A burning, watery feeling in your eyes is a common and often significant source of discomfort. If you experience these symptoms often, you’re probably wondering about the cause and whether or not you need to see an eye doctor.
Burning, watery eyes have a number of potential causes, including a reaction to airborne allergens, digital screen use, and underlying conditions like dry eye syndrome. Figuring out what’s behind the discomfort is the first step toward clear and comfortable vision.
Common Reasons for Irritated & Watery Eyes
Your eyes are sensitive, and they often react to changes in your environment or your health. Many different factors can lead to discomfort.
Allergies & Your Surroundings
Foreign particles are a frequent source of eye irritation. When your eyes encounter allergens, this can trigger an immune response that leads to burning, itching, and watering. Common environmental irritants that cause allergic symptoms include:
- Pollen from trees, grass, & weeds
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Smoke or strong fumes
- Changes in weather or dry air
Dry Eye Syndrome
Your eyes need a healthy layer of tears to stay moist and comfortable. Sometimes, your tear glands don’t produce enough tears, while sometimes they produce tears of poor quality.
When your tear film doesn’t keep your eyes moist, the resulting condition is known as dry eye. Our team offers in-office dry eye therapy to find a solution that works for you.
Digital Eye Strain & Fatigue
Staring at digital screens for long periods can take a toll on your eyes. People tend to blink less when focused on a computer or phone, which causes the tear film to evaporate more quickly. This can lead to dryness, a burning sensation, and what’s known as digital eye strain.
Eye Infections
An eye infection, commonly known as pink eye or conjunctivitis, can also make your eyes red, itchy, and watery. These infections are typically caused by a virus or bacteria. Pink eye is contagious, and it often requires a visit to an eye care professional to manage symptoms and address its cause.
Scratches on the Cornea
A tiny piece of dust, sand, or other debris can scratch the cornea—the clear front surface of your eye. A corneal abrasion can cause significant pain, redness, and watering. If you think something has scratched your eye, avoid rubbing and seek emergency eye care.
How Diet & Nutrients Affect Your Eyes
What you eat contributes to your overall wellness, and that includes the health of your eyes. Certain vitamins and nutrients play a direct part in supporting proper eye function. Nutritional gaps may even contribute to symptoms like burning and dryness.
The Role of Key Vitamins
Your eyes depend on your intake of vitamins to function correctly. A diet that includes vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids supports healthier tear production and lubrication. These nutrients help maintain the delicate surfaces of your eyes and may even reduce the risk of serious conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Hydration & Your Vision
Dehydration can affect your whole body, and your eyes are no exception. When you don’t drink enough water, your body can’t produce enough tears, leading to dry and irritated eyes. Staying properly hydrated throughout the day is a simple way to support your eye health.
Simple Ways to Soothe Your Eyes at Home
For mild eye irritation, you can often find relief with a few simple at-home approaches. These techniques can help soothe burning and watering. They may provide the temporary comfort your eyes need.
Use a Warm Compress
A clean, warm washcloth placed over your closed eyes for several minutes can be soothing. The warmth can help relax your eyes and may also help release natural oils from the glands in your eyelids. Following safe techniques for warm compresses can improve the quality of your tears and provide moisture.
Try Over-The-Counter Eye Drops
Artificial tears can offer quick, temporary relief for dry, burning eyes. These drops work by lubricating the surface of your eyes and helping to wash away irritants. If you find you need to use them often, preservative-free options are a great choice.
Rest Your Eyes Regularly
If you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, give your eyes a break with the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, shift your gaze to an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit can reduce the strain that contributes to burning and fatigue.
When to Visit an Eye Doctor in San Diego
If home remedies aren’t helping or your symptoms seem to be getting worse, it’s time to seek professional advice. A comprehensive eye exam can uncover the root cause of your discomfort. As your eye doctor in San Diego, we can develop a plan to help your eyes feel better.
Symptoms That Require Attention
You should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if your symptoms are persistent or accompanied by other issues. Pay attention to signs that may suggest a more direct approach is needed. Such symptoms may include:
- Pain in your eye
- Changes in your vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Symptoms that last for more than a few days
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
What to Expect During an Exam
During your visit, we’ll discuss your symptoms, daily habits, and health history. We’ll then perform a series of evaluations to check your vision and the overall health of your eyes. This information helps us create a customized plan to address your specific needs.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Regular eye exams are a key part of your health routine. We provide dedicated eye exams that help us to detect potential issues before they become more serious. A proactive approach to eye care helps protect your vision for years to come.
At Total Vision Rancho Bernardo, we’re dedicated to helping every member of your family achieve clear and comfortable vision. If you’re struggling with burning, watery eyes, we can help find the cause and a path toward relief.
Schedule a visit with us today to take the next step.
