Why do my eyes burn? This is a frequently asked question.
Approximately 40% of people in North America have an ocular allergy, a common cause of burning eyes. Both dry and watery eyes from seasonal allergies can cause burning sensations in the eyes.
However, constantly rubbing your eyes to find burning sensation relief only worsens the problem. One step is to find over-the-counter eye discomfort solutions. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor about prescriptions like antibiotics.
Learn more about eye irritation causes and steps you can take to find long-lasting relief.
Do you find your eyes burning during a particular season? Seasonal allergies aren’t just confined to Spring. Many people struggle with such allergies during Autumn.
Allergic reactions to ragweed, mold, and mildew from damp Autumn seasons are common. Autumn-blooming flowers that serve as late-season pollen sources are also known to cause allergies.
Fall flowers include:
Fall plants that cause allergies include cedar elm, sagebrush, mugwort, and tumbleweeds. There are also year-round allergies to avoid like dust mites and pet dander.
The first step is to prevent allergies.
Keep your home dust-free all year round, including cleaning your HVAC air filters to decrease indoor air pollutants like dust. Make sure your roof is built to withstand rain storms and prevent leaking. Water leaks are a leading cause of mold (and allergic reactions.)
Grass pollens, spores, and tree pollens are common allergens that should be prevented in spring and summer. Both dry and damp weather can trigger allergic reactions, as well.
Burning sensations quickly occur when clothes come in contact with the eyes. Washing your clothes regularly is an excellent way to prevent dust, pollen, and dander from settling into your clothes. Remember to shake out your sweaters, rugs, and blankets before throwing them in the washing machine.
Dry, windy days can attract and circulate more allergens in the air. Stay indoors on these days to prevent allergens from burning your eyes and settling into your clothes. Remember to groom your pets regularly to prevent dander circulation.
Allergens can still irritate your eyes despite best efforts to prevent them. Start by visiting your local drugstore for an over-the-counter solution.
Common yet effective OTC remedies include:
Skin allergic reactions are also common. In these cases, you can buy an OTC hydrocortisone cream.
For extreme allergies, you can talk to your doctor and purchase allergy relief prescriptions from an online pharmacy. Online, you can find prescription inhalers, medicated eye drops, and tablets for frequent allergy sufferers.
An online doctor from Kiwi can review your medical history with allergies and prescribe the right prescription treatment for your condition. If you have a history of asthma, as well, an online doctor can help you get the right inhaler.
Kiwi also has a wide selection of vitamins and herbal remedies to help manage allergies.
Vitamins and minerals to consider include:
Any supplement that combats inflammation can help with allergy relief. Start with a daily regimen of vitamins and anti-inflammatory supplements like Omega-3 capsules. Spirulina is an excellent supplement to consider since it has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The most recognizable vitamin on the list is vitamin C. Like spirulina, it also contains anti-inflammatory elements and antioxidants. Its healthy benefits for the immune system help the body fight allergic reactions more effectively.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants reduce levels of oxidative stress in the body; this stress worsens the inflammation caused by allergic reactions.
There are also supplements made from plant extracts like butterbur. This extract is a natural remedy for migraines caused by allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.
The same remedies above may also be used to treat inflammation from other causes of eyeburn. The causes below may be more serious, like eyes coming in contact with chemicals. That’s why workplaces that use chemicals have emergency eye wash stations.
Wash your eyes out immediately with cold water if your eyes come in contact with cleaning agents like multipurpose cleaners. Shampoos, skin care products, and other toiletries may irritate the eyes; these reactions are mild and can be easily remedied with cold water.
Eye infections are another story. You’ll need to talk to a doctor if they don’t clear up on their own with regular cleaning. Antibiotics are the typical course of treatment in these cases.
Constant dry eyes are frequently inflamed. Eye drops are often the first remedy. There are both OTC and prescription eye drops for dry eyes, depending on the severity of the case.
Another common cause of burning eyes is eye strain from technological devices like computers, smartphones, and TV monitors. Start wearing sunglasses regularly if you live in a sunny area and avoid looking in the direction of the sun.
Burning sensations from sensitive eyes are common after eye surgeries. Make sure to wear sunglasses for the recommended amount of time and follow doctor’s orders for aftercare.
It’s also not uncommon to experience burning sensations if you wear contact lenses. Remember to take out, replace, and wash your contact lenses daily. Don’t go to sleep with your contacts, either.
The following conditions may also cause eye burn:
Browse the online pharmacy at Kiwi or talk to an online doctor about remedies and medications that can help.
Why do my eyes burn? You’re asking the right question. The next step is to find the right remedy for your condition.
Learn more about the causes of burning eyes and conditions associated with that symptom. Visit Kiwi’s online pharmacy to learn more about solutions. Talk to an online doctor about your issues and they’ll review your medical history to help you find the best course of treatment.
Kiwi is proudly supported by the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand, bringing over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
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