Health experts said that the best way to relieve itchy eyes is to first know what’s causing the problem. Here are the most common causes of itchy eyes and what you can do about them:
Allergies
Itchy eyes are often a symptoms of eye allergies, or what is known as allergic conjunctivitis. It is a mini reaction to some foods or seasonal or environmental allergens. Touching an allergen then touching the eyes can make your eyes itchy.
Eye experts said that there is usually a clear pattern with an allergy. It may be the middle of an allergy season if it occurs daily. Itchy eyes that occur around one clear trigger, such as being around a dog or cat, is an allergic reaction. Use of allergy eye drops and taking antihistamines can help calm the allergic reaction and ease the itching.
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when a person does not have enough quality tears to lubricate the eye. Long-term use of contact lenses increases risk of developing dry eyes. The condition, however, commonly happens in older adults. It needs to be treated because it can cause stinging and burning sensations, and intermittent blurring of the vision.
Pink Eye
You need to see a doctor when eye itchiness comes with a pink or red color with discharge from the eye. The condition may require you to take antibiotics. Pink eye is contagious and you can easily spread the infection from one eye to the other, or another person.
Eyelid Inflammation
Known as blepharitis, this condition can be due to staph bacteria on the skin, dandruff and skin conditions such as rosacea. Blepharitis causes the eyeballs themselves to become dry, swollen, watery, and itchy. In severe cases, the condition can cause inflammation of the eye tissue, eyelashes and blurred vision.
Eye Irritants
A piece of sand or a speck of dust that made its way into your eye can cause irritation, itchiness and pain. Some ingredients found in personal care products may also cause itchy dermatitis of the eyes. Transitioning to hypoallergenic cosmetics can be a good way of avoiding this problem.
Itchy eyes could be a symptom of a serious eye condition. Consider visiting an eye professional to identify the causes of your itchy eyes, particularly when it occurs frequently without an identified reason. Contact us at See Island Eyecare to set an appointment with an eye doctor