Eye burning - itching and discharge

Eye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.

Causes

Causes may include:

• Allergies , including seasonal allergies or hay fever

  Allergies

  An allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.

  

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• Infections, bacterial or viral ( conjunctivitis or pink eye)

  Conjunctivitis

  The conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis occurs when the  conjunctiva becomes...

  

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• Chemical irritants (such as chlorine in a swimming pool or makeup)
• Dry eyes

  Dry eyes

  You need tears to moisten the eyes and to wash away particles that have gotten in. A healthy tear film on the eye is necessary for good vision. Dry...

  

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• Irritants in the air (cigarette smoke or smog)

  Irritants

  An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...

  

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Home Care

Apply cool compresses to soothe itching.

Apply warm compress to soften crusts if they have formed. Washing the eyelids with baby shampoo on a cotton applicator can also help remove crusts.

Using artificial tears 4 to 6 times a day can be helpful for almost all causes of burning and irritation, especially dry eyes.

If you have allergies, try to avoid the cause (pets, grasses, cosmetics) as much as possible. Your health care provider may give you antihistamine eye drops to help with allergies.

Pink eye or viral conjunctivitis causes a red or bloodshot eye and excessive tearing. It may be highly contagious for the first few days. The infection will run its course in about 10 days. If you suspect pink eye:

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching the unaffected eye

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

• The discharge is thick, greenish, or resembles pus. (This may be from bacterial conjunctivitis.)
• You have excessive eye pain or sensitivity to light.
• Your vision is decreased.
• You have increased swelling in the eyelids.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will get a medical history and will perform a physical exam .

Questions you may be asked include:

• What does the eye drainage look like?
• When did the problem start?
• Is it in one eye or both eyes?
• Is your vision affected?
• Are you sensitive to light?
• Does anyone else at home or work have a similar problem?
• Do you have any new pets, linens, or carpets, or are you using different laundry soap?
• Do you also have a head cold or sore throat?
• What treatments have you tried so far?

The physical exam may include a check of your:

• Cornea
• Conjunctiva
• Eyelids
• Eye motion
• Pupils reaction to light
• Vision

Depending on the cause of the problem, your provider may recommend treatments such as:

• Lubricating eye drops for dry eyes
• Antihistamine eye drops for allergies
• Antiviral drops or ointments for certain viral infections such as herpes
• Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis

Follow your provider's instructions exactly. With treatment, you should gradually improve. You should be back to normal in 1 to 2 weeks unless the problem is a chronic one like dry eyes.