Itchy Eyes problem is something that you often come across in your daily life. But why this problem occurs and how to get rid of it will be something discussed in this post.
When you come across a situation when your eyes tend to itch and become red, you would like to try anything to get rid of this situation. But if you know the exact cause of itchy eyes, it can certainly help you pick the right treatment available for you.
In order to get the right treatment of itchy eyes, it is required that you know the basic difference between the symptoms of allergy and infection. This will ensure that you don’t make the situation worse by picking any other remedy which is not effective and going to harm your eyes.
Take a look at some of the below given causes known to cause itchy eyes. The post also has some possible treatment option. Please go through this post to understand the condition and to better rectify it by getting the right information.
Table of Contents
8 Causes of Itchy Eyes
Seasonal Allergies
If you are having the problem of itchy eyes during a specific time of the year, you might be suffering from the problem of seasonal allergy of ragweed or anything else. Most people are allergic due to something that blooms and releases pollen during particular season of the year.
One specific way to know if you are allergic to something is that you will find some other allergic reactions like nasal congestion and sneezing.
Please note that there are certain allergic symptoms that are often triggered by histamine which is a compound released by cells to defend against allergens. Histamine basically makes an inflammatory response to get rid of the situation of itchy eyes.
One way how you can reduce your symptoms is by avoiding contact with seasonal allergies. Try using these strategies:
- Simply adhere to local weather reports and try to stay indoors, especially when pollen counts are high
- Keep your car and home windows closed during pollen season
- Try to be more frequent taking shower and washing your cloths to avoid pollen from your airways
- Always wear a pollen mask at the time of going outside
In addition to the above, there are some antihistamine medicines that are found effective in controlling your symptoms.
In case, you find that your symptoms are getting serious every year, you need to consult your doctor and take prescribed medication for allergy.
As these medications are found to be effective but tend to take some time, you may be advised to take them in advance before the onset of allergy season.
Perennial Allergies
perennial allergies are those that are present all year along. For example, there are certain things like pet dander, dust, mold are some of the most common perennial eye allergies.
In addition to this, you may also be allergic to some other products at home like soap or shampoo you use may cause such a problem.
If you find that environmental allergens have no role to play to cause itchy eyes problem, then think of taking a break from all such products that come in contact with your eyes. You can use the process of elimination to reach to a solution to manage this.
You may also go ahead to conduct a skin test for some specific allergens. In order to undergo the allergens test, your doctor has to administer small amounts of allergens like pet dander or ragweed under your skin to make sure you are allergic to them. These tests are generally safe for most children and adults.
In addition to the above, there are some medications recommended in such cases like corticosteroids or antihistamines as they are known to help reduce inflammation.
Airborne Irritants
There are people who are very sensitive to diesel exhaust, smoke or certain kind of perfume. In order to stay safe, the best remedy will be to avoid getting in touch with them.
Even if you come in contact with them, just try to place a cool damp cloth over your closed eyes. It will definitely help you feel better.
Infection
It’s your responsibility to protect your eyes from any kind of fungal, bacterial and viral infection. All of them have the capability to bring on the problem of itchy eyes.
You might have heard about a very well known eye infection called conjunctivitis which is also known as pink eye as the white portion (sclera) of the eye goes pink in color. Please note that conjunctivitis is contagious which is often accompanied by drainage from the affected eye.
In addition to the above, there is yet another condition related to the above called uveitis which is better known as inflammation of the iris. It’s a part of your eye with color.
Uveitis is often accompanied with pain and the person complains extreme sensitivity to light.
In both types of conditions, you need to consult an eye doctor. In most cases, antibiotics are used to treat conjunctivitis. They also take the help of steroids’ to get hold of the situation.
While treating uveitis, anti-inflammatory eye drops may be required which often proves a great deal of treatment.
In cases of severity, doctors can use immune-suppressant drugs. Please note that if uveitis is not treated on time, it may lead to severe vision loss along with some other complication including cataracts and glaucoma.
Dry eye
There are times when your eyes stop producing tears which are a combination of mucous, oil and water. Tears are necessary to keep your eyes moist all the time. Now, if your eyes stop producing tears, it may lead to the condition of itchy eyes as it will make your eyes dry and itchy.
One of the causes is growing age. It’s because at the growing age, your tear production often tend to wane.
There are some more conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes that can also lead to the lesser production of tears. In order to sort this out, certain medications are available. Sometimes, taking some other medicines produce dryness in your eyes resulting:
- Decongestants
- Birth control pills
- Medications that lower blood pressure
- Antidepressants
Another crucial reason for itchy eyes is that your tears are quickly evaporating. For example, if you feel it good to pass time outside in windy condition or such an environment with a very low humidity level, it is possible that your eyes start getting dryer and itcher.
Sometimes, there are chances when your tear glands or a blocked tear duct make them dry and itchy.
There are some over-the-counter artificial tears available to treat itchy eyes that are widely available in the form of drops. But in any case, you need to consult with your doctor for proper examination of your eyes before he can prescribe you medication.
Eyestrain
It sometimes happens when you stare your computer screen for long or work in an insufficiently lit area; it can strain your eyes. In the same ways, driving for long on a sunny bright day can also lead to eyestrain.
Eyestrain also develops when you for your eyes to keep open and remain awake even at the time of feeling tired. For some people, itchy eyes become a problem when they come in contact with air conditioning or indoor heat.
In order to deal with such a situation, the best idea will be to close your eyes periodically. For example, if you find that driving makes your eyes dry and itchy, simply pull over and take rest.
Use of Contact Lens
Sometimes, when you keep your contact lens either too long or don’t replace them frequently, it makes your eyes dry and itchy and giving the condition of itchy eyes.
Follow the best practice at all times. Like if you wear contact lenses, remove them at night. In any case, you need to follow the advice of your doctor.
Blepharitis
Please note that the condition of red and itchy eyes can also result from an inflammation of the eyelids which is also known as blepharitis. The condition occurs when the glands at the base of your eyelashes are blocked.
If you regularly clean your eyelids with clean water, it can resolve the issue of blepharitis along with its symptoms that may include swelling and watering of eyes.
Blepharitis doesn’t result in vision loss but can become chronic by leading to conjunctivitis and other serious issues. In order to deal with this, certain anti-inflammatory and antibiotics become necessary to provide relief.
The bottom Line
The problem of Itchy eyes is not just caused by only one reason but can occur due to a number of factors taken together. In case, you observe that you have frequent red itchy eyes, you need to discuss it with your doctor.
Home Treatments for Itchy Eyes
If you are facing the problem of itchy eyes lately, there are some common home remedies available that you must try. In most cases, it gets resolved automatically.
But first, please take a look at some of the most likely reasons that cause the problem of itchy eyes:
- Eczema or atopic dermatitis
- If something gets stuck in eyes
- Contact lens with improper material
- Eye infection like conjunctivitis
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever, seasonal allergies)
- Dry eyes
In all the above cases, the problem of itchy eyes is easy to treat using common home remedies.
Home remedies for Itchy Eyes
Some of the effective home remedies are given below to get rid of the problem of itchy eyes. But if your symptoms are beyond control and getting worse, never forget to consult your doctor right away.
Eye drops
In order to treat itchy eyes, you can always use over-the-counter eye drops. Make sure that they are free from any preservative.
Daily Exercise
As per a new study conducted, it has been found that a habit of daily exercise can help you get rid of itchy eye problem. Scientists from Canada found that regular aerobic exercise helped increase tear secretion in people.
Cold Compress
You can also try using a cold compress to get rid of itchy eyes. Please note that a cold water compress can help you relieve from pain and itch and provide a soothing effect to your eyes.
When to see a doctor?
In most cases, the problem of itchy eyes won’t last long as this might go away within a certain time frame. But to be safe, it is better to see a doctor. You need to consult a doctor in the following cases:
- Itchy eyes with pain
- Vision getting worse
- Development of an eye infection
- Something lodged in your eyes
In case, you come across with any of the above situations, simply discontinue home remedy and consult your doctor right away.
Also Read: Broken Blood Vessel In Eye Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
