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Burning Eyes at Night: Why Do My Eyes Burn When I Close Them?
Burning eyes at night is a symptom affecting the eyes that is a sensation of itchy or stinging eyes, often due to dryness or inflammation. Eyes burning at night can be caused by dry eyes, allergies, blepharitis, low humidity and certain irritants. Treatments for eye pain or burning at night include eye drops, antihistamine medication, a cold compress and cleaning the eyes. If you have burning eyes at night or your eyes burn when closed, keep reading to find out why and how they can be treated.
What is the Meaning of "Burning Eyes at Night"?
The meaning of burning eyes at night is a sensation of stinging or itching in the eyes that occurs at night, often due to allergies, an infection or an eye condition. Eyes burning at night can be a symptom of dry eyes, conjunctivitis, blepharitis or an allergic reaction to pollen, dust or pet dander. Eye discomfort, specifically at night or in the early mornings, can be due to the eyes drying throughout the day due to environmental factors such as heat and wind.
Why Do My Eyes Burn at Night?
Eyes burning at night can mean different things, for example, it could be because of dry eye syndrome which is an eye condition characterised by a lack of tear production which causes the surface of the eye to become dry. Burning eyes at night can also be due to eye allergies such as an allergy to pet dander, pollen, mould, smoke and dust. The eyes also produce fewer tears at night due to a person’s metabolism slowing down during sleep which can contribute to discomfort in the eyes.
Why Do My Eyes Burn When I Close Them?
Your eyes may burn when you close them due to allergies, eye infections, environmental factors or dry eyes. If your eyes burn when closed, you can treat them with lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
What are the Primary Causes of Burning Eyes at Night?
The primary causes of burning eyes at night include dry eyes, allergies, blepharitis, low humidity and irritants. These common causes of burning eyes at night and their definition are listed below.
- Dry eyes: Dry eyes is an eye condition where a lack of tear production does not provide adequate lubrication to the eyes leading to burning eyes as well as itchy eyes, red eyes and sensitivity to light.
- Allergies: Eye allergies can cause burning eyes at night as a person may be allergic to something that is in their bedroom or on their sheets. The burning is caused by histamine that irritates the nerve endings in the eyes.
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an eye condition that causes eyelid inflammation due to problems with the oil glands in the eyes and/or bacteria. Symptoms of blepharitis include burning eyes, red eyes and blurred vision.
- Low humidity: Low humidity or dry indoor air can cause burning eyes at night as the air can dry out the surface of the eye leading to discomfort while sleeping. This may be fixed by using a humidifier.
- Irritants: Irritants found in everyday objects such as chemicals, fragrances and chlorine may cause the eyes to burn both during the day and at night. This is common for people who have sensitive eyes.
How Does Screen Time Affect Eye Discomfort at Night?
Screen time may affect eye discomfort at night, potentially leading to eye irritation such as burning eyes. Staring at a screen before bed may cause eye pain at night due to the bright light and also the eyes blink less when looking at a screen. Digital eye strain can develop after spending too much time on a digital screen which can cause the eyes to feel fatigued and lead to dry eyes.
What Role Do Allergies Play in Nighttime Eye Burning?
Allergies play a role in the eyes burning at nighttime as an allergic reaction can cause stinging and/or burning eyes. The causes of eye allergies include pet dander, pollen, mould, smoke and dust. Eye allergies occur when the body reacts to certain substances that make direct contact with the eyes. This substance then triggers an overreaction in the immune system to expel the substances as quickly as possible, causing symptoms typical of allergic reactions in the face and eyes such as burning eyes. Eyes burning at night due to eye allergies may be caused by pollen coming in through open windows or dust or pet dander on the bed sheets.
Can Contact Lenses Contribute to Burning Eyes in the Evening?
Contact lenses may contribute to burning eyes in the evening as they can make the eyes dry and also increase a person’s risk of eye infections. Contact lenses may cause dry eyes as the lens partially blocks oxygen from entering the eye, which can lead to burning eyes at night when the contacts have been removed. Wearing contact lenses may also increase a person’s risk of developing an eye infection such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, which can lead to burning eyes.
How is Dry Eye Syndrome Linked to Nighttime Eye Discomfort?
Dry eye syndrome is linked to nighttime eye discomfort as burning and irritated eyes are common symptoms that can worsen at night as the tears in the eyes may have evaporated throughout the day due to many factors such as environmental including wind and dry heat. Burning eyes caused by dry eyes can be treated with lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, which relieve discomfort by adding moisture to the surface of the eye.
What Environmental Factors Can Trigger Burning Eyes at Night?
Environmental factors that can trigger burning eyes at night include wind, smoke, dry climate, pollen and dust, according to Very Well Health. An article published in the National Library of Medicine reports that allergic eye disease is linked with an increase in temperature and ground-level ozone.
How Does Blepharitis Lead to a Burning Sensation in the Eyes?
Blepharitis may lead to a burning sensation in the eyes as inflammation of the eyelid can irritate the eyes. Blepharitis is an eye condition that causes eyelid inflammation due to bacteria or problems with the oil glands in the eyes. Blepharitis can be caused by dry eyes of which burning eyes may be a symptom. Blepharitis can also cause sore, red and itchy eyes.
Are There Any Home Remedies to Alleviate Burning Eyes?
Yes, according to Medical News Today, home remedies can be used to alleviate burning eyes. These home remedies include using supplements such as fish oil to reduce the effects of dry eyes, cleaning the eyes to eliminate any irritants that may cause burning, avoiding irritants known to cause eye discomfort and finally, using a warm compress on the eyes to relieve discomfort. It is advised by an optometrist to seek medical attention before commencing any treatments if your eyes are burning.
When to Consult a Doctor about Nighttime Eye Discomfort?
It is important to consult a doctor about nighttime eye discomfort if it is a persistent issue, is causing pain and/or discomfort, if it is preventing you from sleeping and if it is affecting your vision. An optometrist or a general practitioner can assess the patient’s eye and suggest treatment such as eye drops or allergy medication. It is important to book regular eye tests to stay on top of your vision and eye health.
What Treatments Are Available for Burning Eyes at Night?
The treatments available for burning eyes are those that treat the underlying problem such as dry eyes and allergies. These treatments include eye drops, antihistamine medication, a cold compress and cleaning the eyes. The treatments for burning eyes at night and their definitions are listed below.
- Eye drops: Eye drops, specifically lubricating eye drops, can be used to treat burning eyes by adding moisture to the surface of the eye. Eye drops are typically used to treat dry eyes which can be a cause of burning eyes at night. It is advised to check with your optometrist or pharmacist before starting any eye drops.
- Antihistamine medication: Antihistamine medication can be used to treat burning eyes caused by an allergic reaction in the eyes. Antihistamine medication can be in the form of eye drops or tablets. It is advised to check with your optometrist or pharmacist before starting any eye drops.
- Cold compress: A cold compress is a treatment for burning eyes as it provides relief from discomfort as the cold temperature can help reduce swelling and inflammation. A cold compress is comprised of cold water and a washer or cloth.
- Cleaning the eyes: Burning eyes at night can be treated by cleaning the eyes using warm water and/or a gentle cleanser. This can help in cleaning away any debris or potential bacteria.
Can Diet and Nutrition Impact Eye Health and Comfort at Night?
Yes, while not specific to eye comfort at night, diet and nutrition can have a large impact on eye health as they can maintain your eyesight and keep your eyes healthy. A good diet for overall health, including eye health, includes one high in whole foods, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and proteins. Certain minerals and vitamins can also help with eye health, such as vitamins A, C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acid DHA.
How Does Conjunctivitis Develop and Contribute to Burning Eyes?
Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that can develop due to bacteria, viral infections and allergies. There are three main types of conjunctivitis that can contribute to burning eyes, which are bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Burning, stinging or itchy eyes may be caused by the irritation of the conjunctiva that may occur in bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis.
Are There Any Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Address Burning Eyes at Night?
Yes, there are certain lifestyle changes a person can make that may help address burning eyes at night. If allergies cause burning eyes, a person can attempt to avoid their allergic triggers. This may include sleeping with the windows closed to prevent pollen from entering the room or washing sheets often if a person is allergic to dust or pet dander.
Can Showering with Contact Lenses Cause Burning Eyes at Night?
Showering with contact lenses may cause burning eyes in the day or night. Showering with contact lenses is not advised as the water may contain harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can cause eye infections. Showering with contact lenses can also cause increased difficulty with removing them. Eye infections can lead to burning eyes, often due to inflammation which can also cause the eyes to become red and painful.