Say Goodbye To Itchy Eyes: How To Get Lasting Itchy Eye Relief

Uncomfortable, itchy eyes have a multitude of triggers. Over a quarter of adults suffer from seasonal allergies with up to 70% enduring the common symptom of itchy eyes, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While allergies are the main culprit, other factors such as dryness, environmental irritants, contact lenses or infection may cause and exasperate this aggravating issue.

The first step to itchy eye relief, of course, is identifying the source. Then, once you've pinpointed the cause, you can take the right steps to find the best treatment option.

Causes of Itchy Eyes

While itchy eyes are usually not a severe problem and don't last long, they can interfere with your quality of life. Here's why your eyes might itch.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, also called seasonal allergies and hay fever, is typically caused by allergens found in the environment. Pollen is most common while other triggers include animal dander, dust mites and mold. Most cases of seasonal allergies arrive in the fall and spring. Sometimes, they last year-round. Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common condition, especially among older people. However, dry eyes are becoming more common in younger generations who stare at a computer screen all day. It happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears to keep them moist and lubricated. Without proper lubrication, your eyes can get dry and itchy.

Dust and Other Irritants

When dust, smoke, makeup or an eyelash infiltrates your eyes, it itches! Additionally, lotions and sunscreens can irritate and itch if they get into your eyes. While this situation may be temporary, your eyes can itch and feel irritated even after the infiltrating substance is washed away or removed.

Contact Lenses

If you wear contacts, you know proper care is vital to your sight and eye health. Follow adequate hygiene habits when inserting, removing and storing your lenses to avoid eye discomfort.

Infection

Various eye infections can cause itching, swelling, redness and inflammation. The CDC notes that conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is one of the most common eye infections, which is not only uncomfortable but also highly contagious.

Treatment Options for Itchy Eyes

If you already have an infection, it must be treated with antibiotics, which require a prescription.

Fortunately, most cases of itchy eyes can be treated with simple home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) products. Here are some suggestions:

Try Not to Rub Them!

This is not just sage advice but a recommended way to treat itchy eyes. By rubbing them, you're most likely adding more of the irritant to your eyes and worsening the problem. Rubbing your eyes with dust, dirt or other debris on your fingers can scratch the cornea, creating a corneal abrasion. Symptoms of a corneal abrasion include pain, blurry vision, redness, sensitivity to light, headache and more, per the Mayo Clinic.

Eye Drops

Eye drops instantly relieve dry, itchy eyes. Artificial tears, a type of eye drop without medication, relieve dry eye symptoms by lubricating the eye. They can also help flush out allergens. Antihistamine drops provide eye allergy relief by blocking the release of histamines that cause allergy symptoms like itching and redness.

Cold Compress

A cold, damp washcloth placed over closed eyes can provide soothing relief due to wind and sun exposure, allergies or other irritants. Apply as often as needed.

Allergy Management

Depending on your allergy triggers, the following tips can help prevent symptoms and provide itchy eye relief:

·    Take OTC antihistamines or prescription allergy medicine as directed.

·    Consider allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term relief.

·    Wear wrap-around sunglasses to prevent pollen or other irritants from floating into your eye.

·    Shower before you go to bed to wash off pollen and other allergens from the day.

·    Change your bedding frequently.

·    Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

·    Keep your windows shut during high pollen days.

Consult an Eye Care Professional

If you suspect an infection or don't know what's causing your itchy eyes, consult an eye care professional such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can diagnose your eye issue and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Alleviating itchy eyes first involves identifying the root cause and then implementing targeted strategies. Whether it's addressing allergies, dryness or environmental factors, these simple-to-implement treatments can help restore comfort to your eyes.

These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.