Overview
Various factors, including allergies, dry eyes, and infections, can cause itchy eyes. Other possible causes include irritants like smoke or chemicals, certain medications and underlying health conditions.
Management of itchy eyes depends on the underlying cause and may include over-the-counter or prescription drugs such as antihistamines, lubricating eye drops, and antibiotics. Avoiding known allergens and irritants can also help reduce symptoms.
Practicing good eye hygiene, such as regularly washing hands and avoiding rubbing the eyes, can also help prevent infections and reduce symptoms. This blog will discuss the details of the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the common complaints of itchy eyes.
What Causes Itchy Eyes?
Itchy eyes are discomfort or irritation caused by various factors and causes, including
Allergies
When the body’s immune system overreacts to something that should typically be harmless, such as pollen, pet hair, or specific foods, allergies result. When these allergens come into contact with the eyes, they can cause itching, redness, and watering. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common type of eye allergy, which can be seasonal or perennial, depending on the allergen.
Dry eyes
When the eyes do not produce adequate tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly is known as dry eye syndrome. Various factors, such as aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, or environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry air, can cause this. Symptoms of dry eyes include itching, burning, and redness.
Eye infections
Viruses, bacteria, or fungi can cause eye infections. Conjunctivitis is a common eye disease that causes redness, itching, and eye discharge. Blepharitis is another infection that causes eyelid inflammation, leading to redness, itching, and crusting around the eyelashes.
Contact lens irritation
Wearing contact lenses can sometimes cause itching and discomfort, especially if the lenses are not adequately cleaned or fit. Contact lens wearers may also be more prone to eye infections, which can cause itching and redness.
Eye strain
Prolonged use of digital devices, book reading, or driving can cause eye strain, leading to itching, dryness, and other symptoms. This is especially true if the lighting is poor, the screen is too bright, or the user needs to take regular breaks.
Other conditions
Certain medical conditions such as Vitamin deficiencies, Thyroid disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis can cause dry eyes and itching. Some medications, including antihistamines or antidepressants, can also cause dryness and itching of the eyes as a side effect.
How to Stop the Corner of My Eye from Itching?
The treatment for itching in the corner of your eye depends on the underlying cause. Here are some general tips that may help relieve the symptoms:
Clean your eyes
Use a clean, damp cloth to clean the corners of your eyes gently. This can help remove allergens, dirt, or debris causing the itching. It is essential to use a clean cloth to prevent further irritation or infection. Ensure you wash your hands before and after cleaning your eyes to avoid introducing bacteria or other irritants.
Apply a warm compress
A warm compress can help soothe and relieve dryness and irritation. Wet a clean cloth with lukewarm water and wring out the excess water to make a warm compress. Then, place the warm compress over your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day. The warmth helps stimulate the production of natural oils in the eyes, which can help lubricate and moisturize the eyes.
Use artificial tears
Over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and relieve dryness and irritation. They work by mimicking the natural tear film in the eyes, which helps keep them moist and comfortable. Make sure to use eye drops that are preservative-free and suitable for your specific condition. Follow the instructions on the label or as prescribed by your eye doctor.
Avoid rubbing your eyes
Rubbing your eyes can further irritate them and worsen the itching. Instead, try to gently massage the corner of your eye using your clean fingers. If you feel the urge to rub your eyes, take a break and try one of the other remedies instead.
Identify and avoid triggers
If you have allergies, try to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. For example, if you have an allergy to pollen, stay indoors during peak pollen season, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers or filters. If you are allergic to pet dander, avoid contact with pets or wash your hands and clothes afterward. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
Treat underlying conditions
Suppose you have an eye infection or a medical condition causing the itching, such as blepharitis or a thyroid disorder. In that case, your eye doctor may prescribe medications or other treatments to manage the situation. Treating the underlying disease is essential to relieving the symptoms effectively.
How to Soothe Irritated Skin Around the Eyes?
If you have irritated skin around your eyes, there are various things you can do to soothe the area:
Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Rubbing the skin around your eyes can further irritate the area and cause more damage. Try to resist the urge to rub your eyes or use your fingers to apply any creams or lotions.
Use a gentle cleanser.
Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to wash your face and remove makeup or dirt. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin, avoiding the eye area. Wash with water and dry with a soft towel.
Apply a cool compress.
A cool compress can help reduce swelling, redness, and itching. Use a clean cloth soaked in cool water or a chilled gel mask. Place the compress over your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this process several times a day as needed.
Use a moisturizer
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to hydrate and protect the skin around your eyes. Look for a product that contains soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, or oatmeal. Apply the moisturizer gently with your fingertips, avoiding the eye area.
Avoid harsh products
Avoid harsh products or chemicals around your eyes, such as alcohol-based toners, astringents, or exfoliants. These products can irritate the skin and cause more damage.
Wear sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes and the skin around them from harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants. Look for sunglasses with 100% UV protection and wraparound frames to provide maximum coverage.
How to Cure Burning, Watery Eyes?
Various factors, including allergies, dryness, infections, or irritants, can cause burning, watery eyes. Here are some remedies that may help to alleviate the symptoms:
Use over-the-counter eye drops
Over-the-counter eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can help lubricate and moisturize the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation. Look for eye drops that are specifically designed to relieve burning and itching. Avoid eye drops that contain preservatives, which can irritate the eyes further. Follow the instructions on the label or as recommended by your eye doctor.
Apply a warm compress
A warm compress can help soothe and relieve dryness and irritation. Wet a cloth with warm water and wring out the excess water to make a warm compress. Then, place the warm compress over your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day. The warmth helps stimulate the production of natural oils in the eyes, which can help lubricate and moisturize the eyes.
Avoid irritants
Try to avoid any environmental irritants that may be causing your symptoms, such as smoke, dust, or chemicals. If you wear contact lenses, avoid and wear glasses until your symptoms improve.
Practice good hygiene
Hand hygiene to prevent infections from spreading. Avoid touching your eyes or rubbing them, which can worsen the symptoms.
Identify and treat underlying conditions
If your symptoms are caused by an underlying condition, such as allergies or infections, your doctor may recommend medication or other treatments to manage the disease. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take any medications as prescribed.
Visit an eye doctor
If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeing a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment is essential. Your eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam and recommend the best treatment for your specific condition.
How to Relieve Itchy Eyes?
Various factors, such as allergies, dryness, and infections, can cause itchy eyes. Other than using eye drops and warm compress, as explained earlier, other tips to help relieve itchy eyes are:
Identify and avoid allergens
If allergies cause your itchy eyes, try to identify and avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. Use air filters, keep windows closed during high pollen count days, and avoid pets if necessary.
Use a humidifier
Dry air can irritate the eyes and cause itching. Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter when the air is drier.
Wear sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes and the skin around them from harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants. Look for sunglasses with 100% UV protection and wraparound frames to provide maximum coverage.
Consult an eye doctor
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate an underlying condition. An eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam and recommend the best treatment for your specific situation.
How to Get Rid of Red Eyes Without Eye Drops?
Various factors, including allergies, lack of sleep, dryness, or irritation, can cause red eyes. Here are some ways to reduce redness without eye drops:
Cold compress
Applying a cold compress to your eyes can help reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, reducing redness. This method constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the affected area. You can use a cold washcloth, a bag of frozen peas, or a chilled cucumber slice as a cold compress.
Hydration
Dehydration can cause dry eyes and make them look red. Drinking enough water can help keep your body hydrated, preventing dry eyes and reducing redness.
Sleep
Lack of sleep can cause eye fatigue and redness. Sleeping each night can help reduce eye fatigue and improve eye health.
Eye Massage
Massaging the area around your eyes can help improve circulation and reduce redness. This method works by stimulating blood flow and lymphatic fluid in the eye area, which can help reduce inflammation and improve eye health.
Avoid allergens
If you have allergies, try to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. This can help reduce redness and other symptoms. Allergens can cause inflammation and eye irritation, leading to redness and other symptoms.
Blink more
If you spend much time looking at a screen or doing close work, you may need to blink more, leading to dry eyes and redness. Increased blinking can help keep your eyes lubricated, lower your risk of dry eyes, and minimize redness.
Best Allergy Medicine for Itchy Eyes
Several allergy medicines can help relieve the itchiness of the eyes caused by allergies. Here are some options to consider:
Antihistamines
These medications block histamines, which cause allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Antihistamines are available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription. Some common OTC antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra). Prescription antihistamines like levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex) may also be effective.
Mast cell stabilizers
These medications prevent the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. Mast cell stabilizers are available in eye drops, such as cromolyn (Opticrom) and lodoxamide (Alomide).
Combination eye drops
Some eye drops contain both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer. These eye drops can provide relief for itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms. Examples include olopatadine (Patanol, Pataday) and azelastine (Optivar).
Decongestants
These medications can help relieve eye redness and swelling caused by allergies. Decongestants are available in eye drops, such as naphazoline (Clear Eyes) and tetrahydrozoline (Visine), as well as in oral forms, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
Why are My Eyes Burning and Watering?
There are several possible reasons why your eyes may be burning and watering. Some of them might be serious medical conditions requiring immediate medical attention. Here are a few causes of burning and watering of the eyes
Dry eyes
When your eyes are not producing enough tears, they can become dry and irritated, causing a burning or stinging sensation. This can also cause your eyes to water as a reflex to dryness.
Allergies
These can cause your eyes to burn, itch, and water. Common allergens include pollen, dust, and pet dander.
Eye infections
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) can cause your eyes to burn, itch, and water. Other symptoms may include redness, discharge, and sensitivity to light.
Contact lens irritation
Wearing contact lenses that are dirty or do not fit properly can cause your eyes to burn, itch, and water. It is a common problem among contact lens users.
Environmental factors
Exposure to pollution and other environmental irritants can cause your eyes to burn, itch, and water. Environmental factors can be a common cause of eye irritation, especially for people who live in urban areas or work in environments with high pollution levels.
Blepharitis
This condition causes inflammation and irritation of the eyelids. It can cause your eyes to burn, itch, and water, making your eyelids feel heavy and sore.
Corneal abrasion
It is a scratch on the eye’s surface, which can cause your eyes to burn, water, and feel sensitive to light.
Foreign object in the eye
Something in your eye, such as dust or an eyelash, can cause your eyes to burn, itch, and water.
Eye strain
You may feel dry, burning, and watery eyes after staring at a computer or phone screen for a long time. Eye strain can also result from this.
FAQs About Itching Eyes Answered By Your Doctors Online Team
The feeling of something in your eye is a common sensation caused by various factors. It may be due to a foreign object in the eye, such as dust, an eyelash, or a contact lens. Dry eye syndrome, allergies, and eye infections can also cause this feeling. Rubbing or touching your eye should be avoided to prevent further irritation, and if the feeling persists or is accompanied by pain or vision changes, you should seek medical attention.
Swelling around the eyes due to crying can be a common occurrence and uncomfortable and noticeable. However, there are various steps you can take to reduce the swelling and make yourself feel better. Applying a cold compress or using a tea bag soaked in cold water can constrict the blood vessels around the eyes and reduce inflammation and puffiness. Ensuring you get enough sleep and stay hydrated can help reduce the tired and swollen appearance of the eyes. Additionally, over-the-counter eye drops can help reduce redness and irritation around the eyes. These simple steps can reduce swelling and make you feel more comfortable after crying.
There are several possible reasons why your eyes may water all the time. Dry eye syndrome, in which the tears evaporate too quickly or are not produced adequately, is one typical cause. Allergies, infections, and irritants like smoke or wind can also cause watery eyes. Another possible cause is an eye condition called blepharitis, which causes inflammation along the edge of the eyelids. Certain medications and underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders, can also lead to watery eyes.
Yes, stress can cause itchy eyes. Cortisol, a hormone that can result in inflammation in the body, might rise due to stress. This inflammation can cause swelling, redness, and itching in different bodily areas, including the eyes. Increased sensitivity to allergens brought on by stress can also result in allergy responses and irritated eyes. Cortisol, a hormone that can result in inflammation in the body, might rise due to stress. This inflammation can cause swelling, redness, and itching in different bodily areas, including the eyes. Increased sensitivity to allergens brought on by stress can also result in allergy responses and irritated eyes. Practice stress-reduction strategies like deep breathing, meditation, and exercise if you have itchy eyes due to stress to help ease the symptoms.
Itchy eyes can be a symptom of various health conditions, including vitamin deficiencies. One such vitamin deficiency that can cause itchy eyes is vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy eyes, and a deficiency can lead to a condition called xerophthalmia, which causes dry, itchy, and inflamed eyes. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to itchy eyes, as this vitamin is essential for nerve function and blood cell production, both of which can affect eye health. Other possible vitamin deficiencies contributing to itchy eyes include vitamin D, E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
