Natural ways to soothe burning eyes

Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling like your eyes were burning? And then had to go to work with red eyes, your colleagues pointing them out to you?

Burning and dry eyes are a fairly common problem today, and one we’ve all experienced at some point: stinging, itching, and tears even though you’re not actually crying. Whether you’re a student, a young professional or even a parent, you’re not immune to the problem, and we want to help you learn about and combat it.

What causes a burning sensation in the eyes?

There are several problems that can cause that burning feeling in your eyes, but here are some of the more common ones:

• Lack of sleep: If you’re not getting enough rest over the course of a night, neither are your eyes. A common cause behind poor sleep is too much exposure to blue light—the kind of light that emanates from the screens of electronic devices like mobiles and laptops. Too much exposure dries out your eyes, and a lack of lubrication can result in eye redness and a burning-like feeling
• Allergies: Allergens present in the air of your bedroom, like, pollen, smoke, dust can also make your eyes feel like they are burning. Make sure to air out your room and change your sheets often!
• Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for too long can be harmful for your eyes. Make sure to sanitize them often to prevent infections that lead to redness and watering of the eye.
• UV rays: Your sunglasses need to be your constant companion whenever you go out into the sun. Harmful rays can damage your eye and particularly the retina, causing inflammation and burning. Always remember never to look directly at a solar eclipse!

Sometimes, redness and a burning sensation in the eyes can indicate a more serious infection, one common example being conjunctivitis. If you have a constant burning sensation in your eyes over a long period, please consider seeking professional medical assistance.

Home remedies to soothe a burning sensation in the eyes

While it’s always better to consult a medical professional if you’re experiencing eye problems, certain home remedies for burning eyes can provide you with immediate relief.

• Firstly, it helps a lot if you rinse your eyes with water often. A simple rinse can actually help rid your eyes of allergens and irritants that otherwise result in eye problems. Water acts as a natural coolant. A warm compress can also prove to be equally helpful.
• Aloe Vera gel is an excellent moisturizer and a great cooling agent. If your eyes are burning, soak some onto a cotton pad and apply them onto your eyelids (make sure not to get any aloe vera inside them!) This is a great home remedy for burning eyes because in addition to helping your eyes relax, it also reduces puffiness and can help combat dark circles.
• If you don’t have any aloe vera at home, slices of cucumber can have the same effect. Take a couple of slices and place them on your eyes for a cooling and nourishing treatment.
• In addition to smelling particularly fragrant, rose water essence is celebrated for its antiseptic properties. After a long day at work and blue light exposure, or just as part of your everyday skincare routine, use rosewater on a cotton pad to help your eyes relax.
• Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining eye health and preventing damage. Try to include fish and flax seeds in your diet to keep your eyes strong and nourished.
• Never forget that you should be getting 8 hours of sound sleep every night if you want your eyes feeling rested too. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, try a melatonin sleep supplement. Setu’s non-habit-forming melatonin supplement will help restore your natural sleep cycle. Check it out here.

What other symptoms might occur with eye-burning?

Redness in your eyes is usually indicative of not just lifestyle problems, but also underlying health issues. Other, related symptoms may include discharge, constant watering of the eyes, pain, blurry vision, or even double vision. Before you decide to take any medicines or follow any home remedies, it’s always a good idea to consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

FAQs

What is the best way to clean the eyes?

If a piece of dirt or other irritant enters your eyes, splash a little water in them to help flush it out. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in diluted baby soap to wipe the corner of your eyes.

Can burning of the eye be serious?

Usually, burning and redness settle down in a few hours. If the symptoms persist, it could point towards some underlying health condition or an acute problem.

What else can I do to prevent these issues?

Drinking water throughout the day will keep your body and eyes hydrated. This will provide your eyes with adequate and natural lubrication, making sure you don’t need to use any eye drops.