5 Reasons Why Your Eyes Are Itchy and How To Stop It
Itchy eyes are one of the most annoying things that can happen to you. Your eyes itch when they get irritated or feel dry, due to some external factor or because of some allergy. Itching of the eyes is an indication of a problem that needs your attention. However, there are many reasons why this happens. It is important to identify the true cause of your itchy eyes so you can identify what you need to do about it. You might experience itching in your eyes for many reasons, like dehydration, dry air, fatigue, stress, or anxiety. Here are 5 reasons why your eyes are itchy and how to stop them from itching:
Dry Eyes
If your eyes are itchy, it could be due to dry eyes. Dry eyes are a common condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or don’t form correctly. It can develop due to heredity, aging, certain medications, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or certain diseases. There are different kinds of dry eyes, like: – A deficiency of tears (e.g. Sjogren’s syndrome). – A problem with the tear glands (e.g. keratoconjunctivitis sicca). – An eye surface problem that interferes with tear production (e.g. blepharitis). Dry eyes can be very painful.
Often dry eye sufferers confuse their itchy eyes with allergies. This is why you should always consult with your eye doctor such as Boerne Vision Center before taking a trip to the drug store and trying over-the-counter eye drops.
Allergies
If you are having an allergy, then your immune system is overreacting to certain substances in your environment. This can lead to itchy, swollen, red and watery eyes. Your eyes can be affected by pollen, dust, or certain animal dander like that of cats, dogs, and rodents. The grass and weeds that have sprung up due to the spring season are also a source of many allergies. – Pollen: Pollen is usually seen in the spring but can be seen throughout the year. It is usually very high in grass and weeds. – Dust: is also a common source of allergies. It can be seen throughout the year. – Animal dander: is usually seen in the spring and fall when animals shed their hair. – Mold: is also a common source of allergies. It can be seen throughout the year. Ragweed and Cedar Tree pollen are two pesky allergens that plague Boerne residents. Please also mention any food allergies to the doctor because that can have an impact on your eyes as well.
Regardless of your age, these allergens can cause extremely itchy eyes. If your eyes are watery and you believe it may be allergy related, be sure to consult with your eye doctor. If this is your first time with irritated eyes, it is important to allow your optometrist to assess the source of your irritation. There are many eye drops for allergies on the market as well as holistic treatments.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This is a type of eczema that occurs when your eyes come in contact with an irritating substance. This is common for contact lens wearers, people who wear goggles for swimming, or those who wear goggles for dust or paint.
It can also happen from applying new make-ups like eyeshadow primer, eyeshadows, lash glue and adhesives, eyeliner, mascara, etc. If you wear contacts, try switching brands to see if that works. If you wear goggles for swimming, try using them less often. It is also important to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Sometimes highly fragrant soaps and soaps with added lotion or extra ingredients may trigger this response too. Be sure to contact your eye doctor immediately if you notice any swelling or redness around your eye area.
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, it can lead to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Being in front of the computer can lead to dry eyes and headaches, as well as eye strain. To avoid CVS, take breaks while working on a computer, regularly hydrate and take breaks from the screen. You can use a screen filter that is designed to protect your eyes from excess blue light emitted by computer screens. If you believe your itchy eyes are related to CVS, be sure to look into eyeglasses with blue-light protection. This type of lens can dramatically reduce strain on the eye and encourage natural blinking.
CVS can be greatly reduced or avoided with the regular use of blue-light protected lenses. We often get asked- Can you buy blue light lenses without a prescription? Yes! you can. Reach out to Boerne Vision Center to find out about our offering of computer glasses.
Travelling and Distance vision
If you are traveling or have recently traveled and are experiencing itchy eyes, it could be due to the change in air pressure. You likely have a build-up of fluid in your eyes. If you are trying to see far away while driving or while reading, then that can be a cause of itchy eyes. Try to get closer to the object that you are trying to see. A change in the weather can cause your eyes to be itchy, too. If the air has become humid, this can cause your eyes to be itchy.
Conclusion
Itchy eyes are often an indication of an underlying problem. If you don’t address the root cause, the itching could get worse over time. You can prevent dry eyes by increasing your water intake and taking eye breaks from the computer. If you wear contact lenses, you can also try using eye drops with hydration. You can ask your eye doctor for recommended artificial tears. If you frequently experience allergies, it’s important to understand which substances trigger your symptoms. Pay close attention to what you touch and make sure you wash your hands before touching your face. A special note regarding kids and allergies: children with undiagnosed itchy eye syndromes can rub their eyes and unknowingly scratch their cornea or worse. Be sure to get your children evaluated immediately for any itchy eye syndromes. Boerne Vision Center has a variety of resources such as our blog and also you can reach out to our office via email to get any of your questions answered. If you have to yet been to our office, click here to book your first appointment. If you are an existing patient, see you soon
