Pollution is one of the top global killers affecting about 100 million people. Not only that, but it can impact your eyes and can cause redness, dryness, and more.
You might ask yourself, why are my eyes burning? From pollution to allergies, several factors could be to blame. Read this guide and better understand why your eyes could be bothering you today!
Why Are My Eyes Burning and Watering?
Dry air, wind, and pollution are the main reasons for dry eyes. When you blink, your eyelids spread tears over your cornea.
If there’s a problem, it could cause discomfort. You can get eyelid wipes here to help with irritation.
Better Understanding Burning Eyes
Dryness could lead to watery eyes. Your eye has 3 layers.
The outer layer provides a barrier to evaporation of the water layer. Oil glands could become clogged. Blinking will produce less oil to coat the tears. Evaporation of tears causes burning, stinging, etc.
Your brain responds by sending more tears. This excess water spills over the lid margin and runs down your face.
Watery Eye Causes
From allergies to pink eye, there could be several reasons for watery eyes. Medications such as eyedrops, epinephrine, and chemotherapy could also cause it.
It could be excess tear production. Watery eyes could be a sign of a more serious condition. This could include rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Bell’s palsy, etc.
Relief Options
Use dry eye masks or warm compresses on your eyes for 5 minutes. You could also use artificial tears. They provide an extra oil barrier to your tears.
Avoid these burning eye triggers:
- Staying in the sun for too long
- Avoid unhealthy foods and stick to a healthful diet
- Use polarized sunglasses
- Ensure that you see your optometrist for regular visits
Speak with your optometrist about all medications that you’re taking. Some types could cause eye dryness.
Why Are Burning Eyes More Common at Night?
As the day continues, your eyes become drier. Your body temperature drops when you sleep.
When your body functions slow down, there are fewer nutrients to reach your eyes.
This can cause a decrease in tears. Some also suffer from not being able to close their eyes while they sleep. If you leave this untreated, it could damage your eye.
When to See Your Optometrist
See your optometrist once the problems persist. They can figure out what’s causing it and ensure that it’s nothing serious.
A good rule of thumb is that if it lasts for more than 2-3 days, you’ll want to see a doctor. Each person is unique, so they’ll come up with the best treatment option for you.
Answering the Question, Why Are My Eyes Burning?
After exploring this guide, you should be able to answer the question, why are my eyes burning? Then, take your time deciding what treatment option is best for you.
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