What are some home remedies for a burning sensation in the eyes?

Home Remedies for Burning Sensation in the Eyes

For mild burning sensation in the eyes, use preservative-free artificial tears as the first-line home remedy, followed by cold compresses to reduce inflammation and provide symptomatic relief. 1, 2

Initial Management

Immediate Actions

• Do not rub your eyes - Rubbing can worsen irritation and potentially cause corneal damage 1
• Remove contact lenses if wearing them and discontinue use until symptoms resolve 1
• Irrigate with clean water if there's suspicion of a foreign body or chemical irritant 1

First-Line Home Remedies

1. Preservative-free artificial tears

   • Apply frequently (every 1-2 hours initially) to lubricate the eye surface 1
   • For frequent use (more than 4 times daily), always choose preservative-free formulations 1
   • Refrigerated artificial tears can provide additional cooling relief 2

2. Cold compresses

   • Apply a clean, cold compress to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes 2
   • Can be repeated every 1-2 hours as needed
   • Helps reduce inflammation and provides symptomatic relief 2

Additional Home Remedies

For Mild Dry Eye-Related Burning

• Environmental modifications:
  • Humidify ambient air to prevent tear evaporation 1
  • Avoid direct air drafts (fans, air conditioning, heaters) 1
  • Take regular breaks from screen time (every 20 minutes) 1
  • Position computer screens below eye level to decrease lid aperture 1
  • Make conscious effort to blink fully and regularly 1

For Allergy-Related Burning

• Environmental controls:
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce allergen exposure 2
  • Wash bedding frequently in hot water 2
  • Shower before bedtime to remove allergens 2
  • Clean eyelids gently with baby shampoo or specialized eyelid cleanser 2

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Burning sensation persists despite home remedies for more than 24-48 hours 1
• You experience vision changes, severe pain, or light sensitivity 1
• There is discharge, redness, or swelling 1
• You suspect a high-velocity eye injury or penetrating eye injury 1
• You have a foreign body sensation that persists after irrigation 1

Important Cautions

• Avoid tap water for irrigation if you suspect a corneal abrasion or have a known corneal epithelial defect 1
• Never use over-the-counter vasoconstrictors (redness relievers) for more than 2-3 days as they can cause rebound redness 2
• Do not use steroid eye drops without ophthalmologist supervision, as they can mask infection and increase intraocular pressure 1
• Avoid homemade eye washes as they may not be sterile and could introduce infection

Special Considerations

• For contact lens wearers: Remove lenses before using any eye drops and wait at least 5 minutes before reinsertion 2
• For people with known dry eye: Consider using thicker formulations (gels or ointments) at bedtime for overnight relief 1
• For computer users: Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) 1

Remember that while these home remedies can provide temporary relief, persistent eye symptoms warrant professional evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause.