Eye Burns or Stings

Burning or stinging eyes can range from mild discomfort caused by fatigue or allergies to severe pain from chemical exposure requiring immediate emergency care. This sensation often signals irritation of the eye's surface, which can result from environmental factors, infections, or serious injuries. Understanding the cause and appropriate first aid measures, especially for chemical burns, can help prevent permanent vision damage.

🚨 SEEK EMERGENCY CARE IMMEDIATELY For:

  • Chemical splashed in eye
  • Severe eye pain
  • Vision loss or changes
  • Eye injury or trauma
  • Foreign object in eye that won't flush out
  • Light sensitivity with severe pain
  • Pus or thick discharge
  • Eye looks cloudy or white
  • Burn from welding or UV exposure
  • Symptoms after eye surgery

For Chemical Burns: Immediately flush eye with water for 15-20 minutes BEFORE going to emergency room.

First Aid for Eye Burns

Chemical Burns - Act Immediately:

  1. Flush eye with clean water for 15-20 minutes
  2. Remove contact lenses if present
  3. Hold eyelids open while flushing
  4. Use shower, sink, or eyewash station
  5. Continue flushing en route to emergency care
  6. Bring chemical container/label if possible

General Eye Irritation:

  • Avoid rubbing eyes
  • Remove contact lenses
  • Rinse with clean water or saline
  • Apply cool compress
  • Use preservative-free artificial tears

Common Causes

Environmental Irritants

  • Smoke or air pollution
  • Wind or dry air
  • Chlorine in pools
  • Dust or pollen
  • Strong perfumes/chemicals
  • Computer eye strain

Medical Conditions

  • Dry eye syndrome
  • Allergic conjunctivitis
  • Bacterial/viral infections
  • Blepharitis
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Uveitis

Chemical/Physical Causes

  • Household cleaners
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Cosmetics in eye
  • Sunscreen
  • UV exposure (snow blindness)
  • Welding flash

Other Causes

  • Contact lens overwear
  • Eye medication side effects
  • Eyelash in eye
  • Eye fatigue
  • Hormonal changes
  • Autoimmune conditions

Types of Eye Burns

Chemical Burns

  • Alkaline burns: Most dangerous (cleaners, cement)
  • Acid burns: Usually less penetrating
  • Severity varies: From mild irritation to vision loss
  • Immediate flushing: Critical for all chemical exposures

Thermal Burns

  • Hot liquids or steam
  • Curling iron or cigarette burns
  • Usually affect eyelids more than eye

Radiation Burns

  • UV exposure (tanning beds, snow)
  • Welding arc exposure
  • Symptoms may delay 6-12 hours
  • Extreme pain and light sensitivity

Associated Symptoms

Burning or stinging often occurs with:

  • Tearing: Excessive watering
  • Redness: Bloodshot appearance
  • Light sensitivity: Photophobia
  • Blurred vision: Temporary or persistent
  • Foreign body sensation: Feeling something in eye
  • Discharge: Clear, white, or yellow
  • Swelling: Eyelids or conjunctiva
  • Headache: From eye strain

Dry Eye Syndrome

The most common cause of chronic burning/stinging:

Risk Factors

  • Age over 50
  • Female gender
  • Computer use
  • Contact lens wear
  • Certain medications
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • LASIK surgery

Management

  • Artificial tears regularly
  • Warm compresses
  • Omega-3 supplements
  • Humidifier use
  • Blink exercises
  • Prescription medications

Medical Evaluation

Eye Examination

  • Visual acuity testing
  • Slit lamp examination
  • Fluorescein staining
  • Tear film evaluation
  • Eyelid assessment
  • Corneal examination

Additional Tests

  • Schirmer test: Tear production
  • Tear breakup time: Tear stability
  • Cultures: If infection suspected
  • Allergy testing: For allergic causes
  • pH testing: After chemical exposure

Treatment Options

Over-the-Counter

  • Artificial tears
  • Lubricating gels/ointments
  • Allergy eye drops
  • Cool compresses
  • Eyelid cleansers
  • Preservative-free options

Prescription Treatments

  • Anti-inflammatory drops
  • Antibiotic drops/ointments
  • Steroid eye drops
  • Cyclosporine (Restasis)
  • Lifitegrast (Xiidra)
  • Autologous serum drops

Procedures

  • Punctal plugs
  • Intense pulsed light
  • LipiFlow treatment
  • Meibomian gland expression
  • Amniotic membrane
  • Scleral contact lenses

Lifestyle Modifications

  • 20-20-20 rule for screens
  • Increase humidity
  • Avoid air blowing on face
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses
  • Stay hydrated
  • Reduce contact lens wear

Prevention Strategies

  • Eye protection: Safety glasses when needed
  • Proper hygiene: Clean hands before touching eyes
  • Contact lens care: Follow proper hygiene
  • Screen breaks: Regular rest periods
  • UV protection: Quality sunglasses
  • Avoid irritants: Known triggers
  • Maintain humidity: 30-50% indoor
  • Regular eye exams: Early detection
  • Proper makeup removal: Gentle techniques
  • Chemical safety: Read labels, use protection

When to See an Eye Doctor

  • Symptoms persist over 48 hours
  • Vision changes
  • Severe pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • Discharge from eye
  • Swelling of eyelids
  • Recent eye surgery
  • Contact lens-related pain
  • Recurrent symptoms
  • One eye affected more than other

Related Symptoms

Eye Redness

Often accompanies burning.

Eye Discharge

May indicate infection.

Vision Changes

Requires urgent evaluation.

Light Sensitivity

Common with eye irritation.