Eye Health

Why Do My Eyes Burn? Causes, Symptoms

September 14, 2025

Why Do My Eyes Burn? Causes, Symptoms, and Relief for Humans and Pets

Our eyes are among the most sensitive organs in the body, yet we often take them for granted—until something goes wrong. Burning, stinging, redness, or light sensitivity can be frustrating, distracting, and sometimes even alarming. Many people wake up with red eyes, feel like something is stuck in them, or notice their tears burn when they cry. These problems aren’t limited to humans either; pet owners often wonder, “Why is my dog’s eye red?”

If you’ve been asking questions like “Why do my eyes burn?” or “Why are my eyes so sensitive to light?”—this guide is for you. We’ll cover the most common causes, what’s normal, when to worry, and how to find relief for both people and pets.

Why Do My Eyes Burn?

Burning eyes can feel sharp, itchy, or even like a gritty sensation. The causes range from everyday irritation to underlying medical conditions.

Common causes of burning eyes include:

Dry eyes: Reduced tear production or poor-quality tears leave the eyes unprotected.
Allergies: Pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander can inflame the eyes.
Environmental irritants: Smoke, pollution, chlorine, or chemical fumes.
Eye strain: Extended screen time and digital devices reduce blinking.
Contact lenses: Overwearing or improper cleaning can cause burning.

Medical causes can include:

Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Infection or allergy causing redness and burning.
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, often linked to oil gland dysfunction.
Dry eye syndrome: Chronic dryness due to tear film issues.

Burning that persists despite rest and hydration often signals the need for a doctor’s evaluation.

Why Are My Eyes So Sensitive to Light?

If bright light makes you squint, tear up, or feel discomfort, you may be experiencing photophobia.

Possible reasons for light sensitivity:

Migraines: Light sensitivity is a classic migraine symptom.
Dry eyes: Lack of lubrication makes eyes hypersensitive.
Corneal problems: Scratches, ulcers, or infections can heighten sensitivity.
Eye infections: Bacterial or viral infections inflame the eyes.
Post-surgery or dilation: Eyes healing from surgery or dilation drops are often more sensitive.

Occasional mild sensitivity is normal, especially in sunlight after being indoors. But if you suddenly can’t tolerate light or develop pain and blurred vision, seek medical attention immediately.

Feels Like Something Is in My Eye

Few sensations are more irritating than feeling like an eyelash or grain of sand is lodged in your eye. Sometimes, something is there—but other times, the sensation is misleading.

Common causes:

Foreign particles: Dust, dirt, or small debris trapped under the eyelid.
Dry eyes: Lack of lubrication can mimic the sensation of grit.
Contact lenses: Improper fit or dryness.
Corneal scratches: Tiny abrasions from rubbing or debris.

What to do:

Rinse with sterile saline or artificial tears.
Avoid rubbing—this can worsen scratches.
Seek care if the feeling persists, especially with redness or discharge.

Why Are My Eyes Red When I Wake Up?

Many people notice redness in their eyes first thing in the morning. While it’s often harmless, chronic redness may signal deeper issues.

Morning redness can result from:

Overnight dryness: Eyes partially open during sleep lose moisture.
Allergies: Dust mites or pet dander in bedding can irritate eyes.
Screen time before bed: Strain and dryness carry into the night.
Blepharitis or conjunctivitis: Underlying conditions that flare up overnight.

If your eyes are red every morning, try using a humidifier, reducing screen exposure before bed, and cleaning pillowcases frequently.

Why Do My Eyes Hurt or Burn When I Wake Up?

Waking up with painful, burning eyes is unsettling. This often overlaps with redness but can also indicate deeper issues.

Possible causes:

Nocturnal lagophthalmos: Sleeping with eyelids partially open.
Poor sleep quality: Dehydration or lack of REM sleep.
Contact lens wear: Sleeping with contacts restricts oxygen.
Corneal abrasions: Scratches may hurt most after waking.

Morning burning that persists may require artificial tears, an eye mask, or medical advice.

Why Do My Eyes Burn or Sting When I Cry?

Crying is natural, but it sometimes leaves eyes burning or stinging.

Why this happens:

Salt content of tears: Emotional tears contain electrolytes that may sting dry eyes.
Dry eyes: Already-irritated eyes feel worse after crying.
Eye strain: Long periods of crying can inflame delicate tissues.

While usually harmless, burning tears can also indicate tear film imbalance.

Why Do My Tears Burn My Eyes?

Not all tears are the same. Reflex tears (from irritation like cutting onions) differ in composition from emotional tears.

Causes of burning tears:

Chemical imbalance in tears: Abnormal tear pH or high salt levels.
Meibomian gland dysfunction: Oil glands fail to protect tears from evaporating.
Allergic reactions: Allergens make tears sting instead of soothe.

If your tears frequently cause burning, consult an eye doctor about possible dry eye syndrome.

Why Do My Eyes Sting When I Cry?

Closely related to burning, stinging eyes while crying usually points to irritation.

Causes include:

Dehydration or reduced tear production.
High tear salt concentration.
Existing inflammation in the eye.

Temporary stinging isn’t dangerous, but repeated symptoms should be checked.

Dog Eye Health: Why Is My Dog’s Eye Red?

Pets can suffer many of the same eye issues humans do. Redness in a dog’s eye can be mild—or a sign of something serious.

Possible causes:

Allergies: Dogs react to pollen, dust, and food allergens.
Infections: Bacterial or viral infections cause swelling and discharge.
Trauma: Scratches from play, debris, or rubbing.
Conjunctivitis: Pink eye affects dogs too.
Glaucoma or uveitis: More serious conditions needing urgent care.

What to watch for:

Excessive tearing or discharge.
Pawing at the eye or rubbing against objects.
Swelling or cloudiness.

If your dog’s eye stays red for more than a day or worsens, a vet visit is crucial.

Home Remedies and Relief Tips

For mild, everyday symptoms, these remedies can help:

Artificial tears: Keep eyes lubricated.
Cold compress: Reduces swelling and irritation.
Humidifier use: Prevents dry indoor air.
20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes on screens, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Protective eyewear: Sunglasses outdoors and goggles in dusty areas.
For dogs: Gently wipe discharge with a clean cloth, keep fur trimmed around eyes, and avoid irritants like smoke.

When to See a Doctor (or Vet)

While many cases resolve with rest or home remedies, professional help is sometimes essential.

See a doctor if you experience:

Sudden vision changes or blurriness.
Severe light sensitivity with pain.
Persistent redness or burning.
Eye discharge, swelling, or injury.

See a vet if your dog has:

Persistent redness or cloudiness.
Thick or pus-like discharge.
Signs of pain—pawing, squinting, or avoiding light.

Conclusion

Burning, red, or sensitive eyes are common complaints, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it feels like something is stuck in your eye, your tears burn when you cry, or your dog’s eye suddenly turns red, the key is identifying whether it’s a minor irritation or something that needs medical care.

Most issues stem from dryness, allergies, or lifestyle factors and can be managed with simple remedies. However, persistent or worsening symptoms in either humans or pets call for professional evaluation. Protecting eye health—yours and your pet’s—is worth every blink.