Eye Irritation: 9 Common Causes and How to Treat Your Itchy Eyes
Do you notice that your eyes are red and irritated? Are you wondering what’s wrong with it? It may be because of eye irritation; it’s one of the most common eye complications, which can occur for various reasons. Read on to learn about how it can be fixed and what the common cause is for the same.
Eye irritation can be easily improved with the help of some home remedies. When you suffer from eye irritation, it may commonly cause a feeling of grittiness, itchiness or dryness. You may also feel like something is stuck in your eye, as a result of which you would also notice swelling and redness around it. In some cases, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. So you need to make sure if it continues, you should get examined by a professional as soon as possible.
What are Common Causes of Eye Irritation?
There are various causes of eye irritation. Some of the most common causes are as follows:
Allergies: One of the most common causes of eye irritation. A lot of people deal with this issue of sensitivities to specific substances called allergens. A few common allergens are like pet dander, dust, pollen and mold.
Blocked tear ducts: Blocked tear ducts, medically known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, result from an obstruction in the tear drainage system, leading to inadequate tear drainage from the eye's surface to the nose. This can cause eye irritation, redness, excessive tearing, and even recurrent eye infections. Infants and adults can be affected. Treatment options range from warm compresses and massage to surgical procedures like probing or stent placement, aiming to restore proper tear drainage and alleviate symptoms.
Digital Eye Strain: In today's digital age, many of us spend hours staring at screens – be it computers, smartphones, or tablets. This prolonged screen time can contribute to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include eye fatigue, dryness, blurry vision, and irritation. The blue light emitted by screens can also disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbating eye discomfort.
Dry Eyes: It is one of the primary symptoms of eye irritation. It’s most common in older adults than younger ones. It mainly occurs when tear glands don’t work properly, as they cannot produce quality tears or a sufficient amount of tears, rather than eye irritation. Other symptoms include blurred vision, tired eyes, soreness, and itchiness.
Conjunctivitis: Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious eye condition that can cause redness, itching, and a discharge from the eyes. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. If you suspect you have pink eye, it's important to seek medical attention. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops, while viral conjunctivitis typically clears up on its own with proper care and hygiene.
Eye makeup: People who use eye makeup are commonly found to be facing eye irritation. As the numerous chemicals present in those cosmetics are very harmful to the eyes. A few common symptoms are blurriness, irritation, itchiness and redness of the eyes. It’s very important to not use eye makeup, and if you use also make sure not to use any past expiry.
Blepharitis: Blepharitis involves inflammation of the eyelids. This is also one of the most common causes of burning eyes. Complications often occur when the oil glands located at the base of the eyelashes become clogged. Other common symptoms of blepharitis include itchy eyelids, sticky eyelids, swollen eyelids, eye irritation, eyelash loss, and abnormal eyelash growth.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors like allergens (pollen, dust mites), irritants (smoke, chemical fumes), and dry air can trigger eye irritation. Allergies cause itching and redness, while pollutants lead to discomfort. Dry environments hasten tear evaporation, resulting in dry eyes with irritation, burning, and foreign body sensation.
Foreign objects: Foreign objects, including eyelashes and debris, can inadvertently enter the eye, causing irritation and discomfort. The sensation of something being lodged in the eye prompts discomfort and may require prompt removal to alleviate irritation.
Rubbing Your Eyes: A Habit That Can Worsen Eye Irritation
While it might feel satisfying in the moment, rubbing your eyes can actually worsen irritation and introduce harmful bacteria. Understand why the urge to rub your eyes is so strong and learn alternative strategies for finding relief without compromising your eye health. Rubbing your eyes can exacerbate the irritation you're already experiencing. The friction from rubbing can cause further redness and inflammation, making the discomfort even more pronounced. Additionally, our hands come into contact with various surfaces throughout the day, which means they can carry dirt, bacteria, and allergens.
When you rub your eyes, you're transferring these potentially harmful substances directly onto the delicate surface of your eyes. This can lead to infections and further irritation. Instead of rubbing, consider using a clean, damp cloth to gently press on your closed eyelids. If your eyes are itchy or dry, reach for lubricating eye drops as a safer and more effective way to find relief. By breaking the habit of rubbing your eyes, you'll be taking a significant step toward alleviating irritation and maintaining better eye health.
What home remedies can be used for the treatment for Eye Irritation?
There are several effective home remedies that can provide relief from eye irritation, and some might even offer complete alleviation. Here are a few common and easily accessible home remedies to consider:
Warm Compresses: Applying a warm cloth or compress to your irritated eyes can offer soothing relief. The warmth helps increase blood circulation and relaxes the eye muscles, reducing irritation.
Allergy Medications: Taking over-the-counter allergy medications can significantly alleviate itching caused by allergies. These medications can help reduce the body's allergic response and provide relief to itchy eyes.
Artificial Tear Drops: Medicated over-the-counter artificial tear drops are designed to mimic the natural tears and can be effective in managing dry eye symptoms, including irritation and discomfort.
Eye Rinsing: Rinsing your eyes with clean, lukewarm water can help wash away any irritants or allergens that might be causing the discomfort.
However, if your eye irritation persists despite trying these home remedies, it's crucial to seek professional help from an eye doctor. Persistent irritation might be a sign of an underlying condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Don't delay seeking medical attention to ensure your eye health and prevent any potential complications.
What medical treatments are available for Eye Irritation?
Totally depending on the main cause of eye irritation, additional medical treatment may be provided to you by the doctor. Here is the most common medical treatment provided by professionals:
· A professional can suggest having eyelid scrubs to treat dry or blepharitis so that you won’t face any eye irritation issues.
· Prescribed eye drops for dry eye, and allergies are also recommended by eye professionals.
· If you are having eye irritation due to bacterial eye infection, then the expert can recommend having a few antibiotics to treat it.
Suppose you need any additional medical treatment for your underlying medical conditions. The expert would offer you personalized treatment according to the needs of your symptoms. You can contact our team of specialists at any time at Spectra Eye Hospital. We will guide you and provide you with the best treatment available according to the root cause of your eye irritation.
How to treat Dry Eye Syndrome with LipiFlow and LipiView Tests?
Dry eye syndrome can be a persistent and uncomfortable condition. Fortunately, advancements in eye care offer solutions like LipiFlow treatment and LipiView tests. LipiFlow utilizes gentle heat and pressure to clear blocked glands in the eyelids, restoring the natural oil layer on the eye surface. Concurrently, LipiView tests assess tear film quality and identify underlying issues.
In Summary
Eye irritation can stem from various causes, including allergies, dry eye syndrome, and infections like conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of eye irritation include redness, itching, watery eyes, and a sensation of having a foreign object in the eye.
Dry eye syndrome can be managed with artificial tears and lifestyle adjustments.
Allergies can lead to itchy eyes, which can be treated with antihistamine eye drops.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is highly contagious and requires prompt medical attention.
Maintaining good eye hygiene, protecting your eyes from UV rays, and managing underlying health conditions can prevent eye irritation.
Regular eye exams can help detect and manage underlying eye diseases that may cause irritation.
Don't let eye irritation disrupt your daily life. By understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and adopting preventive measures, you can ensure that your eyes remain comfortable, healthy, and irritation-free.
