Do you frequently experience dry, red, and even itchy eyes? If so, you know how uncomfortable a condition it can be.
But what’s really causing your problems? Is it something simple like eye allergies, or could there be a more serious and tougher to treat medical condition to blame?
Read on to learn all that you need to know about itchy and uncomfortable eyes, with helpful information ranging from causes to remedies that really work, and potentially even a cure!
Allergies
If you came here wondering why are my eye itchy, this is the place to start looking for answers. both annual and perennial allergies can be to blame for eye irritation.
Airborne irritants like smoke and exhaust might also be to blame, especially if you live in an area with high levels of air pollution or temperature inversions that trap contaminants in the atmosphere.
Consider using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines to treat your allergies. Or, if the problem seems more serious, ongoing treatment like allergy injections might help.
Eyestrain
How many hours do you spend looking at screens each day? If the answer is more than 1 or 2, eyestrain could be contributing to your itchy eyes.
Take a break from all screens at least once an hour and let your eyes rest. Working and using electronics in dimly lit spaces can also worsen eye irritation. So, be sure to turn the lights on whenever your electronics are in use.
Lastly, air conditioners and furnaces can remove moisture and humidity from indoor air. This, in turn, can lead to dry eyes.
Try to avoid drafts, fans, and drying indoor air appliances if you often experience itchy, dry eyes.
Chronic Eye Conditions
Some eye diseases can lead to itching eyes. For example, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) and meibomian gland dysfunction (underproductive oil glands in the eyelid).
In most cases, these can be treated with external medications. Shop for blepharitis eye wipes here.
Other medical disorders like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can reduce tear production, as can old age. And, in some rare cases, dry eyes are also linked to glaucoma.
Contact Lenses
If you wear contacts, you already know that they can impact your eye health in a wide variety of ways. Keeping the same set in for too long or failing to replace worn-out lenses can lead to irritation, itching, and redness.
If you wear contact lenses, don’t skip essential steps like taking daily cleaning and nightly removal. Consult with your doctor on the best ways to care for your lenses, and how often you should clean and replace them.
In some cases, corrective surgery may be available, eliminating the need for contacts altogether.
It’s Time To Treat Your Itchy Eyes
Now that you know a bit more about the potential causes of itchy eyes and the treatments available, it’s time to take action.
Start with an honest self-evaluation. Are there specific circumstances like seasonal allergens linked to your issues? Or are you experiencing symptoms all year round?
Once you’ve eliminated the most common causes like dust and pollen, it’s time to talk to a doctor. You’ll need professional testing to check for more complex conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis.
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