What is the symptom of burning eyes?
Burning eyes is a common problem. Sometimes, you can feel burning isolated to the eyelids. At other times, the entire eye may seem to burn. The burning may be low-grade or severe and it may come and go. In addition, there may be associated symptoms such as redness, itchiness, crusting, and dry eye. But usually there is no loss of vision.
What are the causes of burning eyes?
There are many causes of a burning sensation. First, make sure you don’t have a sensitivity to make-up or eye drops that you place in your eyes. One clue is that the burning comes on right after you are exposed to the offending agent. However, a very common cause of burning is blepharitis.
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid border where the lashes emerge. With blepharitis, the edge of the lid is usually red. Sometimes, seborrhea or rosacea is the cause of blepharitis. At other times, blepharitis is an isolated problem. Regardless, the symptoms are the same. Frequently, infection from bacteria or skin mites cause or aggravate blepharitis. Blepharitis is diagnosed by the eye doctor.
What treatment is available?
There are a host of treatments available. Warm compresses often help. Although a warm wet washcloth may help, it cools down rapidly. Therefore, warming masks may work better. Artificial tears help symptoms of dry eyes. They may be used 3-4 times a day. Sometimes, antibiotic drops, ointments, and/or pills are used.
Can tea tree oil help?
Tea tree oil provides rapid improvement in symptoms. It not only rapidly soothes the eyes, but it also works against infection by bacteria and mites. However, pharmacists must prepare tea tree oil for use around the eye to avoid irritation and complications. Various preparations include drops, washes, and lid wipes. Daily use of tea tree oil helps keep the eyes healthy and comfortable.
Where do I go for diagnosis and treatment?
A general ophthalmologist, trained to diagnose and treat burning eyes, is the doctor to see. Further consultation is available with an ophthalmologist specializing in cornea and external disease. In Tampa, I recommend Dr Mark Arey, Dr Allen Pusateri, and Dr Edgar Espana, among others.
For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email. We are unable to provide consultation for those living outside the state of Florida with the exception of limited one-time consultations with residents of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington.
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