Published on: 3/5/2025
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.
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)
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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.
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