Table of contents:
- Tips for dealing with sore and hot eyes, based on the cause
- 1. Blefaritis
- 2. Dry eyes
- 3. Photokeratitis
- 4. Allergic conjunctivitis
- 5. Pterygium
- 6. Ocular rosacea
Stinging eyes and feeling hot are very disturbing activities. For a moment you can't resist rubbing your eyes. In fact, rubbing your eyes is not a good way to deal with sore eyes. Then, what should I do? There are actually many ways to deal with sore eyes and feeling hot, depending on what causes it. Listen here, let's!
Tips for dealing with sore and hot eyes, based on the cause
As mentioned earlier, sore eyes are a condition that can be triggered by various things. In addition, your eyes that often feel sore can be a sign of a problem with your eye health.
Here are the various causes of sore eye conditions and how to deal with them that is good and right:
1. Blefaritis
Blefaritis or blepharitis is a bacterial infection that attacks the rim of the eyelid (the line of growth of the eyelashes).
This condition generally affects both eyes, and usually one eye will appear more inflamed. Generally, in addition to experiencing a stinging and stinging sensation, blepharitis is usually accompanied by redness and swelling of the eyes.
This condition is caused by bacterial infection and problems with the oil glands in the eyelids.
How to fix it:
Warm compresses on the sore eyes can soften the crusts that stick to the edges of the eyelids and lashes. Do this for 10 minutes, and repeat several times a day if necessary.
Every time you finish compressing your eyes, gently rub your eyelids with a cotton ball soaked in water and baby shampoo. Massage in circular motions, after which thoroughly dry the affected eye area.
As long as you are still exposed to blepharitis, limit or stop first while wearing eye makeup. Using eye makeup will make keeping your eyelids more difficult to maintain. Keeping the eyelids clean is, in fact, the key to an effective blepharitis treatment.
In addition, the doctor will also usually prescribe an antibiotic ointment to be applied to the base of your lashes, or oral antibiotics and steroid eye drops.
2. Dry eyes
Dry eye syndrome is a condition when the tear ducts don't produce enough tears. In fact, tears are useful for keeping the eyelids moisturized so they don't feel sore.
This condition is usually more common in women and also the elderly. Apart from feeling sore, the eyes also usually experience redness accompanied by pain, heavy eyelids, and blurred vision.
Dry eyes are also sometimes accompanied by burning in the eyes. According to the MedlinePlus website, the burning sensation can occur due to exposure to irritants, such as smoke, fog, or chemicals in shampoo or swimming pool water.
How to fix it:
You can moisturize your eyes using drops made for dry eyes or you can use artificial tears to treat sore eyes.
You can get both of them at the pharmacy without having to redeem a doctor's prescription. Choose drops without preservatives. Usually packaged in a very small tube for single use. Always follow the rules and instructions for use on the packaging.
Another way is to eat more foods rich in omega-3s and drink lots of water. For the time being, maybe wear sunglasses first while doing outdoor activities to prevent the eyes from getting dry.
Blinking frequently to spread the tears evenly over the eye surface. Also, avoid rubbing your eyes which could worsen your symptoms.
3. Photokeratitis
Photokeratitis is inflammation of the eye due to overexposure to solar UV radiation. Excessive sun exposure to the eyes can cause a burning sensation.
In addition to burning, you will usually experience various other symptoms such as more sensitivity to light, sore eyes, watery eyes, and such as seeing halos around lights.
This condition can cause the eyes to feel stinging and hot, sharp changes in vision, and permanent blindness if not treated properly.
How to fix it:
Photokeratitis symptoms usually get better on their own within 24-48 hours after exposure. However, there are many things you can do to solve this problem even faster.
- During recovery, stay indoors as much as possible.
- Use anti-radiation sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, both indoors and out.
- Use preservative-free artificial tear drops to keep your eyes moist. This drug is sold freely in pharmacies or obtained by prescription.
- Take a pain reliever (aspirin or ibuprofen) if the pain is unbearable.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Remove contact lenses for a while.
If it does not improve, immediately go to the nearest eye doctor to get special eye medication and monitor any damage that may have occurred due to UV rays.
4. Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergy to the eye, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occurs when a foreign substance enters the eye. The body then responds to this substance by producing histamine. Histamine is a substance your body produces when you have an allergic reaction or infection. As a result, the eyes become red and itchy.
Usually, the most common triggers for eye allergies are dust, pollen, smoke, perfume, or pet dander. If you experience eye allergies, your eyes can experience redness, swelling, soreness, and itching.
How to fix it:
Eye stinging due to allergic reactions can be cured by stopping your exposure to allergy triggers. Immediately keep allergy triggers away from you or you are the one who moved to another area that is safer.
After that, you can put special eye drops that contain antihistamines such as:
- Azelastine hydrochloride
- Emedastine difumarate
- Levocabastine
- Olopatadine
You can also take allergy medicine to stop the symptoms of the allergy, such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine. Follow the rules for use listed on the drug packaging.
If the allergic reaction gets worse, you should immediately consult a doctor.
5. Pterygium
Pterygium is a pink triangular-shaped growth of tissue that usually appears on the whites of the eyeball. Usually the triangle appears on the corneal area near the nose, and grows towards the pupil (the black part of the eye).
Experts estimate this condition is caused by a combination of dry eyes and exposure to UV rays. As strange as it may sound, pterygium is quite common and can affect anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
If the tissue has grown past the center of the eye, it can cause eye pain and blurred vision. You may also feel like something is sticking up in your eye.
How to fix it:
If your eye is stinging and burning due to pterygium, you should consult your doctor first.
Pterygium is not a cancerous growth, but the only way to remove this annoying pink membrane is through surgery. In the meantime your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid eye drops or ointment to relieve the inflammation.
6. Ocular rosacea
Ocular rosacea is a condition that causes inflamed eyelids. Usually, this disease affects people who have rosacea, which is a skin condition characterized by redness on the face and is categorized as chronic inflammation.
Generally, people with ocular rosacea experience various symptoms such as eye pain accompanied by stinging and burning sensations, more sensitivity to light, and vision loss in severe cases.
How to fix it:
Rosacea is incurable, but it can be controlled for recurrence and the intensity of the symptoms.
Doctors generally will prescribe drinking antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, or minocycline to cure sore eyes.
Apart from taking medication, make sure your eyelids are always clean. Apply warm compresses to your eyelids at least twice a day. Avoid wearing eye makeup while on medication.