Eye conditions will typically cause symptoms. A common symptom, the feeling of burning on the surface of the eye, may indicate a variety of conditions. If the burning sensation continues without improvement, it's important to have an evaluation from an eye doctor. The doctor will want to know if any other symptoms have occurred as well. A person should know some of the other common symptoms that may accompany a burning sensation.
Irritation
In addition to the burning sensation on the eye, a person may also have stinging and itching. The eye may also feel as if a foreign body is in the eye. The doctor needs to know about these symptoms in order to help determine the problem. A burning sensation accompanied by itching may indicate a number of conditions, including eye allergies, eye infection or dry eyes, says MedlinePlus. Stinging or a foreign body sensation may result from dry eye or a small particle lodged under the eyelid or on the surface of the eye.
Dry eye commonly causes these symptoms, and a doctor may recommend using artificial tears, purchased over-the-counter from most drug stores, to keep the surface of the eye lubricated. If the doctor sees a foreign body, the doctor will put a drop in the eye to numb the surface and use fine tweezers to remove the matter.
Redness
Redness, also referred to as bloodshot eyes, may result from allergies, dry eyes or an infection, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. If an area on the white of the eye has a bright red spot, this may stem from a broken blood vessel, called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. If the patient has only a red area and a burning sensation, the doctor will likely determine the broken blood vessel caused the surface burning. If the person has a bloodshot appearance, the doctor will note the level of redness and use this symptom, along with any others, to aid in his examination and determination of the cause. Typically, once a person with eye redness begins treatment for the condition causing the symptom, the redness will ease.
Watering
In response to many conditions, the eyes may make more tears than necessary, causing the eyes to water. Conditions such as dry eyes, abnormal eyelids, infections or allergies may cause watery eyes, says MayoClinic.com. A blocked tear duct, the drainage canal for the tears in the eye, may also cause the eyes to water. Blocked tear ducts may require a simple, in-office procedure to clear the blockage. For other causes, once the person begins treatment for the condition resulting in burning and watery eyes, the symptoms should gradually improve.
