Your eyes are burning. Maybe it started after a long day staring at your laptop screen. Maybe you stepped outside on a high-pollen day, and your eyes started watering within minutes. Or maybe you’ve woken up with that same raw, stinging feeling every morning for weeks, and you can’t figure out why.
You’re not alone. Burning eyes are one of the most common reasons people reach out to us at LMC Optometry & Eye Care. The good news is that most causes are very treatable once you understand what’s actually going on. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your eyes might be burning, what you can do right now to get some relief, and when it’s time to see a professional.
Why Do Your Eyes Burn? The Most Common Causes
Burning eyes can come from a surprising number of places. Most of the time, it’s not serious, but pinning down the cause is the first step to fixing it. Here are the most likely culprits.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye is probably the single most common cause of that burning sensation. When your tear film isn’t doing its job, whether that’s because you’re not producing enough tears or because they evaporate too quickly, your eyes get irritated fast. You might notice it gets worse later in the day, especially after long periods of reading or screen time. A gritty, sandy feeling often comes along with the burn, and some people find their eyes are actually watery, which sounds counterintuitive but happens when the eye overcompensates for the dryness.
Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain
If you spend most of your day working at a computer, this one might hit close to home. When we stare at screens, we blink far less often than normal. Fewer blinks mean less moisture spread across the eye surface, and that leads to burning, redness, and fatigue. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) exists specifically for this reason, and it genuinely helps.
Seasonal and Environmental Allergies
Pollen, dust, pet dander, and mould are classic triggers for eye allergies. If your burning comes with itching, redness, and maybe a bit of watery discharge, and it tends to flare up outdoors or during certain times of year, allergies are a strong suspect. Eye allergy symptoms and pink eye can look pretty similar from the outside, so it’s worth getting a proper look if you’re not sure which you’re dealing with.
Contact Lens Irritation
Contacts that are worn too long, stored improperly, or don’t quite fit your eye can cause real discomfort. That burning feeling when you first put your lenses in, or the redness that builds by the end of the day, is your eye telling you something’s off. Old solution, protein deposits on lenses, or even just the wrong lens material for your tear film, can all be factors.
Environmental Irritants
Smoke, wind, chlorine from pools, air conditioning, and even very dry indoor heating during Ontario winters can strip moisture from your eyes. These are often situational causes that clear up once you’re out of the environment, but repeated exposure can make things progressively worse over time.
Blepharitis and Eyelid Issues
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, usually at the base of the lashes. It’s more common than most people realize and is often tied to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the oil glands along your lid margin aren’t producing the right quality of oil for your tear film. If your eyes burn more in the morning, or you notice crusting along your lashes when you wake up, blepharitis could be at the root of it.
How to Relieve Burning Eyes: What You Can Do Right Now
The right remedy depends on the cause, but there are a few approaches that help most people get some immediate comfort.
• Use preservative-free artificial tears. These are available over the counter and work well for dry eye and mild irritation. Preservative-free drops are gentler if you need to use them more than a few times a day. Regular redness-reducing eye drops (vasoconstrictors) can actually make things worse with frequent use, so it’s worth reading the label before you grab something off the shelf.
• Apply a warm compress. Soak a clean cloth in warm water and hold it gently over your closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes. This is especially helpful if you have blepharitis or MGD, as the warmth helps loosen blocked oils in the eyelid glands.
• Take regular screen breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is simple but effective. Set a timer if you have to. Even blinking deliberately and fully for a few seconds during breaks can help re-wet the eye surface.
• Remove your contact lenses. If your lenses are bothering you, take them out. Give your eyes a break and switch to glasses for the rest of the day. If you’re experiencing recurring burning every time you wear your contacts, that’s worth discussing with your optometrist.
• Rinse your eyes. If something got in your eye, a gentle saline rinse can help clear it out. Don’t use tap water directly, especially if you wear contacts, as it carries bacteria that can cause serious infections.
• Reduce your exposure to triggers. If you know pollen or smoke sets your eyes off, limit your time outdoors on high-count days, use wrap-around sunglasses, and consider running an air purifier at home.
Burning Eyes at Night vs. Burning Eyes in the Morning
The timing of your symptoms can give you useful clues. Eyes that burn in the morning, before you’ve even had your coffee, often point to blepharitis or nocturnal lagophthalmos (not closing your eyes fully while you sleep, allowing the surface to dry out overnight). Eyes that burn mostly at night or worsen throughout the day tend to be more consistent with dry eye or screen-related fatigue that builds up over hours.
If your burning seems to happen at a specific time consistently, make a note of it. It’s exactly the kind of detail that helps your optometrist get to the right answer faster.
Preventing Burning Eyes Before They Start
A few simple habit changes can make a meaningful difference over time.
• Stay hydrated. Your tear production is connected to overall hydration. Drinking enough water throughout the day is one of the simplest things you can do for eye comfort.
• Adjust your workstation. Position your screen so it’s slightly below eye level. Looking slightly downward reduces how much of your eye is exposed to air, which cuts down on evaporation.
• Clean your eyelids daily. Gentle eyelid hygiene using a warm compress and a mild lid scrub can reduce the buildup that contributes to blepharitis.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors. UV protection and wraparound styles help block wind, allergens, and sun exposure, all of which can trigger or worsen burning.
• Replace contact lenses on schedule. Wearing lenses past their replacement date increases the chance of protein buildup and irritation.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
Most mild burning will settle down with home care. But there are times when you shouldn’t wait. Book an appointment if you notice any of these.
• Burning that’s severe or getting worse rather than better
• Burning combined with yellow or green discharge, which can indicate infection
• Sudden vision changes alongside the burning
• Sharp pain or a persistent feeling like something is stuck in your eye
• Symptoms that keep coming back despite using artificial tears or other remedies
• Burning that started after a chemical or foreign object exposure
Persistent dry eye, blepharitis, and allergic eye disease all respond well to professional treatment. An optometrist can run tests to assess your tear film, evaluate your meibomian glands, rule out infection, and set you up with a treatment plan that actually fits your situation rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burning Eyes
Can burning eyes be a sign of something serious?
Usually not, but they can be. Conditions like uveitis, corneal abrasions, or acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause burning or severe eye discomfort, but these typically come with other symptoms like sharp pain, sensitivity to light, or vision changes. If your burning is sudden, intense, or doesn’t match the usual pattern, get it checked right away.
Why do my eyes burn even though I don’t have allergies?
Allergies are just one possible cause. Dry eye syndrome, digital eye strain, blepharitis, environmental irritants, and contact lens issues can all produce a burning sensation with no allergy involved. A proper eye exam is often the fastest way to get a clear answer.
Are there home remedies for burning eyes that actually work?
Yes, several. Warm compresses work well for eyelid-related causes like blepharitis and MGD. Preservative-free artificial tears help with dry eye and general irritation. Screen breaks and deliberate blinking help with digital eye strain. These aren’t just folklore; they’re backed by clinical recommendations from eye care organizations.
What eye drops are best for burning eyes?
Preservative-free artificial tears are usually the safest starting point. Avoid redness-reducing drops containing vasoconstrictors for long-term use, as they can cause rebound redness with overuse. If your burning is allergy-related, antihistamine eye drops can help, but it’s a good idea to confirm the cause before using medicated drops on a regular basis.
Can contact lenses cause burning eyes?
Absolutely. Worn-out lenses, improper cleaning, extended wear beyond the recommended hours, and ill-fitting lenses are all common causes of burning and irritation. If you consistently experience burning while wearing contacts, bring your lens brand and wear habits to your next appointment. There may be a better-fitting option for your eyes.
Why do my eyes burn when I wake up in the morning?
Morning burning is often linked to blepharitis, where oils and debris accumulate at the lash line overnight, or nocturnal lagophthalmos, where the eyelids don’t fully close during sleep. Dry indoor air during the winter months (very common across Ontario) can also dry out the eye surface while you sleep. A warm compress in the morning can help, but persistent symptoms are worth investigating.
How do I know if my burning eyes are from dry eye or allergies?
Dry eye usually produces a steady burning or gritty sensation that may worsen throughout the day or in dry environments. Allergy-related burning tends to come with strong itching, watery discharge, and a clear connection to specific triggers like pollen or pets. Both can cause redness, which is why they’re often confused. An optometrist can perform tear film testing and other assessments to tell them apart.
Ready for Real Relief? We’re Here to Help
Burning eyes don’t have to be your everyday normal. Whether you’ve been managing on your own for a while or you’re dealing with a new and confusing symptom, the team at LMC Optometry & Eye Care is ready to help you figure out what’s going on and put together a plan that actually works for you. Book your appointment online today. We’d love to help you feel comfortable in your eyes again.
