Eyes Burning and Watering: Main Causes of Burning and Tearing

Burning, itching, stinging, and tears are a common complaint, and the cause is not always a serious disease. Tear fluid constantly washes the eye with every blink, moistens and protects it, and excess is drained through the tear ducts. When this balance is disrupted, a person feels that the eyes are burning and watering and wants to understand what is happening.

Why eyes water and burn: general mechanism

The lacrimal glands produce tear fluid, and the tear ducts drain it from the eye into the nasal cavity. Normally, tear production and outflow are balanced, taking evaporation into account. If more tears are produced than can be drained, the fluid overflows over the edge of the eyelid onto the skin of the face — this is called tearing. Persistent long-term tearing is called epiphora by doctors.

There are two groups of causes: either too many tears are produced, or their outflow is impaired. Abundant temporary tearing occurs reflexively as a protective reaction to irritation of the cornea and conjunctiva — in wind, cold, smoke, or with a foreign body. Persistent tearing occurs with obstruction of the tear ducts, inflammation, allergy, and also with dry eye, when the eye responds with protective increased tear production.

Itching, burning, and tears with allergy

With allergy, the eye may itch and water. Inflammation of the conjunctiva of allergic origin irritates the mucosa, and the eye responds with increased tear secretion. If the cause is unclear, the doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for examination.

Dry eye and tearing

When the tear film dries out, dry eye syndrome occurs. Causes include insufficient function of the lacrimal glands and increased evaporation of tears due to airflow or incomplete closure of the eyelids. At the same time, the eye may water: dryness causes a reflexive protective increase in tear production.

Inflammation: conjunctivitis

Infection or inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva can cause tearing. Inflammatory causes include conjunctivitis, as well as dacryocystitis — inflammation of the lacrimal sac. The doctor examines the eye and assesses the nature of the discharge.

Pain and swelling: what to pay attention to

If there is swelling or a lump around the eyes, or severe eye pain, the visit should not be postponed. Tearing also occurs with eyelid problems: inward turning of the eyelid or outward drooping of the eyelid, abnormal eyelash growth, and blockage of the tear ducts. In infants, tearing occurs due to immaturity of the tear ducts and usually resolves within a few weeks.

• Tearing that interferes with everyday activities.
• The eyelid turns inward or droops outward.
• Lumps or swelling around the eyes that do not resolve after treatment.
• Tearing continues and does not go away on its own.

When a doctor is needed

A scheduled visit to a doctor is needed if tears flow constantly and interfere with life, if the eyelid has changed position, or if persistent swellings have appeared around the eye. If obstruction of the tear ducts is suspected, the doctor performs an examination and a dye test, and if the cause is unclear, refers the patient to an ophthalmologist for further examination. Diagnosis includes collecting information about symptoms, examination, and special tests.

Tearing by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if vision suddenly worsens or is lost, or if severe acute eye pain occurs.

Burning and tears are most often explainable and can be clarified by a doctor. This article is for reference and does not replace consultation with an ophthalmologist: only they can examine the eye and identify your cause.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer