Common Causes of Eye Burns: From Chemicals to UV Light Exposure
Your eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body, and they’re vulnerable to various irritants and injuries that can cause burns. While it might sound unusual, eye burns are more common than you think, and they can happen in everyday situations. Whether it’s from exposure to chemicals and/or household products to UV light and sun exposure, knowing the causes of eye burns can help you protect your vision and avoid unnecessary damage.
If you recently experience symptoms for eye burns, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center. We have the best eye doctor in Brooklyn. Contact us at Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center to schedule an appointment.
Common Causes of Eye Burns
- Chemical Exposure
One of the most leading causes of eye burns is exposure to harmful chemicals. This can happen in many instances, from cleaning your house to working in a laboratory or garage. Certain chemicals, especially acids (such as those that are found in car batteries or industrial cleaners) and alkaline substances (such as bleach or ammonia), can cause serious damage when they come into contact with your eyes. Even a small splash can lead to significant irritation and burns.
Many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate or burn your eyes. This is why it’s important to use protective gear, like goggles, when handling these products, and to always wash your hands thoroughly after use.
If chemicals do get into your eyes, the first step is to flush them with water immediately. The longer the substance stays in contact with your eye, the greater the damage it can cause.
- Thermal Burns
Exposure to intense heat can cause thermal burns to your eyes, although these types of burns are less common than chemical or UV burns. Thermal eye burns usually happen when you are around open flames, such as during cooking, welding, or in an accidental fire.
When your eye is exposed to high heat, the outer layer, called the cornea, can become damaged. This can result in symptoms like redness, pain, and blurry vision. Fortunately, thermal burns to the eyes are often surface-level and heal with proper treatment, but severe cases might require medical attention.
Using protective gear when working around heat or open flames is important. Always wear appropriate eye protection during high-risk activities such as welding or when using a blowtorch.
- Irritating Gases and Vapors
Another cause of eye burns is exposure to certain irritating gases or vapors. This can happen in industrial settings where chemicals are used in gaseous form, but even household products like oven cleaners or paint fumes can pose a risk.
These gases or vapors can cause a burning sensation in the eyes, even without direct contact with the liquid form of the substance. The eyes may become red, watery, and extremely sensitive to light. Ventilating the area where you’re working and wearing protective eyewear can help reduce the risk of this type of eye burn.
- Cigarette Smoke and Airborne Particles
While not as severe as other causes, cigarette smoke and airborne particles can irritate your eyes and lead to a burning sensation. This type of irritation is common in people exposed to secondhand smoke or in environments where the air quality is poor.
In addition to smoke, dust, sand, or other small particles can get into your eyes and cause discomfort, redness, and a burning feeling. While these types of burns are usually mild and temporary, they can still be painful and may lead to more serious complications if not treated properly.
- Chlorine in Pools
Ever notice how your eyes feel irritated after swimming in a pool? This is due to exposure to chlorine, a chemical used to keep pools clean. Chlorine can strip away the natural tear film that protects your eyes, leading to dryness, redness, and that stinging or burning sensation.
The best way to avoid this is by wearing swimming goggles when in the pool. Not only will they protect your eyes from chlorine, but they’ll also keep out any bacteria or dirt in the water.
- Sun Exposure (Photokeratitis)
Believe it or not, the sun can cause burns to your eyes just like it can to your skin. This type of eye burn is called photokeratitis, and it occurs when your eyes are exposed to harmful UV rays for an extended period without protection.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in high-glare environments like beaches or snowy areas, you are particularly at risk. Skiers sometimes refer this condition as “snow blindness”, because the UV rays reflecting off the snow can damage the surface of the eye.
Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays can help protect your eyes from photokeratitis. If you’re planning to be outside for long periods, don’t skip this simple but effective protection.
Eye burns can occur in everyday situations, from cleaning your home to enjoying a day at the beach. Understanding the common causes—whether it’s chemical exposure, the sun’s rays, or airborne irritants—can help you take the necessary steps to protect your eyes. And remember, when in doubt, always wear protective eyewear. Prevention is your best defense against eye injuries and burns.
At Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center, our eye care doctors can help you with eye burn treatments. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website at https://www.ophthalmologybrooklyn.com.