A burning sensation in the eyes, often accompanied by stinging tears, is a common symptom that sends many people searching for answers. Tears are a complex biological fluid that serves as the eye’s primary defense and lubrication system. When the delicate balance of this fluid is disrupted, the result is often irritation and discomfort. Understanding the normal makeup of tears and the factors that change their chemistry provides the clearest path to finding relief.
Understanding Normal Tear Film Composition
A healthy eye is coated by a thin, three-layered structure known as the tear film. The innermost layer, called the mucin layer, adheres directly to the corneal surface, allowing the watery component to spread evenly. This layer, produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva, acts as the foundational glue for the entire film.
The middle and thickest layer is the aqueous layer, which is primarily water but also contains dissolved salts, proteins, electrolytes, and antibacterial compounds like lysozyme. This aqueous component is produced by the lacrimal glands and is responsible for nourishing the eye’s surface, lubricating the eye, and protecting it from infection. The outermost defense is the lipid layer, which is an oily film secreted by the meibomian glands in the eyelids. This oil prevents the aqueous layer from evaporating too quickly, ensuring the eye remains consistently moist.
Primary Reasons Tears Cause Discomfort
The most frequent cause of burning tears is a condition called Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), which represents a breakdown in the tear film’s stability. Burning occurs when the tear film evaporates too rapidly or production is insufficient, leading to a state of hyperosmolarity. This means the water content decreases, leaving a higher concentration of electrolytes and salts on the eye’s surface, which directly irritates the sensitive corneal nerves.
An immediate burning sensation can also be triggered by reflex tears, which the eyes produce rapidly to flush out irritants like smoke, dust, or onion fumes. These reflex tears are often richer in antibodies and have a higher salt content than the normal basal tears, making the rush of fluid itself feel momentarily irritating. Beyond dryness, localized inflammation from conditions like blepharitis, which is chronic irritation of the eyelid margins, can also cause discomfort. Allergies can inflame the conjunctiva, leading to the release of inflammatory markers that contribute to a stinging, burning feeling.
Self-Care Strategies for Immediate Relief
When burning occurs, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, often referred to as artificial tears, can provide immediate relief by temporarily restoring the tear film’s moisture balance. For long-term comfort, especially if the burning is due to environmental factors, consider using a humidifier to increase the moisture content in your indoor air. This counteracts the drying effects of forced-air heating or air conditioning, which can accelerate tear evaporation.
If the discomfort is related to screen use, consciously increasing your blink rate or following the 20-20-20 rule can be beneficial. This rule involves looking away from the screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds, which helps the oil glands function properly and spreads tears across the eye. For irritation linked to blepharitis, gentle cleaning of the eyelids with a warm compress and a diluted, mild cleanser, like baby shampoo, can help unblock oil glands and reduce inflammation.
Signs Requiring Professional Medical Attention
While many cases of burning tears are due to minor irritation or dryness that responds well to at-home care, certain symptoms require a professional evaluation from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If the burning sensation is persistent and does not improve after a few days of self-care, or if it significantly interferes with daily activities, a medical consultation is warranted.
Any accompanying symptoms such as intense pain or noticeable changes in vision, including blurriness, should be addressed immediately. The presence of a thick, discolored discharge, pus, or extreme sensitivity to light are important indicators that a more serious condition, such as an infection or advanced inflammation, may be present. A doctor can perform diagnostic tests to accurately determine the root cause, which may be a chronic issue or an underlying health problem requiring prescription treatment.