Also known as “ocular pruritis”, itchy eyes are an eye condition that occurs due to allergies and infection. How irritating and problematic they can be is not be told. And you would just do anything to get rid of them but doing something to cure it, you must know what is the particular cause for itchiness in your eyes. This would not only help to reach the cure but also keep you away from worsening your situation anymore.
Causes of Itchy Eyes
Allergies
There is a huge possibility of you getting seasonal allergies if you have itchy eyes every year during the same month or season. The itchy eyes due to allergy are triggered by the release of histamine which is a compound released by the cells to defend against the allergens. Histamine also causes an inflammatory response which causes itchiness in the eyes. Identifying the allergens can help in can help you to prevent itchy eyes. Some antihistamine eye drops can also be used to cure the symptoms of itchy eyes.
There are also some allergies that can last up to a year and can be caused by allergens like mould, dust, and pet dander. In some cases, allergy from contact lens solutions also causes itchiness in the eyes. Avoiding contact from the allergens can eliminate the itchiness in your eyes. Consult your dermatologist to find out the substance which is causing an allergic reaction in your eyes.
Infection
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can infect the eyes which causes itching in the eyes. Eye infections like pink eye and uveitis have symptoms of itchy eyes. Pink or conjunctivitis is caused by the infection from allergens or microorganisms. In this eye infection, the white part of the eye turns pink in color, and the discharge of fluid from the eyes takes place. It is a contagious disease and can easily spread from one person to another.
Uveitis also causes itchy eyes and is caused due to extreme light sensitivity. Uveitis leads to inflammation in the iris part of the eye causing pain, discomfort, and itchiness. These eye infections should be treated by an ophthalmologist and necessary medications should be taken to prevent complications. If these eye infections are not treated on time they may cause severe vision loss or complications in the eye such as glaucoma and cataracts. In severe cases, the doctor might suggest using immunosuppressants drugs or eye drops.
Dry Eyes
It is an eye condition in which the oil present in the eyes dries up or there is the improper secretion of oil in the eyes leading to painful and itchy eyes. The meibomian gland is an oil gland present in the eyes which releases the necessary oil in the eye and lubricates it. If this gland gets clogged tear production is hindered and eyes become dry and itchy. An ophthalmologist would prescribe you drugs or eye drops depending upon your eye condition.
Dry and itchy eyes may also be caused due to dehydration and quick evaporation of tears from the eyes. Dry and hot wind also causes dry and itchy eyes. Eye drops are available for the treatment of dry and itchy eyes and these drops provide temporary relief from the condition.
Eyestrain
Exposure to long screen time often causes dry, gritty, and itchy eyes. This occurs due to eye strain which also leads to headaches. Constant staring at the screens and not blinking often causes irritation and itchy eyes. driving for a long period of time or sitting under bright light can also cause eye strain which will make your eyes itchy. To cure such itchiness present in the eyes a simple break from screen and driving would help ease the itchiness. Close your eyes for few minutes as it will provide you with temporary relief.
Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
This is an eye condition that causes inflammation in the conjunctiva and cornea part of the eye. It is generally due to allergic reactions from the presence of any allergen component nearby. This condition causes itchiness in the eyes along with other complications if not treated on time. Symptoms like ulcers, scarring, cataracts, keratoconus might appear.
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
This eye infection causes the outer membrane of the eye to become inflamed. It mostly occurs in young boys and appears like a hard bump-like structure on the upper eyelid. The most prominent symptoms of the infection are itchy eyes and in severe conditions, corneal ulcers might also develop.
Blepharitis
It is an eye infection that is caused due to bacteria infecting the eyelids. The symptoms of the infection include inflammation of the eyelid, pain, irritation, and itchiness in the eyes. The excess growth of eyelid mites also causes blepharitis. Blepharitis is not contagious and it doesn’t affect your eyesight. Having a prior skin condition like acne or dermatitis can make it worse.
- Other Causes
There are some other factors involved in causing itchiness in the eyes. Side effects from medicines like birth control pills, antibiotics, antihistamines, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and artificial tear drops cause itchiness in the eyes. The use of such medicines should be stopped and proper prescriptions from doctors should be taken.
In some cases, itchy eyes may require medical attention. It becomes important to visit an ophthalmologist when you have severe pain, vision loss, redness in the eyes, formation of halos, blurred vision, double vision, swelling, excessive tearing, and eyelids sticking together.
Prevention of Itchy Eyes
The root cause of the problem would help you to determine the treatment and necessary precautions that need to be taken by you.
- Maintaining good eye health and hygiene would prevent frequent dry eyes.
- Using humidifiers in dry and hot air would prevent itchy eyes.
- Avoid rubbing eyes when they are sore.
- Avoid smoking and scented candles as the smoke generated from them can irritate the eyes.
- Avoid using products that can cause an allergic reaction.
- Wear sunglasses when going out.
- Stay hydrated.
- Maintain a healthy diet that includes fluids and vitamin A.
Home Remedies For Itchy Eyes
Cucumber Slices
To get relief from dry, irritated, and itchy eyes you can use cucumber slices for temporary relief. Cucumber contains antioxidants and gives a soothing and cooling effect on the eyes by reducing swelling and irritation present in the eyes. you need to cut thin slices of cucumber and place them above your eyelids till they get warm.
Cold Compress
You need to use a clean cloth and cool water for a cold compress. In this process, the cloth is dipped in cool water and is then wrung and applied over the eyelids. Cool compress gives a soothing and cooling effect to dry eyes.
Green Tea Bags
Teabags are also used to treat dryness and itchiness in the eyes. It is known to provide relief from the inflammation present in dry eyes. you need to place refrigerated tea bags over your closed eyelids and remove them after 15 minutes.
Water
this is the most effective home remedy which provides instant relief from itchiness in the eyes. Cleaning your eyes from the water can remove the irritants present on the surface of the eye.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel consists of natural components that provide relief from the itchy and inflamed eyes. They have natural anti-inflammatory properties. You need to soak cotton pads in the witch hazel extract and keep it over your eyelids for relief from itchy eyes.
Aloe Vera
Applying cool aloe vera juice using cotton pads over your eyelids can relieve the symptoms of itchy eyes.
Rosewater
Application of rose water using cotton pads over the closed eyelids would help in getting relief from the dry and inflamed eye conditions. Rosewater has natural anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties which improves the condition of dry eyes.
Vitamins
Deficiency of vitamin A, C, and E causes itchy eyes. vitamins are necessary for maintaining the proper health of the eyes ad they are used to reverse the effect of many eye infections. Food that contains vitamin-like citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, carrots, turnips, and mangoes should be consumed.
Precaution
Itchy eyes occur due to the presence of irritants or due to long screen time and can be cured easily by using home remedies. Eye infection which may appear in the form of itchy eyes should be treated by a professional doctor and proper prescription of medicines and eye drops should be taken in order to prevent worsening of an eye condition. Maintain proper health and hygiene of the eyes will keep itchy eyes at bay.
