Do you ever wake up with red, itchy eyes, or just have a day where you feel like your eyes are dry and irritated?
Most of us have experienced one or all of those symptoms. It’s pretty common to have irritated eyes now and again, due to all sorts of normal things. Here’s a list of pretty common irritants that will lead to dry, itching, irritated eyes.
- Allergies: pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust are common culprits. Most folks experience some seasonal eye watering and itchiness during allergy season, or when they’ve been exposed to an irritant.
- Lack of sleep: When you miss out on enough shut eye, you sometimes see pretty negative effects. Not getting enough rest can lead to redness at the very least, dryness, and general irritability of your eyes.
- Skincare products: Did your sunscreen or moisturizer run into your eyes? Did you forget to take off mascara before bed? Most over-the-counter products are safety tested and won’t cause lasting damage, but still can cause irritation.
- Rubbing your eyes: When you rub your eyes or touch them without washing your hands first, you can introduce irritating germs. Try not to rub your eyes, when you can.
- Staring at a computer most of the day: Some people find this causes eye strain.
- Dry air: We live in a dry climate. Dryness and dust in the air can cause irritation, as well.
So, what can you do? First, we recommend home care. You can use drops, warm compresses, and take it easy when your eyes are irritated. Be sure also to wash your hands before rubbing your eyes.
But also know that if you have any questions, you should always feel free to call an eye doctor. A good one will have someone in reception that is knowledgeable enough to let you know when you need to come in.
However, if you’re experiencing pain or changes in vision with the above symptoms, that’s when you know to call to schedule an appointment. Your doctor should usually be able to get you in on the same day to see what’s going on, and help you find the right answers.
Have questions about your vision, how to prevent eye damage, or need to talk through an issue? Please reach out to us at Utah Eye Centers! We can help you to examine your options. We look forward to meeting with you!