For some people, waking up in the morning can be a nightmare. Their eyes are burning, itchy, the eyes look bloodshot and swollen, and an immediate downpour of eye drops simply reduces the pain. What could cause such an intense reaction to one’s eyes
“Burning Eyes” is often associated with either dry eye syndrome, an allergic reaction, blepharitis, or even pink eye. On rare occasions, the redness and swelling could be caused from a foreign substance that’s inside the eye.
Like any good remedy, if you solve the source of the problem, burning eyes can be solved & treated rather quickly. Therefore, seeing an optometrist that can examine your eyes is essential to receive a quick diagnosis and prevent painful mornings.
The burning sensation from dryness is likely from a reduction or lack of oils that are produced from natural tears. While many of us rely on our tears to keep our eyes healthy & moist, sometimes the tear glands get clogged with dirt or bacteria and require a cleaning, such as Blephex or Lipiflow.
After receiving one of these treatments, many feel an immediate change in their eyes within a few days.Often, your optometrist may recommend that you clean your eyes through warm compresses or artificial tears to treat mild irritation. Medicated eye drops can also be prescribed in case the initial treatments aren’t successful.
If you are an individual who experiences these burning mornings, here are some helpful tips to keep your eyes clear from common “dryness” triggers:
- Avoid staying in the sun or dry, arid areas, if possible.
- For contact lens wearers, investing in higher quality contacts or daily contact lenses often allow for more moisture & less dryness.
- For those on medications, some side effects might be causing dry eye symptoms. Consult your eye doctor if switching medications would be an alternative.
- Ensure your eyes are protected with polarized sunglasses when outside.
- A balanced diet that includes a healthy array of vitamins and fish oil.
- Seek an optometrist if your burning sensation lasts more than 2-3 days.
- Ensure you see your optometrists regularly to locate additional causes.