the eye. If the foreign body is a piece of wood or glass, medical help should be sought immediately.

Eye allergy
Eye allergy occurs as a result of exposure to irritants such as pollen or dust, which causes burning in the eyes. Symptoms can be eliminated by washing the eyes well. In the case of exposure to more serious irritants, such as chemicals, a specialist should be consulted to avoid worsening the condition. Eye allergy can be treated by:
- Taking medications containing histamine to reduce allergies. - Avoid allergens such as dust and chemicals.
- Avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays that may exacerbate symptoms.

 Blepharitis
Blepharitis is caused by bacteria or fungi, which leads to itching or burning, in addition to the presence of crusts on the eyes. Blepharitis can be treated with:
- Antibiotics.
- Warm compresses to remove crusts.
- Soothing drops.

**Conjunctivitis**

In this article, we will review comprehensive information about conjunctivitis, including its causes, symptoms, types, and the most important treatment methods available at the Royal Spanish Center.

**Rheumatoid arthritis**

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs as a result of an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the membranes of the joints and other parts of the body, including the membranes of the eyes. This attack leads to a lack of fluids, causing dry eyes and a burning sensation.

**Rosacea**

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the face, causing pressure on blood vessels and swelling, leading to redness of the cheeks, nose, and sometimes the eyes. This condition can cause burning, redness, and itching, and is often the result of bacteria or blocked eyelid glands.

**Types of Eye Infections**

There are several types of eye infections, including:

1. **Bacterial conjunctivitis**: This occurs as a result of a bacterial infection that affects parts of the eye or surrounding tissues. Common types include: bacterial conjunctivitis, bacterial keratitis, and trachoma.

2. **Viral conjunctivitis**: This results from an infection 

Viral, which is a contagious inflammation that can be transmitted quickly from one person to another, either through hand contamination or the use of contaminated tools. The most famous types are: viral conjunctivitis and viral keratitis.

3. **Allergic eye inflammation**: It occurs as a result of the eye being exposed to allergens such as dust, chlorine, and spring conjunctivitis. Treatment methods vary depending on the type of inflammation and its cause.

**Symptoms of eye burning**

The following symptoms can be observed when eye irritation occurs:

- Redness or the appearance of a pink color in the eye.
- Swollen eyelids.
- Peeling around the eyelids and corners upon waking up.
- Difficulty opening the eyes in the morning due to secretions.
- Yellow or green secretions from the corners of the eyes.
- Wet eyes.

**Ways to prevent eye burning**

If you work on the computer, the following points should be taken into account:

- Take short breaks while working.
- Place the screen 20 to 25 inches away from your eyes.
- Look at distant objects from time to time.
- Avoid bright lighting that affects your eyes.
- Use dim lighting.
- If you suffer from eye irritation, avoid using a mobile phone.
- Keep your eyes clean to avoid infection.
- Eye drops can be used to moisturize your eyes.
- When going out in the sun, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from burning and pollution.

 Treatment for redness in one eye

**Antihistamine drops:** Antihistamine eye drops are used in cases of eye redness resulting from allergies, especially if accompanied by itching. These drops can be obtained without a prescription, but it is preferable to consult a doctor if you suffer from certain health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or glaucoma, as these drops may not be suitable. These drops help reduce eye redness and relieve allergy symptoms such as itching and swelling, by shrinking blood vessels. They should not be used for more than three days, as prolonged use may lead to irritation and inflammation of the skin. If you wear contact lenses, it is preferable to wait a quarter of an hour after using the drops before wearing them.

**Vasoconstrictive drops:** These drops are used to shrink small blood vessels under the eye, but they are not recommended for long periods of time, as continued use may make it difficult to stop, which may increase irritation and redness. When you stop using them after a long period, the blood vessels may expand quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using them, especially for people who suffer from glaucoma or other health conditions.

 Natural ways to treat burning eyes

1. **Washing the eyelids with lukewarm water:** Washing the eye and eyelids with lukewarm water helps remove irritants and allergies, which relieves burning, pain and swelling.

2. **Warm compresses:** Applying warm compresses to the affected eye for several minutes can reduce redness and burning, provided that they are repeated several times a day without putting pressure on them.

3. **Drink water:** If the burning eye is caused by dryness, you should drink enough water daily to stimulate the tear glands to secrete the tears needed for hydration.

4. **Avoid electronic tablets:** It is preferable to stay away from screens such as computers and mobile phones to give the eyes a break, as staring at screens increases irritation.

5. **Wear sunglasses:** Before going out during the day, you should wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays and dust-laden winds, as exposure to them increases burning.

6. **Eat Omega 3:** It is recommended to eat foods rich in Omega 3 acids, such as fatty fish, nuts, avocados, and flax seeds, as their anti-inflammatory properties help relieve eye irritation.

7. **Placing cucumber slices:** Placing fresh cucumber slices on the affected eye for a few minutes can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and burning.

8. **Baby shampoo:** It is believed that warm water mixed with a small amount of baby shampoo helps clean the eyelashes, open the sebaceous glands, and reduce eye inflammation, with the need to use a clean piece of cotton.

 Treating eye inflammation and redness with herbs

- **Chamomile:** Chamomile is effective in relieving eye redness and swelling thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, and its content of flavonoids such as quercetin, which reduces diseases affecting the conjunctiva and cornea.

- **Tea bags:** Applying tea compresses to the eye helps reduce redness, as tea contains antioxidants and caffeine that may fight inflammation. Caution should be exercised when using them, such as washing hands and face and removing makeup and contact lenses before application, avoiding using hot tea bags, and stopping using them when feeling pain or irritation.

Plantago leaves contain a group of anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids. It is believed that this herb may help relieve eye redness and irritation when applied topically, but there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. It can also cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is advisable to stop using it immediately if any allergic symptoms appear.

As for the eyebright herb, it may contribute to enhancing eye health thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce oxidative stress and eye inflammation.

As for fennel seeds, fennel tea may relieve symptoms of pink eye, such as redness, irritation and swelling, thanks to its beneficial plant compounds such as flavonoids and essential oils. However, it should be noted that applying fennel to the eye or surrounding skin may increase its sensitivity to sunlight, so it is preferable to avoid exposure to sunlight after using it.

Witch hazel may help relieve eye irritation and burning, especially when moisturizing compounds are added to it, thanks to its astringent properties 

. It can be used by putting a little of it on a piece of cotton and wiping the eye with it or leaving it for a few minutes before washing the eye.

Aloe vera gel is considered useful in relieving burning and inflammation of the eye, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds. It can be used by mixing a spoonful of aloe vera gel with two spoons of cold water, then soaking a piece of cotton in the mixture and placing it on the closed eye for at least 10 minutes, while avoiding placing the gel directly on the eye.

To prepare a treatment using potatoes, cut a potato into thin slices and cool it in the refrigerator, then place the cold slices on the eye for 20 minutes. This recipe can be repeated daily before bed.

As for fenugreek seeds, a small amount of them can be soaked in water for 8 hours, then mixed in a blender until it becomes a cohesive paste. The paste is placed on the eye and left for 20 minutes, then rinsed with water. It is preferable to use this treatment for 3 days.

To prepare a treatment with honey, mix a spoonful of honey with a spoonful of water, then boil the mixture over the fire and leave it to cool before placing it on the affected eye.

Jasmine flowers can be used by soaking them in water overnight, then filtering the mixture the next day and using it as a wash for the affected eye, with the possibility of dripping the eye with it three times a day.

Finally, eyebright herbs are considered effective in treating eye infections, as they help relieve the burning sensation. A quantity of these herbs is placed in a cup of lukewarm water, then placed on a low heat for 10 minutes, and after it cools, the resulting water is used after filtering it to wash the eye.

**Anise:** Anise is used to relieve eye allergies, as it is soaked and the patient washes his eyes with it twice a day, morning and evening.

**Coriander:** A coriander infusion is prepared and used in eye compresses daily, morning and evening.

**Celery:** Celery leaves are placed on the eye after washing them well with clean water, as they are considered one of the best natural compresses for treating eye inflammation.

**Cabbage:** Crush the cabbage leaves to extract their water, then drip this water onto the eyes, which helps soothe the eyes and reduce redness, itching and irritation.

**Eyebright herbs:** These herbs are effective in treating eye problems, as they relieve inflammation and irritation and eliminate the burning sensation. A teaspoon of the herb is placed in a cup of lukewarm water, then boiled over low heat for ten minutes. After it cools, the resulting water is used as an eye wash daily.

**Sage:** Sage infusion is used as an effective eye wash, as it helps soothe the eyes and eliminate the feeling of irritation and burning, and it also helps in getting rid of foreign bodies.

**Rose water recipe:** The eyes are washed with rose water two to three times a day, by wetting a piece of cotton with rose water, then placing it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to cool, then placing the cold cotton on the eyes.

**Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe:** Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and use it to make eye compresses three times a day, as apple cider vinegar contains an acid that helps fight bacterial infections.

**Drink Water:** It is recommended to drink large amounts of water, as dehydration is considered a factor in increasing swelling, and drinking water moisturizes the body and eyes and helps maintain eye moisture.

**Milk and Honey Recipe:** Mix equal amounts of honey and warm milk until they become like a smooth paste, then use a dropper to put 3 drops in the eye several times a day to get rid of itching and redness. You can also use a piece of cotton soaked in milk and place it on the eyes, as milk and honey contain antibacterial and soothing properties.

**Goldensal Recipe:** Mix two teaspoons of goldensal herb powder with a cup of boiling water and use it as a warm compress or as eye drops, as two drops of this mixture are added to the eye two to three times a day to relieve redness and associated symptoms.

**Castor Oil Recipe:** Castor oil is an active ingredient used in most eye drops. The dropper is washed well with soap and water, then filled with pure castor oil, and one drop of castor oil is added to each eye, repeating this 4 times a day to soothe the eye and reduce redness.

When does burning eyes become an indication of a serious health problem?

In some cases, burning eyes may indicate a serious health problem that requires immediate medical intervention. Warning signs to watch out for include:

- **Severe eye pain**: If a person is experiencing unbearable pain in their eye, this may be evidence of a serious problem such as a severe infection, in which case a doctor should be consulted immediately.

- **Severe persistent redness**: Persistent redness in the eye may indicate acute conjunctivitis or another health problem in the body.

- **Vision changes**: Such as blurred vision or blurred vision, may be indicators of other health problems affecting the body's organs and systems, so these symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they recur.

- **Sensitivity to light**: This condition may be a sign of uveitis.

- **Large amounts of pus or other discharge**: These symptoms may indicate a bacterial or viral infection.