Many forms of conjunctivitis go away with over-the-counter treatments in about 1-2 weeks. But its relatively uncommon and can have many other causes. All rights reserved. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. This can be caused by a range of conditions, including: You can ease these symptoms with the use of antihistamines, cool compresses, changing contact lenses and taking a break from staring at screens. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. These symptoms include burning eyes, red eyes, sore eyes, puffy eyes, and watery eyes. Avoiding Screen Time Overload During COVID-19, Over-the-Counter Solutions for Bloodshot Eyes, EyeSmart - American Academy of Ophthalmology, International Society of Refractive Surgery, Eye Care During the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), Coronavirus and Your Macular Degeneration Care, Print this PDF and give it to patients/staff, Email the PDF to your patients or send via patient portal, Link directly to the PDF above (ensures youre always providing the latest version). If at-home treatments dont work, contact your healthcare provider. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. Many common COVID-19 symptoms, like fever and chills, are not generally associated with allergies. These symptoms include burning eyes, red eyes, sore eyes, puffy eyes, and watery eyes. Eye discharge: What causes "sleep" in your eyes? These drugs are no longer recommended for the emergency treatment of COVID-19. Some patients also have a red or pink "blister" on the white of the eye. A small case study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in March 2020 found that 12 of the 38 COVID-19 patients examined . It's caused by wind and UV exposure. Treatments and home remedies The treatment options for burning eyes will depend on the underlying cause. For example, children and adults often get sunscreen in their eyes during the warmer months. Home remedies like eye drops or cool compresses can be soothing for allergies or everyday dryness. Your doctor may suggest a virtual visit over your computer or smartphone. The disease is transmitted from person to person through air droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. But allergies dont cause a fever, so experiencing a fever may indicate that youre dealing with COVID-19 or another viral infection. You should see an eye doctor or other healthcare provider for burning eyes if you have eye pain, sensitivity to light, discharge from the eye, or vision changes. You can help the burning subside even more quickly by frequently applying preservative-free lubricating eye drops (every 20 minutes or so) until you feel better. October 2020. A contemporary look at allergic conjunctivitis. Some coronavirus patients just happen to have unrelated eye issues, so don't immediately assume you have COVID-19 if your eyes hurt, burn or itch. Available at selected Essilor Experts. 2021 Mar;31(2):NP161-NP166. Yes, COVID-19 can cause burning eyes. Earlier in the pandemic, many doctors temporarily closed their offices except for emergency care. Burning eyes can have several possible causes, ranging from simple to complex. Watery eyes. The doctor will usually start the diagnostic procedure by taking a medical history and asking the person about their symptoms. Burning eyes can have many causes. For example, when burning eyes occur with itching, it may signal allergies; or if you have burning and eye discharge, this could mean an infection. The eyes may also appear puffy. To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233. Allergy and coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms can be similar. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Learn how to tell the difference and how to treat. Download a printable version of this article in English (PDF). By Allie Johnson; reviewed by Alan Glazier, OD, FAAO. 2020 Dec;98(8):e951-e959. Frequently, burning eyes are caused by unavoidable environmental influences, such as strong winds or high pollen counts. (https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/infographics/protect-yourself.html), (https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/blepharitis), (https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sjogrens-syndrome), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. READ NEXT: Blurry vision and the COVID-19 coronavirus. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Eye twitching (myokymia) may have a variety of possible causes, including allergies, caffeine, dry eyes, stress or nutrition problems. Pink eye is an uncommon symptom of COVID-19. Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is a viral infection that causes burning, redness, and discharge. Although getting something in your eyes can cause them to burn, burning eyes sometimes signal a serious eye condition. Dry eye can have many of the same symptoms as allergic eye disease, with the eye being red and possibly watery ("My eyes are tearing--how could it be dry eyes?"). Bookshelf 2022 Sep 13;9:877023. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.877023. But, then again, it can also occur due to a viral infection or fungal or bacterial growth within the nasal cavities. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pinguecula-pterygium, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-blepharitis, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/symptoms/burning-eyes, https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/photokeratitis-snow-blindness, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea/rosacea-treatment-eye-problems, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/allergies, Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. American Academy of Ophthalmology: Coronavirus Eye Safety, Coronavirus and Your Eyes, Quick Home Remedies for Pink Eye., CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).. This can include a runny nose and sneezing. Hu Y, Chen T, Liu M, Zhang L, Wang F, Zhao S, Liu H, Xia H, Wang Y, Li L. Acta Ophthalmol. To select appropriate treatment, its important to first establish the cause (or causes) of your burning eyes. The new coronavirus behind the pandemic causes a respiratory illness called COVID-19. Vanessa Caceres is a nationally published health journalist with over 15 years of experience covering medical topics including eye health, cardiology, and more. Although getting sunscreen in your eyes wont cause any permanent damage, it can cause significant burning and eye inflammation. In some studies of COVID-19 cases, cases of increased eye secretion have been identified. Many common household products can lead to burns, such as vinegar, bleach, or glass polish. Burning eyes can be a symptom of an illness that needs medical treatment. Can You Catch Coronavirus through Your Eyes? Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Gasparini MS, Dos Santos LM, Hamade AM, Gross LG, Favarato AP, de Vasconcellos JP, de Melo MB, Parise PL, Simeoni CL, Silva NB, da Silva Mori MA, Vieira AS, Dos Santos Farias A, Granja F, Schreiber AZ, Moretti ML, Proena-Modena JL, Alves M. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). Sources used at the time of publication are provided in the Notes and References section. Keywords: Because COVID can spread through the eyes, some experts recommend wearing eye protection such as COVID goggles or face shields to protect your eyes from saliva droplets that may contain the virus. Burning eyes can have many different causes, some of which are serious and require specialized treatment. These particles most often enter through your nose or mouth as well as your eyes. Turbert, D. (2019). A person should also ensure that they. Anything that causes inflammation can create a burning sensation in your eyes. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Do People With AMD Have a Higher Risk of COVID Complications? Nasiri N, et al. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Learn more: Causes of Eye Pain and Treatment Options. Can You Contract/Spread COVID-19 Through Your Eyes? COVID-19 could cause itchy eyes, sore eyes and sensitivity to light within your body. Dry eyes tend to occur more often in females and older people. COVID-19 ( coronavirus disease 2019) is a novel (new) coronavirus responsible for an outbreak of respiratory . You should see an eye doctor if home treatments to stop burning eyes do not help. Increased eye secretion has been identified in some studies as a possible COVID-19 symptom. How Long Do Coronaviruses Live on Surfaces? If you are allergic to any of these substances, they are even more likely to make your eyes burn. If you're unsure why your eyes are burning, and you have other symptoms, it's a good idea to see an eye doctor or another healthcare provider. COVID-19 could cause itchy eyes, sore eyes and sensitivity to light within your body. Eye discharge found in your eye when you wake up is commonly known as "sleep.". Next, flush your eyes with a lubricating eye drop or artificial tear if you have either product handy. March 2020. However, it is important to note that while these symptoms were present during infection of COVID-19, they may have been caused by something else. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Eye-related symptoms of coronavirus can include burning eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, sore eyes, puffy eyes, swollen eyelids and watery eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, itchiness, watering, or redness of your eyes is usually a sign of allergies rather than COVID-19. This is called ocular rosacea. The most common COVID-19 symptoms to look out for along with these eye symptoms include: The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 enters your cells through an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). COVID rarely causes eye symptoms. We avoid using tertiary references. Here are some simple ways to keep yourself healthy: 4, Remember that the ocular surface of your eyes already has protective barriers, like antimicrobial proteins and natural lubricants. What's the Treatment for COVID Toes? It can strip them of these barriers and increase your risk of infection.1. Flushing your eyes with lukewarm water immediately can help you minimize damage. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Ocular rosacea is inflammation of the eye that usually affects people with rosacea of the face. Retina: Retinal microvascular changes have been noted on ocular imaging in people with COVID-19.