A persistent itch may be irritating, and we instinctively realize it’s a relief to finally scratch it into submission. But when that itch is in your eyes, relief is harder to come by. You actually cannot scratch your eyeball (not less than we actually don’t recommend it), so what are you able to do about an itch you simply cannot scratch?
Itchy eyes, also called itchy eyes, are a typical condition often related to allergies. But allergies aren’t the one cause. Below, we’ll discuss other causes of itchy eyes, symptoms to be careful for, and ways to relieve that prickly itch so your eyes can function at their best.
Symptoms of itchy eyes
The primary and most evident symptom of itchy eyes is the name: eyes that itch. However it is commonly accompanied by other signs, including:
- Red, watery eyes
- Clear, mucus-like discharge
- Puffy eyes and eyelids
- Burning feeling
- Feeling like something is stuck in a single or each eyes
Symptoms may worsen through the day and improve at night during sleep, when the eyes remain closed and rest for a lot of hours. Although it’s possible you’ll be more aware of itchy eyes at night if you end up trying to sleep when nothing distracts you from the discomfort.
What causes itchy eyes?
When your eyes are unpleasantly itchy, you are probably pondering mostly about how to stop the itching. Nonetheless, to determine the cause Why your eyes are itchy, this will lead to essentially the most effective treatment.
Itchy eyes are sometimes related to conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva or the clear, membranous lining that covers the eyeball and the within of the eyelids, but many other aspects can contribute.
Allergies
If you will have seasonal allergies (hay fever) or other environmental allergies, you’ve got probably experienced itchy eyes. Allergies are sometimes essentially the most common cause of itchy eyes. Exposure to allergens causes the immune system to release histamine, which dilates and irritates the fragile blood vessels in your eyes, leading to itching and redness.
Most allergic reactions cause some form of eye inflammation. This inflammation causes itching, scratching, and even burning on or across the eyeball. Allergic conjunctivitis, a sort of pink eye, is a typical effect and can often be treated at home.
Dry eye disease
Itchy eyes are closely related to a condition often called dry eye disease. With dry eye, the tears that normally lubricate the eyes are not any longer able to accomplish that for a number of reasons. Your eyes change into very dry, leading to itching, redness and pain.
Infection and inflammation of the attention
Sometimes itchy eyes is usually a sign that something more is occurring along with your eye health. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids attributable to an excess of bacteria on the eyelids or eyelashes, or by clogged and irritated sebaceous glands across the eyes.
Other forms of conjunctivitis, not related to allergic reactions, also often contribute to itchy eyes. Conjunctivitis can develop consequently of viral or bacterial infections and diseases similar to colds, flu and COVID-19.
Contact lenses
Using contact lenses without cleansing them properly or replacing them often with a latest pair can lead to conjunctival irritation. Also called contact lens papillary conjunctivitis, this condition causes red, itchy, and swollen eyes. Lumps on the within of the upper eyelid may be seen. This condition may be improved with proper contact lens care and treatment with antihistamines. Only wear contact lenses if you will have a prescription and get an evaluation to be sure that the lenses fit properly and don’t irritate your eyes.
Convalescence after eye surgery
Your eyes may itch as they heal from cataract or LASIK surgery. Many patients experience a sense of sand of their eyes. This itchy eye often goes away completely inside a couple of weeks or months after surgery. If it persists, you’ll be wanting to talk to your eye doctor.
Eye strain
Specializing in one thing for an prolonged period of time – a digital screen, the road in front of your automobile while driving, or a book you are trying to read in low light – forces our eyes to work extra time. They will change into strained and begin to burn, itch and hurt. Make sure that you often take time to rest your eyes through the day at work or when traveling and that you will have adequate light for reading. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to give attention to something not less than 6 meters away.
Exposure to irritants
Your eyes are exposed to the air wherever you might be. Depending on their surroundings, they are going to encounter dust, wind and smoke which may cause irritation, dryness and, yes, itching. This also applies to what you place on or around your eyes, including cosmetics and lotions. This kind of response is known as contact dermatitis or eyelid dermatitis.
Sometimes itchy eyes are attributable to a foreign object stuck in the attention – sand, dirt and other tiny particles can get lodged very easily in the attention. On this case, avoid rubbing or touching your eye. As an alternative, try blinking and rolling your eyes to flush the item out naturally.
Medicines
Certain medications, similar to antihistamines, decongestants, contraception pills, and pimples medications, can exacerbate dry eye syndrome, causing itching.
You might also experience negative reactions to other eye medications, similar to prostaglandin analogs (used to treat glaucoma) and preservative eye drops.
Eczema and rosacea
Individuals with eczema (atopic dermatitis) or rosacea may experience eye problems related to these conditions. Eczema and rosacea can develop on the eyelids and cause conjunctivitis. That is often called atopic keratoconjunctivitis or ocular rosacea in individuals with rosacea and is manifested by itchy, swollen, and red eyes.
Are itchy eyes an indication of COVID-19?
In very rare cases, red, itchy and watery eyes would be the initial symptom of COVID-19. Nonetheless, COVID-19 may cause viral conjunctivitis to develop as you get well. Viral conjunctivitis is a condition where your eyes itch, burn, turn red, and have a watery discharge.
Home remedies for itchy eyes
Itchy eyes can drive you crazy. Fortunately, there are lots of quick and easy solutions to relieve itching. Some work straight away, while others may take a couple of days to take full effect. Be patient when you don’t get immediate relief.
Don’t rub your eyes
It might be very tempting, but try not to touch your itchy eyes. While this looks as if essentially the most direct way to get rid of itchy eyes, rubbing your eyes can actually make things much worse, especially if a foreign object is causing your eyes to itch. You might find yourself scratching your cornea, which might increase your risk of other, more serious eye infections.
Apply a cool compress
A washcloth soaked in cold water and placed over the eyes can provide immediate relief from itching and soothe irritation. Sometimes a couple of days of regular application of cool compresses is enough.
Moisturizing eye drops (also called artificial tears) and over-the-counter allergy eye drops may be helpful for dry eye. Avoid over-the-counter drops which are specifically formulated to get rid of eye redness, as they will irritate your eyes much more. Your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drop options for itchy eyes.
Rinse your eyes
If harsh irritants like pollen and dandruff stick to your eyelids or eyelashes and aggravate your eyes, remove these irritants with a watch wash. With warm, clean water, gently rinse closed eyelids and eyelashes.
Take your allergy medications as directed or try alternative treatments
Antihistamines might help or hurt itchy eyes. It’s different for everybody. If antihistamines only make itchy eyes worse, causing them to dry out, ask your doctor about other types of antihistamines or alternatives to traditional allergy treatments. Or contact an allergist.
When to talk to your doctor about itchy eyes
Usually, itchy eyes will improve inside 2-5 days with home remedies. But in case your condition is not responding to any of the treatments listed above, make an appointment along with your GP.
Your GP may refer you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for more specialized eye care.
See your doctor straight away if:
- Thick green or yellow discharge comes out of one or each eyes
- One or each eyes swell and are closed
- You experience sudden vision changes, similar to blurred vision
- Your eyes change into extremely sensitive to light
- Severe eye pain develops
Don’t accept itchy eyes
You do not have to accept “minor” eye problems as part of life or aging, and you do not have to live with itchy eyes.
While itchy eyes are sometimes just annoying, they will also be an indication that something more is occurring along with your eyes. In case your itchy eyes are persistent, recur incessantly, and interfere along with your every day life, it’s an excellent idea to see a health care provider.
Make an appointment along with your primary care physician
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