Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 3/5/2025

Why Is My One Eye Keep Burning and Watering?

A burning and watering eye can happen when the eye is irritated by dryness, an infection, or even sinus problems. These symptoms in one eye might be the sign of a local issue that should be checked by a doctor.

answer background

Explanation

Sometimes, your one eye might feel like it’s on fire and start watering a lot. This can happen when the eye is irritated. One reason could be dry eye disease. It sounds weird, but when your eye doesn’t have enough moisture, it tries to protect itself by making extra tears, which can cause both burning and watering. Another possible reason is an infection, like viral conjunctivitis (sometimes called pink eye). This infection can make your eye red, sore, and watery. Sinusitis, or an infection of the sinuses, might also affect just one eye if it spreads or causes pressure in that area. Even COVID-19 has been linked with burning, watery eyes for some people. Each of these issues can cause discomfort and might need treatments like eye drops, proper cleaning, or sometimes more specific medications. If your one eye keeps burning and watering, it’s important to talk with an eye doctor or healthcare professional. They can give you a proper exam and help decide the best way to make your eye feel better.

(References)

  • The epidemiology of dry eye disease: report of the Epidemiology Subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocul Surf. 2007 Apr;5(2):93-107. doi: 10.1016/s1542-0124(12)70082-4. PMID: 17508117.

  • Radovani P, Vasili D, Xhelili M, Dervishi J. Orbital complications of sinusitis. Balkan Med J. 2013 Jun;30(2):151-4. doi: 10.5152/balkanmedj.2013.8005. Epub 2013 Jun 1. PMID: 25207092; PMCID: PMC4115963.

  • Rokohl AC, Loreck N, Wawer Matos PA, Zwingelberg S, Augustin M, Dewald F, Grajewski RS, Klein F, Lehmann C, Heindl LM. More than loss of taste and smell: burning watering eyes in coronavirus disease 2019. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2020 Nov;26(11):1560.e5-1560.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.08.018. Epub 2020 Aug 21. PMID: 32835793; PMCID: PMC7442009.

  • Solano D, Fu L, Czyz CN. Viral Conjunctivitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

One eye watering

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom check

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get an free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.