“Can steam irritate my eyes?”

I doubt that there is a connection between using steam and your eyes being irritated. Many people sit in hot steam baths for health reasons, and I have never heard complaints that their eyes are irritated. How did you initiate using this steam? Is it possible to either keep your eyes closed or to use a pair of swimmer's goggles over your eyes so that no steam can ever get close to your eyes? Please remember that your tear film protects your eyes, so you have a natural defense against irritation already present. I would suggest other sinus-clearing alternatives that you discuss with your doctor. If your eyes continue to be irritated with or without steam being used, an eye doctor's appointment may be a good option. Good luck and best wishes.

Yes, hot steam can cause the cornea to swell and get cloudy. But if you keep your eyes closed when applying steam to your sinuses, the warmth can open up oil glands in the eyelids which helps balance the tear film, as long as the steam is not too hot. The temperature for oil glands is 103-110 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes. Mischelle Gragg, Therapeutic Optometrist Houston Eye Professionals at Baybrook.

Yes. You may have dried your eyes out. I would recommend preservative-free artificial tears 1 drop 3-4x a day.

The heat from the steam may be the culprit of your eye irritation. Try to keep your eyes closed so that the heat doesn't dry out your eyes. Steam will also make your eyes red for a few minutes. You have a few other factors that will definitely affect the eyes such as a cold and sinuses.

Yes, steam may disrupt your ocular surface. Keep eye closed when doing this. Use a product like substance balance. If lens persist, consult your eye doctor!

Yes, close your eyes while you are steaming.

Your eyes may have become dry. Try using refresh or systems artificial tears.