Symptom

Burning eyes

Usually not urgent unless the eye is painful and red

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When to get urgent help

  • Burning with moderate or severe eye pain and a red eye
  • Burning with light sensitivity or changes in vision
  • Burning after a chemical splash or eye injury
  • Burning with thick discharge and a very red, sticky eye

Common causes

Burning usually comes from the surface of the eye or eyelids. These are common causes to read about next.

Dry eyeA poor tear film leaves the surface irritated, gritty and burning.Eye allergiesItchy, watery, burning eyes triggered by pollen, dust or pets.BlepharitisInflamed, crusty eyelid margins that irritate the eye surface.ConjunctivitisRed, burning eyes with watering or discharge.Contact lens discomfortBurning from overwear, poor hygiene or an ill-fitting lens.Ocular rosaceaBurning, gritty eyes linked with facial rosacea and blepharitis.

What can help

  • Use preservative-free lubricating drops for dry or irritated eyes
  • Try cool compresses and avoid rubbing, which can worsen irritation
  • Seek urgent care if burning comes with a painful red eye or vision changes

Frequently asked questions

What causes burning eyes?

Dry eye, allergies, blepharitis and conjunctivitis are common causes. Burning with a painful red eye or vision changes needs prompt assessment.

Are burning eyes a sign of infection?

Not always. Many cases are dry eye or allergy. Infection is more likely if the eye is very red, painful, sticky or light-sensitive.

Can screen time cause burning eyes?

Screens do not usually damage the eyes permanently, but reduced blinking during long screen use can worsen dry eye and burning. Regular breaks and lubricating drops often help.

Your next step

Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Patient resourcesFind care where you live →

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

Trusted sources

For general background, these organisations provide eye-health information. This list is further reading, not a record that they reviewed this article.