Burning in the eyes may be caused by environmental factors, screen use, dry eye, allergy, or certain eye diseases. This condition, which is frequently encountered in daily life, is often due to temporary irritations. However, in some cases it may also be seen as a symptom of various health problems such as infections, ocular surface diseases, or allergic reactions. If burning in the eyes is accompanied by symptoms such as tearing, redness, stinging sensation, or changes in vision, the condition may need to be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
What Causes Burning Eyes?
The sensation of burning is mostly associated with irritation of the ocular surface or disruption of the tear film balance. This can result from various environmental, allergic, infectious, or structural factors. To understand the cause of burning eyes, it is also important to pay attention to the circumstances under which the complaint occurs. Symptoms such as tearing, itching, redness, or stinging that accompany the burning sensation can provide important clues about the underlying health problem.
Common causes include:
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Environmental factors such as dry air, cigarette smoke, wind, or air conditioning
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Focusing on digital screens for long periods reduces blink rate and dries the ocular surface
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Exposure to allergens
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Foreign body entry into the eye or chemical exposure
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Incorrect and prolonged use of contact lenses
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Poor eye hygiene
Burning Eyes: A Symptom of Which Diseases?
Burning in the eyes appears together with various other symptoms. These can provide clues about the underlying disease. Here are the conditions in which burning eyes are commonly seen:
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs as a result of decreased tear production and reduced tear quality. When the eyes remain dry, they become irritated, and along with the burning sensation, light sensitivity, stinging, and visual blurring may also occur.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
In allergic reactions that develop against substances such as pollen, house dust mites, mold, or animal dander, symptoms such as itching, burning, tearing, and redness of the eyes may be observed. Burning due to allergy is usually seasonal and affects both eyes.
Viral or Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis results from inflammation of the membrane covering the surface of the eye. It may be viral or bacterial. In this condition, burning is accompanied by discharge, tearing, and stickiness of the eyelids.
Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)
In this condition, which occurs due to blockage of the oil glands at the eyelid margins, a burning sensation, a feeling as if there is a grainy foreign body in the eyes, and crusting on the eyelashes in the morning may be observed.
Contact Lens–Related Irritation
Long-term and inappropriate contact lens use causes irritation on the ocular surface. As a result of this irritation, burning, stinging, dryness, and blurred vision occur.
Corneal Diseases and Surface Disorders
If there are scratches, ulcers, or injuries on the corneal surface, this may directly cause burning eyes and light sensitivity. In particular, if there is a sudden onset of intense burning in one eye, corneal assessment is required.
These symptoms may present differently from person to person depending on the underlying disease.
What Do Symptoms Accompanying Burning Eyes Mean?
Burning in the eyes is usually accompanied by other symptoms. These combinations provide important clues for diagnosis:
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Burning Eyes and Tearing
The relationship between burning eyes and tearing points to a dry eye problem. In this case, the eye may water excessively in an attempt to protect itself. In situations such as looking at a computer screen for a long time, the eyes may become dry and then start to water along with a burning sensation.
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Burning Eyes and Itching
The combination of burning and itching of the eyes is usually seen in allergic conditions. It is common in individuals with seasonal allergies or an atopic predisposition. Especially during pollen season or after contact with house dust, burning and itching in the eyes may be felt. In this situation, irritation of the eyes and allergic reactions may cause itching.
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Burning Eyes and Redness
Burning and redness of the eyes occur in infections, blepharitis, or in cases of severe irritation. Due to an infected eye and inflammation at the eyelash roots, redness and burning of the eye may be felt. Failure to follow hygiene rules while using lenses can also lead to redness and burning of the eye.
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Burning Eyes and Stinging
The combination of burning and stinging in the eye is associated with the presence of a foreign body or corneal problems. As a result of dust or an eyelash entering the eye due to wind, stinging and burning may occur. Small scratches or trauma to the cornea may cause similar symptoms.
How Does Burning in the Eyes Go Away?
Methods that can be applied at home to relieve symptoms include:
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While looking at digital screens, you can rest your eyes by applying the 20-20-20 rule.
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You can humidify the air in the environment to prevent dry eyes.
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You can avoid allergens as much as possible.
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Pay attention to contact lens use and do not change lenses without medical supervision.
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You may use artificial tear drops upon your doctor’s recommendation.
If the burning complaint has been ongoing for a long time, is accompanied by changes in vision, or if an infection is suspected, an ophthalmologist should definitely be consulted.
When Should Burning Eyes Be Taken Seriously?
Persistent burning, progressive worsening of symptoms, or the presence of symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, marked redness, and discharge may indicate an underlying eye disease. In such cases, ocular surface diseases, infections, or other eye problems may need to be evaluated. If complaints persist, the cause should be determined by an examination performed by an ophthalmologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Burning eyes are a symptom of which vitamin deficiency?
Burning eyes may occur in vitamin A and vitamin B2 deficiencies. Vitamin A ensures the health of the ocular surface, and in its deficiency, tear production may decrease, which can lead to dryness and a burning sensation. In vitamin B2 deficiency, conditions such as burning of the eyes, light sensitivity, and corneal diseases may develop.
Does wearing glasses reduce burning in the eyes?
Wearing glasses can reduce eye strain and thus alleviate burning complaints. However, if the prescription is incorrect or if glasses are not used despite being needed, strain in the eye muscles may occur, leading to burning and stinging sensations.
Can infection be the cause of burning eyes?
Yes, especially infections such as conjunctivitis may present with burning, tearing, discharge, and redness in the eye. Infections usually start in one eye and may spread to the other, and if left untreated can lead to serious problems.
Is burning in the eyes only due to fatigue?
Fatigue can be a common cause of burning eyes; however, this is temporary and decreases with rest. Persistent or severe burning may be a symptom of more serious health problems such as allergy, infection, dry eye syndrome, or ocular surface diseases.
The content on our website is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Creation Date : 06.08.2025
Update Date : 23.03.2026
Author : Yeliz YİĞİT
Communication : +905303120237
