Seven common causes for itchy eyes
Having itchy eyes is incredibly uncomfortable. The natural reaction we all have to itchy, watery eyes to is to rub and scratch them and hope by doing those things it will make the itch go away. In reality, however, this causes much harm by adding to the irritation and even spreading germs, which can lead to an infection as well as damage to your eyes.
Itchy Eyes
So, when you do have an eye itch, what causes it and how can you relieve the discomfort you are experiencing? The following are the most common causes of the eye itch as well as solutions for each one.
1. Allergies
Most often, itchy eyes are caused by food, animal or environmental allergies. Medical professionals encourage patients to be aware of any triggers that may cause the allergy. If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
2. Dry eye
Dry eye is a condition where a person does not have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. If left untreated, it can cause burning, itchy or stinging eyes, intermittent blurring of vision and watery eyes. Eye professionals typically recommend artificial tears. They also caution patients to avoid redness-reducing drops because they can dry out your eye. As always, however, consult your eye doctor for the best treatment for your eyes.
3. Something in your eye
A piece of sand from the beach or a speck of dust can be all it takes to make your eyes itchy all over. Instead of rubbing or scratching your eye, wash it out with water or artificial tears.
4. Pink eye
If eye itchiness is paired with a pink or red color, discharge coming from the eye or any of the other symptoms, contact an eye doctor. You may also need a dose of antibiotics, depending on what’s causing the pink eye. In the meantime, don’t touch your eye — pink eye is super contagious and you can easily spread it to your other eye or another person.
5. Contact lens
If you wear contacts daily, you may experience itchy eyes from time to time, especially if you are wearing them too long. If you wear your contacts too long, you may develop dry eye. Allergies can also make your eyes even itchier while wearing contacts. The best thing to do in these situations is to avoid wearing your contacts for more than 10-12 hours and to take out your contacts and wear glasses instead if your eyes are too itchy.
6. Digital eye strain
Thanks to the advances in technology today, we are all spending more time in front of a screen than ever before. This constant exposure can cause your eyes to be strained over time and create stress, which can then lead to itchiness. To manage eye strain, use the trusty 20-20-20 rule: Look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of digital device use.
7. Irritating products
Some chemicals or ingredients in personal care products can irritate and itch your skin, which can also cause your eyes to get itchy. Be aware of any lotions, shaving creams, oils, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes/colognes, face wash or air fresheners, that may be causing irritation or itchiness on your skin or eyes. If any of these products are causing a problem, stop using it and throw it away.
Each of the seven things above can cause your eyes to itch. The best thing you can do is to be on the lookout for anything that may be itching or bothering your eyes in some way. If you have any questions about itchy eyes, contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our trusted eye doctors today.
Six New Year’s resolutions for better eye health
Better Eye Health
Now that 2018 is in full swing, you’ve likely set a few goals already for the new year. While you may not have thought about it, there are several New Year’s resolutions you can make for 2018 that will benefit your eye health, including:
Do not wear your contacts longer than recommended
How long do you wear your contacts? Experts recommend you should not wear your them longer than 10 to12 hours per day. If you wear your contacts too long, you run the risk of getting eye infections as well as developing serious eye diseases.
Always dump out used saline solution
A majority of contact lens-related eye infections comes from not taking proper care of them. This includes dumping out your contact solution that you used to store your lenses overnight. Before you take off your contact lenses at night, you need to dump out the solution from the night before, if you have not already, and fill your case with new solution.
Make sure your eyes are protected from UV rays
Your regular glasses, sunglasses, and contacts should all have UV protection. Limiting UV exposure can help reduce the risk of skin cancer of the eyelids and cataracts as well as many other conditions. People can check Digital Mammograms in Lincoln, Nebraska for cancer screening.
Take visual breaks to avoid eyestrain
If you spend a significant amount of time on a computer, tablet, smartphone or another screen, remember the 20/20-20/20 Rule. This means looking up from your work every 20 minutes to an object 20 feet or more way for at least 20 seconds. Doing this can dramatically eliminate any eyestrain and can improve the comfort of your neck.
Get your kids eye examined
Many serious eye issues can be prevented if they are detected early. If you have children, set a 2018 resolution to get their eyes examined.
Eat healthily and take your vitamins and supplements
Multiple studies show that taking your vitamins daily as well as supplements can help decrease your chances of developing an eye condition or disease. Be sure to consult your optometrist before taking any vitamin or supplement.