Cure for itchy eyes. Effective Treatments for Itchy Eyes: Comprehensive Guide to Allergy Eyedrops
What are the best treatments for itchy eyes. How do different types of allergy eyedrops work. What are the potential side effects of using eye drops for allergies. When should you consult a doctor for eye allergy symptoms.
Understanding Eye Allergies and Their Symptoms
Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. These allergies are often triggered by the same factors that cause hay fever, including pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. In some cases, certain medications or contact lenses can also be culprits.
Common symptoms of eye allergies include:
- Itchy eyes
- Redness or bloodshot appearance
- Burning sensation
- Swollen eyelids
- Excessive tearing
- Feeling of something in the eye
Are eye allergies always caused by external factors? While environmental allergens are common triggers, some individuals may experience eye allergies due to internal factors such as hormonal changes or autoimmune conditions. It’s essential to identify the root cause to determine the most effective treatment approach.
Types of Allergy Eyedrops: Choosing the Right Solution
When it comes to treating eye allergies, various types of eyedrops are available, each targeting specific symptoms. The choice of eyedrop depends on the cause of the allergy, the severity of symptoms, and how much they impact daily life. Let’s explore the main categories of allergy eyedrops:
Antihistamine Allergy Eyedrops
Antihistamine eyedrops are often the first line of defense against eye allergies. These medications work by blocking histamine, a chemical released by the immune system in response to allergens. By doing so, they can quickly alleviate itching and watering of the eyes.
Some prescription antihistamine eyedrops include:
- Lastacaft (alcaftadine)
- Pataday (olopatadine)
- Pazeo (olopatadine)
How long does relief from antihistamine eyedrops last? While these drops can provide quick relief, the effects may only last for a few hours, necessitating multiple applications throughout the day. It’s important to note that frequent use may lead to increased eye dryness.
Anti-inflammatory Allergy Eyedrops
Anti-inflammatory eyedrops fall into two main categories: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Corticosteroids. These medications work differently to reduce inflammation and alleviate allergy symptoms.
NSAID eyedrops, such as Ketorolac (Acular, Acuvail), target specific nerve endings to alter the perception of itching. Relief typically begins about an hour after application, although some users may experience temporary stinging or burning upon initial use.
Corticosteroid eyedrops, like loteprednol (Alrex, Lotemax), are reserved for severe, persistent eye allergy symptoms. While effective, long-term use of corticosteroid drops is generally discouraged due to potential side effects, including increased eye pressure and cataract formation.
Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Allergy Eyedrops
When treating eye allergies, consumers have the option of over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription eyedrops. OTC options are readily available and can be effective for mild to moderate symptoms. However, prescription eyedrops may be necessary for more severe or persistent cases.
Is there a significant difference in effectiveness between OTC and prescription eyedrops? While prescription drops often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or more potent formulations, many OTC options can provide substantial relief for common eye allergy symptoms. The key is to choose a product that addresses your specific symptoms and to use it as directed.
Popular Over-the-Counter Options
Some widely used OTC allergy eyedrops include:
- Ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway)
- Naphazoline/pheniramine (Visine-A, Opcon-A)
- Cromolyn sodium (Crolom)
When using OTC products, it’s crucial to read and follow all directions on the package carefully. If symptoms persist or worsen after 72 hours of use, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
Proper Application Techniques for Eye Drops
To maximize the effectiveness of allergy eyedrops and minimize the risk of contamination, proper application technique is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying eye drops correctly:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the eye drops.
- Tilt your head back and look upward.
- Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Hold the dropper directly over your eye, being careful not to touch any part of your eye or face.
- Squeeze one drop into the pocket formed by your lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes gently for 1-2 minutes, avoiding blinking.
- Apply gentle pressure to the corner of your eye near your nose to prevent the medication from draining into your tear duct.
How can you ensure the eye drops are properly absorbed? After applying the drops, keep your eyes closed for a few minutes and avoid blinking excessively. This allows the medication to be absorbed by the eye’s surface, maximizing its effectiveness.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While allergy eyedrops can provide significant relief, they may also cause side effects in some individuals. Being aware of these potential issues can help users make informed decisions about their eye care.
Common Side Effects
Some side effects that may occur with the use of allergy eyedrops include:
- Temporary burning or stinging sensation
- Increased eye dryness
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
Can long-term use of allergy eyedrops cause any serious complications? Prolonged use of certain types of eyedrops, particularly corticosteroids, can lead to more serious issues such as increased intraocular pressure or cataract formation. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional are essential for those using these medications long-term.
Precautions and Considerations
To ensure safe and effective use of allergy eyedrops, consider the following precautions:
- Avoid wearing contact lenses while using eyedrops unless specifically approved by your doctor.
- If using multiple eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between applications.
- Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye, to prevent contamination.
- If prescribed, use the medication regularly as directed, even if symptoms improve.
- Do not use eyedrops past their expiration date.
Combining Eyedrops with Other Allergy Management Strategies
While allergy eyedrops can be highly effective, combining them with other management strategies can provide more comprehensive relief. Consider incorporating these additional measures into your allergy management plan:
Environmental Controls
Reducing exposure to allergens can significantly alleviate eye allergy symptoms. Some effective strategies include:
- Using air purifiers with HEPA filters
- Keeping windows closed during high pollen days
- Washing bedding regularly in hot water
- Using allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers
Lifestyle Modifications
Simple changes in daily habits can also help manage eye allergies:
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors to reduce allergen exposure
- Avoiding rubbing your eyes
- Using artificial tears to flush out allergens
- Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and itching
How can dietary changes impact eye allergies? While not a direct treatment for eye allergies, maintaining a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help reduce overall inflammation in the body, potentially lessening allergy symptoms.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While many cases of eye allergies can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and home remedies, there are instances where professional medical advice is necessary. It’s important to recognize when your symptoms require expert attention.
Signs That Warrant a Doctor’s Visit
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Severe eye pain or discomfort
- Significant vision changes
- Symptoms that persist or worsen despite treatment
- Discharge from the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Signs of eye infection, such as redness spreading beyond the eye area
What can you expect during an eye allergy consultation? During your visit, the doctor will likely perform a thorough eye examination, review your medical history, and may conduct tests to identify specific allergens. Based on these findings, they can recommend a tailored treatment plan, which may include prescription medications or referral to an allergist for further evaluation.
Specialized Treatment Options
In some cases, your healthcare provider may suggest more advanced treatment options, such as:
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets)
- Prescription-strength oral antihistamines
- Combination therapy using multiple types of eyedrops
These specialized treatments can be particularly beneficial for individuals with severe or chronic eye allergies that don’t respond adequately to standard treatments.
Emerging Treatments and Future Outlook
The field of allergy treatment is continually evolving, with researchers exploring new approaches to manage eye allergies more effectively. Some promising areas of development include:
Novel Drug Formulations
Scientists are working on new drug formulations that can provide longer-lasting relief with fewer side effects. These may include:
- Extended-release eye drops that require less frequent application
- Combination drugs that target multiple aspects of the allergic response
- Nanotechnology-based delivery systems for enhanced drug efficacy
Biologic Therapies
Biologic medications, which target specific components of the immune system, are showing promise in treating various allergic conditions. While currently used primarily for severe asthma and eczema, research is ongoing to explore their potential in managing eye allergies.
How might these emerging treatments change the landscape of eye allergy management? As these new therapies become available, they could offer more personalized treatment options, potentially providing better symptom control with fewer side effects. However, it’s important to note that extensive clinical trials are necessary before these treatments can be widely adopted.
Personalized Medicine Approaches
Advancements in genetic testing and biomarker analysis are paving the way for more personalized allergy treatments. By identifying an individual’s specific allergic triggers and immune response patterns, healthcare providers may be able to tailor treatments more effectively in the future.
The future of eye allergy treatment looks promising, with ongoing research aimed at improving both the efficacy and convenience of available options. As our understanding of the immune system and allergic responses deepens, we can expect to see more targeted and effective treatments emerge in the coming years.
Ketotifen Ophthalmic (Eye): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
If you are using the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it exactly as directed.
Apply 1 drop to the affected eye(s), usually twice a day (every 8 to 12 hours) or as directed by the package instructions or your doctor.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
Ask your doctor if you can wear contact lenses while you are being treated with this medication. If your doctor says you may continue wearing them, remove them before using the eye drops, and wait at least 10 minutes after each dose before putting in your lenses. Do not use this medication to treat irritation from contact lens wear. Consult your doctor about the use of contact lenses when the eyes are red or irritated.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and apply 1 drop in the lower eyelid. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use, and keep the bottle tightly closed.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (drops or ointment), wait at least 5 minutes before applying it. Apply eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to use this medication as prescribed until pollen season is over or you are no longer exposed to the allergic substance, even when allergic symptoms disappear or improve.
If your condition persists or worsens, if you develop new symptoms, or if you think you have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention. If you are treating yourself with nonprescription ketotifen, consult your doctor if your itching worsens or lasts more than 72 hours. You may need a different medication.
Choose the One Best for You
Allergy eyedrops are liquid medicines used to treat symptoms of eye allergies. Eye allergy symptoms include:
- A burning feeling in your eye
- Feeling like something is in the eye
- Itchy eyes
- Red (bloodshot) eyes
- Swollen eyelid
- Tearing
An eye allergy can be triggered by the same things that cause hay fever, such as:
Certain medications or contact lenses can also be triggers.
Types of Allergy Eyedrops
Your doctor may first suggest you take these steps:
Which type of allergy eyedrop you use depends on:
- The cause of your allergy
- Your symptoms
- How much the symptoms affect your daily activities
There are many types of allergy eyedrops. Not all treat all allergy symptoms. For example, one that relieves red eyes may not stop the itching.
Some are sold over the counter. For others you need a prescription from a doctor. Some relieve symptoms quickly. Others provide long-term relief.
The types of allergy eyedrops include:
Antihistamine Allergy Eyedrops
Doctors usually recommend these as the first treatment for eye allergies if you can’t get enough relief without drugs.
If you have itchy, watery eyes, antihistamine eyedrops may make you feel better. These medicines block histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical that your immune system makes when you come in contact with an allergy trigger. It causes many of your allergy symptoms.
Antihistamine eyedrops can quickly ease your symptoms. But relief may only last for a few hours. It can also cause your eyes to be more dry. You may need to use the drops several times a day.
Prescription antihistamine eyedrops include:
Anti-inflammatory Allergy Eyedrops
These eyedrops fall into two groups:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
NSAID eyedrops affect certain nerve endings. They change the way your body makes you feel itchy.
Ketorolac (Acular, Acuvail) is the only NSAID approved for the treatment of itchy eyes. Itching usually starts to go away about 1 hour after using the eyedrops. These eyedrops often cause stinging or burning when first placed in the eyes.
Continued
Corticosteroid eyedrops are used to treat severe, long-term eye allergy symptoms. Prescription steroid eyedrops include loteprednol (Alrex, Lotemax).
Doctors generally don’t recommend corticosteroid drops for long-term use, unless your case is really severe, due to possible side effects such as increased eye pressure and cataracts.
When you use corticosteroid eyedrops, you should have regular checkups with an eye specialist to check on your eye health. These eyedrops can make you more likely to get:
Decongestant Allergy Eyedrops
These eyedrops can quickly brighten the whites of your eyes and reduce eye redness for a short time. They narrow blood vessels in the eye area. This relieves the red, bloodshot appearance of the eyes but carries longterm risk of “rebound redness,” which is making your eyes permanently bloodshot. As a result, they are not recommended for longterm use.
You can get these eyedrops without a prescription. But doctors don’t recommend them to treat eye allergies.
Continued
Examples of over-the-counter decongestant eyedrops are:
There are some risks. If you use them for too long, it can make your eye problem worse, with “rebound redness.” Redness and eye swelling can continue even when you stop using the drops.
If you have glaucoma you should never use decongestant eyedrops.
Mast Cell Stabilizer Allergy Eyedrops
These are among the newest types of eyedrops. They help prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals made by your body during an allergic reaction.
Mast cell stabilizers are made to prevent your symptoms.
You may be able to use these drops for many months without any side effects. If you wear contacts, mast cell stabilizers may let you wear them longer.
Over-the-counter mast cell stabilizer drops include:
Prescription mast cell stabilizer eyedrops include:
Multiple-Action Allergy Eyedrops
Some eyedrops contain more than one type of medicine. These are called dual-action or multiple-action eyedrops.
Antihistamine/decongestant combination eyedrops reduce eye itching, watery eyes, and redness. Examples include:
Antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer combination eyedrops treat and prevent:
These newer eyedrops are especially helpful for people with a condition called allergic conjunctivitis. Examples include:
Side Effects and Risks
As with any medicine, you should always follow the recommended instructions on the label. You shouldn’t use over-the-counter eyedrops for more than 2 to 3 days. If you use them for longer than that, it can make matters worse.
If you have an eye infection or glaucoma, you shouldn’t use eyedrops. Talk to your doctor about other options.
Some eyedrops may sting or burn when you place them in your eyes. It can help to store them in your fridge.
Continued
You can’t use many eyedrops while you wear contact lenses. Your doctor may tell you to remove your lenses before you use the drops and wait at least 10 minutes before you put them back in. Or you may not be able to wear contact lenses at all during treatment with eyedrops.
You’ll need to use most allergy eyedrops several times a day.
Itchy Eyes: Causes and Cures
By Amy Hellem; reviewed by Gary Heiting, OD
- Causes
- Treatments
Almost everyone experiences itchy eyes from time to time. There are many causes of itchy eyes, and the problem often is accompanied by itchy eyelids — especially at the base of the eyelashes — and red eyes or swollen eyelids.
The medical term for itchy eyes is ocular pruritus (“proo-RIE-tus”).
This article will help you learn more about itchy eyes and how you can get relief. (Spoiler alert: rubbing your eyes won’t help.)
Causes of itchy eyes
Most of the time, itchy eyes are caused by some type of allergy. An irritating substance (called an allergen) — such as pollen, dust and animal dander — causes the release of compounds called histamines in the tissues around the eyes, which results in itching, redness and swelling.
Rubbing won’t help your itchy eyes. In fact, it can make things worse.
Eye allergies come in lots of shapes and sizes and can be seasonal or perennial.
Seasonal allergies cause what’s known as allergic conjunctivitis. It’s most
common in the spring and fall and is caused by high pollen counts and
exposure to outdoor allergens like grass and weeds.
Perennial allergies, on the other hand, are present all year long and are caused by things like mold and dust.
In some cases, a product you’re using can cause allergy-related itchy eyes. For example, some people develop allergies to their contact lens solutions. Other products with ingredients that may cause your eyes to itch include: artificial tears used to treat dry eyes; makeup; and lotions, creams and soaps.
But allergies aren’t the only cause of itchy eyes. If (in addition to itching) your eyes are burning, the cause may be dry eye syndrome or meibomian gland dysfunction, not allergies.
Similarly, if your eyelids are red and inflamed, you may have a condition called blepharitis, which is caused by bacteria and in some cases by microscopic mites that live on the eyelids.
If you wear contact lenses, itchy eyes can make lens wear very uncomfortable. Sometimes, if you are wearing your contacts too long or don’t replace them frequently enough, this too can cause itchy eyes.
Because the causes for itchy eyes are so diverse, if your symptoms are lasting, getting worse, or don’t subside when allergy season winds down, make an appointment with your eye doctor.
NEED AN EYE EXAM? Find an eye doctor near you and make an appointment.
Treatments for itchy eyes
Symptoms of itchy eyes sometimes can be alleviated with over-the-counter artificial tears or allergy eye drops. But in many cases, prescription eye drops or oral medications may be needed to provide relief. Some medications also may help you become less prone to attacks of itchy eyes in the future, especially if symptoms are due to seasonal allergies.
Applying a clean, cold, damp washcloth over your closed eyes also may help alleviate the severity of itchy eyes.
The most effective itchy eye treatments are those that directly address the cause. For example, if your symptoms are associated with a dry eye condition, an allergy drop will be less effective for you than it will be for someone whose itchy eyes are due to seasonal allergies. For this reason, consulting with your eye doctor can be very helpful to determine the most effective remedy for itchy eyes.
Several different types of medications may help relieve ocular itching, but only your doctor will know which treatment or combination of treatments is most suitable for your particular needs. In some cases, itchy eyes can be cured with artificial tears or allergy drops. But in others, you may also need an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory medication and/or special eyelid cleansing products.
Above all, though it’s tempting, don’t rub your itchy eyes. Rubbing releases more histamines that make the itching worse. It’s also possible to cause a corneal abrasion by rubbing your eyes too vigorously or introduce bacteria to your eyes that can lead to an eye infection.
SEE RELATED: Why you should never rub your eyes
Page updated February 2021
Home remedies, causes, and avoiding triggers
People generally move less and relax more when they lie in bed at night than they do when they are up and about during the day.
The extra stillness may make a person more aware of their body than they are during an active day.
With this increased awareness, people may begin to notice that their eyes are itchy.
Many underlying problems and conditions can cause itchy eyes at night.
These underlying causes include:
- Eyestrain: Caused from staring at a computer screen for too long or driving long distances.
- Allergies: Contact with a foreign substance that causes itchy, red eyes, such as makeup, pollen, and dander.
- Dry eye: A condition where the eye does not get enough lubrication throughout the day.
- Atopic dermatitis: A type of eczema that causes red, itchy skin as well as dry eyes.
- Conjunctivitis: A highly contagious infection often referred to as pink eye that causes red, itchy, and burning eyes.
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid caused by the follicle becoming blocked.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction: When the meibomian glands are blocked and do not produce enough liquid to lubricate the eyes.
- Some medications: Common culprits that can cause dry eyes include antihistamines and blood pressure medication.
People with persistent itchy eyes at night should see a doctor to diagnose the cause.
A doctor will likely start by reviewing the person’s medical history and symptoms. The doctor will then probably do a physical exam, which includes checking the person’s eyes and eyelids. If there is any discharge on the person’s eyelids, the doctor may take a sample of the discharge with a swab and send it to a lab for testing.
If a doctor suspects that an allergy is causing the itchy eyes, they may do a patch test. They might also recommend a follow-up visit with an eye doctor.
Share on PinterestUsing a humidifier may help to prevent the eyes and skin from becoming dry and itchy.
Some home remedies can help treat and prevent itchy eyes at night including:
- applying warm and cool compresses
- keeping the eye area clean
- using a humidifier
- avoiding allergens
- using eye drops
- following the 20-20-20 rule
The 20-20-20 rule
Spending too long on a computer or doing other activities that may cause eyestrain can make a person’s eyes itchy at night. People with itchy eyes can try to follow the 20-20-20 rule to lessen eyestrain.
For every 20 minutes of computer work, people should look away from the screen and look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds, which will allow the eyes to relax.
Warm and cool compresses
People can try applying a compress for immediate relief of itchy eyes. Warm compresses over the eyes may help relieve itching due to allergies. If itchy eyes feel warm and swollen, a cold compress on the eyes might help ease the itch.
Keeping the eye area clean
Dirt, chemicals, and makeup can all cause itchy eyes.
Keeping the eyes clean at night can help relieve the itch. Firstly, a person may need to flush the irritant from the eye with cool water to clean the eye area.
Sometimes, gently rinsing the eyes with warm water on a washcloth may be enough.
People who wear makeup should consider removing all their makeup before cleaning the eye.
Using a humidifier
Dry air can make eyes itch because it can cause the eyes to dry out. People with itchy eyes may want to use a humidifier in their bedroom, particularly during the winter or in dry climates.
Discontinue contact lens use
Wearing contact lenses can cause eyes to be itchy even at night. Some people may wear their contact lenses overnight, which may lead to further itching.
Contact lens users who get itchy eyes at night might think about taking their contact lenses out to give their eyes a break until the itching stops.
Also, changing the type of contact lens a person wears may help. A disposable contact lens may help prevent future eye irritation that can lead to itchy eyes at night.
Avoid allergens
People with allergies should take steps to try to avoid any allergens that cause their eyes to itch at night.
Sleeping with the windows closed, for example, can help reduce exposure to pollen and other outdoor allergens that may make eyes itch.
Keeping pets out of the bedroom can help reduce the amount of dander people come into contact with at night. Dusting regularly and changing the sheets can also help limit dust mites.
Share on PinterestMedication, such as antibiotics and antihistamines, may be prescribed to treat itchy eyes.
Sometimes, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments do not ease itching.
Some people may require medical treatments including the following:
- oral and topical antibiotics for bacterial infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis
- artificial tears to lubricate eyes
- antihistamines to help control allergic reactions that lead to itchy eyes
- steroid eye drops for blepharitis and allergies
- medications that affect the immune system for blepharitis
- mast cell stabilizers for allergies
- allergy shots for people with more severe allergies
Preventing itchy eyes at night often starts with figuring out what might be triggering them. Some people may find keeping a journal of potential triggers helpful in figuring out what to avoid.
Avoiding triggers can help prevent or at least reduce the number of instances where the eyes become itchy.
People can take some steps during the day to help prevent eyestrain that can cause itchy eyes.
Some steps include:
- taking breaks when driving long distances
- wearing polarized sunglasses when outside or while driving
- reading in well-lit areas
- taking breaks when working at a computer or staring at other screens for long periods of time
- using artificial tears throughout the day
- wearing contacts or glasses
- positioning computer screens slightly lower than eye level and about a foot from the face
People may try the following if allergies are the cause:
- reducing mold in the home through cleaning and using a dehumidifier
- keeping windows closed at night and during the day
- removing eye makeup thoroughly before going to bed
- cleaning up pet hair regularly
- using bedding that blocks dust mites
- avoiding touching the eyes before washing hands, especially after being in contact with a trigger, such as pet hair
A person can avoid some diseases, such as pink eye, by avoiding physical contact with a person who has the condition. Also, it is a good idea not to share products that come in contact with the eyes of other people.
Most cases of itchy eyes at night are not serious and are easy to treat. People who experience eyestrain and allergic reactions can often prevent them occurring by avoiding activities or substances that trigger itchy eyes.
When blepharitis causes itchy eyes, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms. Often, blepharitis does not go away completely, but proper treatment and good hygiene can keep symptoms to a minimum.
Treatment for Itchy Eyes and Allergies
Eye allergies, which cause itching, are a common symptom of hay fever. Most allergic eye conditions are bothersome but benign.
However, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis are two allergic eye conditions that can lead to vision loss through corneal scarring. Therefore, treating itchy eyes is very important.
Lawren / Getty Images
Non-Medicine Treatments
Itchy eyes can often be treated without the use of medicines. This involves the use of cold compresses placed on the eyes, such as with an ice pack wrapped in a soft towel, and placed over the closed eyes. This technique will often bring relief to itchy eyes within a few minutes and can be repeated as often as necessary.
The use of artificial tears eye drops can also be another effective way to treat eye allergies without the use of medicines. These are available over the counter and serve to lubricate the eye. Artificial tears can also serve to wash away allergens that may be present in the eyes, such as pollen or animal dander.
Although some people believe keeping eye drops in the refrigerator improves how they feel, evidence from clinical research does not prove any benefit to this practice. While artificial tear products are generally fine to store in a refrigerator, if you use medicated eye drops, ask your physician or pharmacist if it’s safe to store them in the refrigerator. Some products need to be kept at specific temperatures.
Medicated Eye Drops
There are a number of medicated eye drops available for the treatment of itchy eyes associated with eye allergy, in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Many of the over-the-counter eye drops are nearly as good as the prescription versions (especially ketotifen), although prolonged use of antihistamine-decongestant eye drops (such as Opcon-A, Naphcon-A, and many Visine products) should be avoided, given the concern for a condition called conjunctivitis medicamentosa with long-term use. With this condition, you may develop an allergy to the eye drops themselves.
Other Treatments
The use of oral antihistamines can be very effective for the treatment of itchy eyes associated with an eye allergy. Many of the newer, non-sedating versions are also available over the counter and often in generic forms, including Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Allegra (fexofenadine).
Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Clarinex (desloratadine) are also now available in over-the-counter versions. Older, more sedating versions (such as Benadryl) may be useful as well, particularly if allergy symptoms are preventing you from falling asleep. However, note that some people feel groggy the day after taking sedating antihistamines. They should not be taken prior to driving or operating heavy machinery.
Caution should also be used when giving Benadryl to young children, since prolonged use can impair learning through grogginess. In addition, a small proportion of children have a paradoxical hyperactivity with Benadryl rather than sedation.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays are particularly effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis, because small amounts of nasal sprays travel through passageways between the nose and eye. While corticosteroid eye drops are not prescribed for most allergic eye conditions due to side effects, the very small amount of steroid that gets in the eye from nasal sprays is thought to be safe for the general population. Nonetheless, anyone with history of glaucoma or cataracts should ask their physician before taking nasal corticosteroids on a regular basis.
A Word From Verywell
Most patients with allergic eye disease also have allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Standard management involves prescribing corticosteroid nasal sprays. Most patients find that nasal corticosteroid sprays alone treat their eye symptoms without further need for medicated eye drops. If your allergic eye symptoms do not go away with over-the-counter therapies, you should seek medical care from an allergist or ophthalmologist.
Get Rid of Itchy Eyes
How to Treat Dry, Itchy Eyes
Do NOT Rub Your Eyes
It is important to avoid rubbing or itching your eyes as much as possible when you experience any discomfort. Rubbing your eyes forcefully can be extremely damaging to them, especially if the cause of your itchiness is a foreign object in your eye. Rubbing may cause you to accidentally scratch the cornea of the eye which can lead to serious issues.
Address Allergies
Allergies are frequently the underlying cause of constant itchy eyes, so treating your allergies can help eliminate your symptoms. It is important to be tested for allergies to determine your exact triggers, and then work with an ENT doctor to determine the best allergy treatment. Oral antihistamine pills may help relieve itchy eye symptoms in the short term by blocking the histamine chemical, but these can be expensive and frustrating to take constantly. We frequently recommend sublingual immunotherapy or allergy drops to our patients to help stop itchy eyes, sneezing and other allergy symptoms. These simple, customized drops are used daily at home to treat your allergies and keep new allergies from developing.
Avoid Irritants
One of the best ways to keep from sneezing from exposure to irritants is to avoid things that trigger this reaction. You can make some simple changes in your home to reduce irritants, like using fragrance free detergents and body products, or cutting and cleaning a pet’s hair more frequently. Changing the filters in your filtration system frequently may also help prevent irritants like smoke and pollen from entering and lingering in the home. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to see your eye doctor to determine if the type of lenses you wear are irritating your eyes.
Use Eye Drops
Symptoms like itchy eyes and dry eyes, and red eyes can often be alleviated with over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears. However, these drops only help reduce symptoms temporarily, instead of dealing with the source of allergies. This means you may need to continue using eye drops for a long time, sometimes even at an increasing rate in order to control symptoms, and some of them can actually dry out and damage your eyes and tear ducts if overused. We recommend using eye drops to relieve symptoms in conjunction with prescription allergy drops or medications to eliminate allergy symptoms long term.
Apply a Cold Compress
Closing your eyes and placing a clean, cold, damp washcloth over your eyes can also help alleviate the symptoms of itchy eyes. This reduces inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in and around the eyes which reduces itching. A cold compress won’t address your allergies long term, but can be soothing to the eyes and can be repeated as many times as needed.
16 Effective Remedies That Will Soothe Itchy & Red Eyes
Spring has sprung, and seasonal allergies have sprung up right alongside it! Aside from my sensitive skin which seems to be allergic to everything, I’ve been pretty blessed in avoiding most other allergies. My husband and kids have not been so lucky, as they all experience seasonal allergies to some degree.
A lot of the time, their seasonal allergies manifest in the form of red, itchy, and irritated eyes. So in order to help them and any of you who might be suffering from irritated eyes, I thought I’d share some great home remedies in today’s blog post! We’ll start by exploring the various causes of red eyes, then we’ll dive into a list of effective at-home eye irritation treatments!
Related: These Are The Best Simple Fixes For Puffy Eyes
What Causes Red Eyes?
There are many things that can irritate your eyes and leave them looking swollen and bloodshot. Here are just a few of the most common causes of red, itchy eyes:
- Allergens, including pollen, dirt, pet dander, etc.
- Air pollution
- Smoke
- Dry air, like in arid climates or airplanes
- Chemical exposure, like swimming in a chlorinated pool
- Overexposure to sunlight
16 Effective Home Remedies For Itchy, Red Eyes
1. Cold Compress
A cold compress can help relieve swelling around the eyes and reduce itching. Start by splashing a bit of ice water over and around your eyes. Then, wrap some ice packs, ice cubes, or a packaged frozen food item in a clean cotton towel. Place the cold compress on your closed eyelids for several minutes or until the itching subsides.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile can be very soothing for irritated eyes. Add 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers or a chamomile teabag to 1 cup of boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes, strain, and let the tea cool completely. Pour the cooled tea onto a cotton pad and apply it around your eyes. You can also use the cooled tee in a cold compress!
3. Cucumber Slices
Packed with soothing antioxidants, cucumber slices are a classic remedy for eye irritation and inflammation. Cut two slices of cucumber and place them in ice cold water for 10 minutes to chill them. Then place the chilled cucumber slices on your closed eyelids and relax for 10 minutes.
4. Tea Bags
Tea contains tannic acid that can help soothe itchy eyes. Use a green or black teabag to prepare a cup of tea, then allow the teabag to cool completely. Place the cooled teabag over your eyes one at a time to help soothe itchiness and reduce inflammation.
5. Stay Hydrated
If your eyes are irritated, your vision is blurry, or it feels like there is something in your eye, you may be experiencing symptoms of dry eye. And the best treatment for dry eyes is hydration! Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your eyes well hydrated and support your general health.
6. Eat More Omega-3s
Make sure you’re getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. These fats are crucial for lubricating your eyes and reducing inflammation. Some good sources of omega-3s include fatty fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.
7. Chilled Spoons
Chilled metal spoons can help constrict the blood vessels around your eyes, decreasing redness and swelling. Place four metal spoons in a glass of ice water. When chilled, place one spoon on each eye. As the spoons begin to warm, switch them out with the spoons that are still chilling in the glass of ice water. Continue this cycle until the swelling subsides.
8. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an astringent that can be incredibly soothing for irritated eyes, especially if it contains added moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera. Pour some witch hazel onto a cotton pad, and either wipe it over your eyes or rest the pad on your eyes for a few minutes. You’ll notice a difference almost immediately!
9.
Aloe Vera
And speaking of aloe vera, you can also use plain aloe vera gel or juice as a remedy for itchy eyes! Frozen aloe vera cubes in particular can soothe a variety of skin irritation, including sunburns. Check out my post about them at the link below to learn more!
Related: Soothe Summer Skin Woes With Frozen Aloe Vera Cubes
10. Castor Oil
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil, it can help reduce dry eye by improving lipid production and inhibiting tear evaporation, as well as reducing redness and irritation. Castor oil can be applied wherever it is needed. You can apply castor oil drops to your eyes using a clean glass dropper. However, there is always a certain amount of risk when using non-sterile equipment to administer any type of eye drops.
If you’re interested in a sterile option for castor oil eye drops, check out these Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant Eye Drops formulated with castor oil. Regardless of what method you use, only use castor oil drops before you go to bed, as the oil tends to blur your vision slightly until it gets fully absorbed.
11. Warm Milk & Honey
Honey is a great remedy for many minor health issues, because of its soothing effects and antibacterial qualities. Combining honey with warm milk can make this remedy even more soothing! Just combine equal parts of honey and warm milk (which should be warm, but not hot), and stir until smooth.
Saturate two cotton pads with the warm milk and honey mixture and apply them to your closed eyelids. Rest for about 10 minutes or so to let the mixture work its soothing magic.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar with the “mother” can help soothe itchy eyes in two ways. First, the vinegar acts as an astringent to reduce swelling and irritation. Second, the mother is high in malic acid which has antibacterial properties that can fight infection.
To use apple cider vinegar as a remedy for irritated eyes, stir 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of water. Dip a cotton pad or cotton ball into the solution and apply it around your eyes.
Related: 28 Surprising Ways You Can Benefit From Apple Cider Vinegar
13. Potato
Potatoes, as surprising as it sounds, have an astringent effect that can help reduce eye inflammation! Using it can be as simple as placing potato slices over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
14. Rose Water
Rose water can be really helpful for soothing sore eyes. Just soak a cotton pad in rose water and place it over your eyes. This will provide immediate relief, and most of the soreness and burning should be gone after about five minutes.
15. Artificial Tears
Good old eye drops can soothe irritated eyes and help flush out whatever might be agitating them. Put two drops of artificial tears in twice a day to help moisten and lubricate your eyes. Twice a day should be your max though, as over-using eye drops can create a dependency.
16. Cold Bread
Believe it or not, a piece of cold bread will help reduce irritation, itchiness, and inflammation in irritated eyes. So toss a piece of bread in the fridge, and when it’s nice and cold, place it over your eyes! Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. 🙂
These remedies should help most minor eye irritations, but be sure to consult a doctor or eye specialist if the condition worsens. More serious eye conditions or infections can be highly contagious, and may require the use of antibiotics.
90,000 Itching or burning in the eyes and on the eyelids: causes, treatment. Allergy or inflammation?
In the meantime, there is no need to know about it. ”
- The reasons
- Treatment
Almost everyone experiences itchy eyes from time to time. There are many causes of itchy eyes, and this problem is often accompanied by itchy eyelids (especially at the base of the eyelashes) and red eyes or swelling of the eyelids.
To refer to itching in the eyes in medicine, the term “itchy eyes” is used (Latin pruritus – “pruritus”).
This article will help you learn more about itchy eyes and how to deal with it. (Hint: rubbing your eyes won’t help.)
Causes of itchy eyes
In most cases, itchy eyes are caused by some type of allergy. An irritating substance (called an allergen) – pollen, dust, and animal dander – causes compounds called histamines to be released in the tissues around the eyes, resulting in itching, redness, and swelling.
In case of itching in the eyes, rubbing the eyes is not recommended. This can make the situation worse.
Eye allergies come in various forms and degrees, and can be seasonal or year-round.
Seasonal allergy causes so-called allergic conjunctivitis. Most often
it occurs in spring and autumn and is caused by large amounts of pollen and
exposure to outdoor allergens such as grass and weeds.
Year-round allergies, on the other hand, are present throughout the year.It is caused by mold and dust.
In some cases, the product you are using can cause itchy eyes associated with allergies. For example, some people develop allergies to contact lens solutions. Products with ingredients that can cause itchy eyes include tear substitutes used to treat dry eyes, makeup, and lotions, creams, and soaps.
But allergies are not the only cause of itchy eyes.If (in addition to itching) there is a burning sensation in the eyes, dry eye syndrome or meibomian gland dysfunction may be the cause, not an allergy.
Similarly, if the eyelids are red and inflamed, this indicates a probable disease called blepharitis, which is caused by bacteria and, in some cases, microscopic mites that live on the eyelids.
If you wear contact lenses, itchy eyes can create severe discomfort when wearing the lenses. Sometimes itchy eyes can occur if you wear contact lenses for too long or don’t change them often enough.
Because the causes of itchy eyes are so diverse, if symptoms persist, worsen, or do not improve during allergy season, make an appointment with your ophthalmologist.
Treating itchy eyes
Symptoms of itchy eyes can sometimes be relieved by using tear substitutes or eye drops that are sold without a prescription. But in many cases, eye drops or prescription oral medications may be needed to relieve the situation.Certain medications can also help reduce the tendency to itchy eyes in the future, especially if symptoms are caused by seasonal allergies.
Applying a clean, cold, moist compress to closed eyes can also help relieve severe itchy eyes.
The most effective treatments for itchy eyes are those that directly address the cause. For example, if your symptoms are related to dry eyes, allergy drops will be less effective for you than for someone who has itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergies.For this reason, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist to determine the most effective remedy for itchy eyes.
Several different types of medications can help relieve itchy eyes, but only an ophthalmologist will know which treatment or combination of treatments is best for your specific needs. In some cases, itchy eyes can be treated with tear substitutes or allergy drops. But in other cases, you may also need antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and / or special eyelid cleaners.
First of all, while difficult to accomplish, do not rub your itchy eyes. When rubbing, more histamines are released, from which the itching intensifies. It can also cause corneal abrasion from too much friction, or bacteria that can cause eye infections.
Page updated March 2021
90,000 Eye drops for redness, fatigue, dryness, inflammation, allergies. How to choose?
the main
Diseases Eye drops
Eye drops or ointments treat most eye problems, be it dry eyes, pink eye (conjunctivitis), eye redness or itching.
The choice of eye drops or ointment depends on the eye disease that caused the indicated symptoms:
Dryness
Redness
Infection (“pink eye”)
Allergies
Edema
Suppuration (discharge from the eyes)
Zud
Soreness
In case of any of the above symptoms or diseases, you should consult an ophthalmologist to determine the root cause and severity of the problem, and also choose the optimal treatment.
Eye drops: over the counter or prescription
Eye drops and ointments can be divided into two categories: over the counter or prescription.
Over-the-counter eye drops are so named because they do not require a prescription. They are prescribed in most cases and are generally less expensive than prescription eye drops.
However, before using over-the-counter eye drops, see your ophthalmologist to determine which type of eye drops is best for you.Don’t risk your eye health!
Dry eye drops
Moisturizing eye drops , or “tear substitutes”, can relieve transient dry eyes when the cause is related to temporary circumstances, such as eye strain while working at a computer, being outside in windy conditions. or sunny weather and overwork.
Most over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops increase the concentration of lacrimal components secreted by our eyes, which enhances natural tear production, hydration and eye comfort.
Decongestant eye drops are not recommended for dry eyes. These eye drops are generally advertised as a remedy for red eyes.
They do reduce eye redness, but long-term use can worsen dry eye symptoms.
If dry eye symptoms are more severe, you may need a moisturizing gel or ointment. These products can cause short-term blurred vision after application, which is why most people use them just before bed.
If over-the-counter eye drops or ointments do not relieve symptoms, you can get prescription eye drops and ointments, as well as additional dry eye remedies such as teardrop obturators, by talking to your ophthalmologist.
Anti-redness eye drops
Decongestant (whitening) eye drops contain vasoconstrictor components that constrict the tiny blood vessels in the white part of the eye (sclera), reducing redness.
While decongestant eye drops are effective at reducing redness, remember that they often only mask an underlying problem that can have serious consequences. In all cases, it is recommended that you first consult with an ophthalmologist, who will determine the cause of the redness.
Used too often, decongestant eye drops can cause dryness and irritation of the eyes, dilated pupils and other side effects.
In addition, you may develop a tolerance for the “whitening” effect of the decongestant drops, which will lead to even more reddening of the eyes (rebound flushing) and cause you to use these drops more and more often.
If your eyes are red from fatigue, dryness, lack of sleep, or general irritation, over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops can bring you safe relief. If the redness is caused by an allergic reaction, such as pollen, moisturizing drops will help wash the allergen off the mucous membrane.
Allergy and Itchy Eye Drops
Antihistamine Eye Drops are specially formulated for the treatment of itching caused by allergies.Antiallergic eye drops reduce histamine levels in the tissues around the eyes.
Allergies can cause dry eye symptoms such as itching, redness, tear and swelling, and puffiness of the eyes. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops may also help in this case.
Some decongestant eye drops for redness of the eyes also contain antihistamines. They are intended to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies, but decongestant eye drops are generally not recommended for long-term use.“Eye drops for redness” above).
In the case of severe itching and ineffectiveness of over-the-counter medications, an optometrist should be consulted for prescription eye drops and / or oral medications.
Eye drops for pain, swelling or discharge from the eyes
Before you decide to use eye drops for eye pain, it is important to establish the cause.
As a rule, painful sensations in the eyes are caused by dryness, overexertion, fatigue or overuse.If you have eye pain, see your ophthalmologist to rule out a serious eye infection.
Moisturizing eye drops can relieve eye irritation caused by stress, such as crying. In addition, these drops can help with eye discharge caused by allergies, as well as eye swelling resulting from an inflammatory and allergic reaction.
However, if your allergy has caused your eyes to “pus” or a thick, yellowish fluid from your eyes, you may be prescribed prescription antibacterial eye drops.
Eye drops for the treatment of conjunctivitis and other infections
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common types of eye infections. The term pink eye combines several different types of conjunctivitis.
Different types of eye drops may be required for different types of conjunctivitis, so it is important to visit an ophthalmologist to determine the correct treatment:
Bacterial conjunctivitis causes severe redness and soreness of the eyes with thick, sticky yellowish discharge.Bacterial eye infections should be treated with prescription eye drops from an ophthalmologist.
Viral conjunctivitis is contagious. Some viral types of conjunctivitis go away on their own, but
Severe forms cause eye redness, watery eyes, and eye pain with clear or whitish discharge. In some cases, vision loses clarity.For viral conjunctivitis, over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops and cold compresses or ice packs can help.If symptoms worsen, you should see an ophthalmologist for additional treatment.
Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common cause of eye redness and often causes itchy eyes, lacrimation and inflammation, as well as swelling of the eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Most relief is achieved with over-the-counter antihistamines and moisturizing eye drops. You can also take over-the-counter antihistamines.
For severe symptoms, the ophthalmologist may prescribe strong eye drops or oral medication.
When using eye drops to treat an eye infection, never bring the bottle of eye drops close to the eyeball. The bottle may touch the lining of your eye, which could spread the infection.
Eye Drops and Contact Lenses
Moisturizing Drops are specially formulated for contact lenses and can relieve dry eyes and discomfort associated with contact lenses.
If you choose to use conventional over-the-counter moisturizing eye drops when wearing contact lenses, talk to your ophthalmologist about their compatibility.
Unlike moisturizing drops, many over-the-counter and prescription eye drops are not compatible with contact lenses, so you may need to remove your contact lenses before instilling your eyes.
Page updated March 2021
90,000 What causes itching in the eyes and what drops help to eliminate it?
Itchy, itchy eyes with a variety of ophthalmic pathologies.Moreover, this symptom sometimes signals a systemic disease. In some cases, itching in the eyes is not dangerous when it is caused by external factors affecting the mucous membrane or cornea. We will find out what contributes to the occurrence of itching in the eyes, the causes and methods of treating the disease.
Many ophthalmic ailments of a bacterial, infectious, inflammatory nature are accompanied by such a symptom as itching in the eyes. Sometimes it becomes the cause of mechanical trauma to the eyeball, dust, cosmetics and other foreign bodies getting on the corneal or mucous membrane.Eyes can itch with various systemic pathologies. Thus, there are three groups of causes that are responsible for this common symptom. Let’s consider them in more detail and find out the signs of various eye pathologies in which the eyes itch. This will make it easier to distinguish one ailment from another and to understand the cause of its occurrence.
Itchy eyes: non-pathological reasons
To begin with, it is worth listing the factors that are not related to diseases. They are usually associated with the external environment.
These exogenous causes of itchy eyes include:
- Wearing optics, spectacles and contact lenses that are incorrectly selected or used in the wrong way;
- ingress of particles of dirt, dust, chemical compounds, tobacco smoke on the outer surface of the eye;
- continuous work at the computer monitor without interruption;
- prolonged stay in rooms in which there is a lot of dust or the air is too dry;
- chronic lack of sleep;
- exposure of the eyes to a bright light source.
In order to eliminate itching in the eyes, it is necessary to protect them from the main irritant. In other words, it is necessary to work in ventilated areas, glasses and contact lenses should be selected only with an optometrist, and not independently. While working on your computer, take breaks and do eye exercises to help relax your eye muscles. If a foreign body gets on the surface of the eyeball that does not injure the upper epithelial tissues, you just need to remove it from the eye with a handkerchief and water.All of the above reasons of an endogenous nature often do not lead to the development of diseases. Of course, if you wear the wrong glasses for a long time, most likely, your vision will deteriorate even more. However, a single exposure to all of these factors on the eye does not pose a serious hazard.
What ophthalmic pathologies cause itching in the eyes?
Eye diseases – this is the second group of causes that provoke itching in the eyes. This symptom is typical for the following ophthalmic ailments:
- dry eye syndrome;
- blepharitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- eye allergy;
- trachoma;
- barley;
- eyelid demodicosis;
- glaucoma;
- cataract.
All these pathologies are quite serious and they take a long time to heal.
Some of them can cause a severe decrease in visual functions up to complete blindness of the irreversible type. How to distinguish one disease from another? Should you panic if your eyes itch? To answer these questions, you need to know what other symptoms accompany all these diseases.
Itching with dry eye syndrome
The syndrome occurs when there is insufficient production of tear fluid.At the present time, when electronic devices of various types are widespread, and the ecological situation is also greatly deteriorating, the dry eye syndrome is diagnosed in almost every fifth person. It is treated quite simply with eye drops. However, even timely treatment will not be able to get rid of the disease forever. Having appeared once, it subsequently takes on a latent form and, in the absence of prophylaxis, relapses.
The eye surface must always be moist.It is covered with a protective film, the thickness of which does not exceed one tenth of a millimeter. The protective film breaks, but reappears as a result of blinking. With increased dryness in the eyes, tears occur more often than in a healthy person, and the film is not completely restored. Because of this, the person is disturbed by the following symptoms:
- the presence of “sand” on the cornea and under the eyelids;
- itching, burning, pain in the eyes;
- increased lacrimation;
- rapid eye fatigue;
- blurred vision.
Symptoms are more likely to appear with visual stress.
What eye drops do I help with dry eye syndrome?
At the very beginning of the development of the disease, its symptoms, including itching in the eyes, can be eliminated with drops that restore the tear film. In some cases, the use of bacterial preparations may be required. Consultation with an ophthalmologist when choosing any drops is required. The most famous drugs of the first type are:
- “Okutiars”.Drops contain components of natural human tears and sodium hyaluronate, which is similar to it in terms of hydrogen index. This drug quickly relieves itching, burning, eye fatigue and other symptoms of the syndrome. Drops should be instilled immediately when they appear.
- “Cationorm” – drops from itching in the eyes and dryness, used in the morning. After sleep, the cornea may experience dryness, since the eyes are closed at night, therefore, the access to them of oxygen is slightly limited. The medicine instantly restores the tear film, which is why all the symptoms of pathology disappear after a couple of minutes.
Both tear substitutes are preservative free. They do not provoke allergies and have no side effects. You can bury them several times a day. However, this does not mean that it is safe to take them without first visiting an ophthalmologist’s office. In addition, he can prescribe antibacterial drops, which will have to be instilled for at least 7 days.
Itching in the eyes and blepharitis
Itchy eyes also with inflammation affecting the edges of the eyelids. Blepharitis occurs as a result of pathogenic microorganisms entering the skin of the eyelids.
Sometimes it becomes a concomitant disease of any systemic pathology that weakens the immune system. There are two groups of blepharitis symptoms. The primary signs are:
- asthenopia;
- increased susceptibility of the eyes to wind, sun and other similar external stimuli;
- redness, itching and swelling of the eyelids;
- blurred image;
- lacrimal fluid formed in large quantities;
- purulent discharge which causes the eyelids to stick together in the morning.
If left untreated, symptoms worsen. Secondary signs of pathology appear, which are associated with circulatory disorders:
- photophobia;
- diplopia;
- foaming eye discharge;
- eyelash loss;
- formation of crusts on the edges of the eyelids.
Blepharitis is a group of ophthalmic ailments accompanied by inflammation of the eyelid margins. There are scaly, meimobian, allergic, acne types of this disease.Each of them is characterized by itchy eyes.
Is blepharitis treated with itchy eye drops?
Treatment of blepharitis is conservative and takes a long time. The patient is prescribed medications in the form of eye drops, ointments and gels, physiotherapy procedures, and eye compresses. Often, with inflammation of the eyelids, the patient has to instill drops such as “Ciprofloxacin” and “Ofloxacin” into the eyes. They have antimicrobial action.
Blepharitis cannot be started.This disease quickly turns into a chronic form. Moreover, inflammation of the eyelids can lead to the development of other eye diseases: barley, keratitis, eyelid deformities, trichiasis.
Conjunctivitis and itching in the eyes: causes, treatment
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of a polyetiological nature that spreads to the mucous membrane of the eye. The polyetiological nature means the multiplicity of reasons that can provoke it. Conjunctivitis is classified for many reasons.It can be allergic, chronic, purulent, catarrhal, viral, fungal. Accordingly, the symptomatology of such a pathology is quite extensive. People with conjunctivitis of any form may complain of:
- swelling, redness of the eyelids;
- discharge of pus and mucus from the eyes;
- burning, itching in the eyes;
- profuse lacrimation;
- a feeling of fear of bright light, causing blepharospasm;
- gluing eyelids in the morning;
- decrease in visual acuity.
Some forms of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye are accompanied by headache, fever, cough, weakness, muscle pain. Perhaps itching in the eyes is one symptom that is characteristic of any conjunctivitis. Treatment for this disease is determined by its etiology. However, in all cases, eye drops are used. If conjunctivitis has an allergic basis, antiallergenic (“Zirtek”) and antihistamines (“Allergophthal”) drugs are prescribed. The viral form of the disease is treated with antibacterial drops.Antiallergenic drugs are prescribed when swelling and irritation does not subside. If your eyes itch, the drops help to eliminate itching and prevent other microbes from entering the mucous membrane.
Some types of conjunctivitis cannot be completely cured. It takes a latent form and does not bother a person until a certain time. This happens, for example, with allergic inflammations, which are seasonal. It is necessary to treat pathology in each case at an early stage.If started, it can lead to the development of blepharitis, scarring of the eyelids and cornea.
Eye allergy: causes and treatment
Eye allergy is a fairly broad concept, and not just a specific disease. An allergic reaction can directly affect the structures of the eyeball or eyelids. Depending on this, there are many types of allergies that develop in the eyes. In most cases, stimuli affect the connective membrane (conjunctiva).Therefore, eye allergies are often considered as one of the varieties of the previously described ailment – conjunctivitis. Its treatment is based on the use of ophthalmic drops. There are several types of drugs prescribed for the development of an allergic reaction in the eyes:
- antiallergic drops (“Allergodil”), which reduce the effect of allergens on the eyes;
- Membrane stabilizing agents (“Opticorm”, “Kromohexal”) that prevent the release of histamine, which provokes irritation and other symptoms of allergy;
- relieving itching (“Vizin”, “Octilia”, “Naphthyzin”), which are prescribed if the eyes itch.These drugs quickly relieve itching, swelling, redness.
The most important thing for allergies is to eliminate contact with the irritant. If it is unknown, the drops help to cope with the signs of the disease. It will be possible to cure it only when the allergen is known.
Trachoma and itchy eyes: causes, treatment
Trachoma is an infectious disease caused by chlamydia. Once in the eyes, they affect the connective and cornea. The pathology is chronic.Initially, it develops rather slowly. The patient’s eyes turn red, watery and itch. Scar tissue may subsequently form. If you start treating the disease on time, it will not cause much harm. However, this ailment has one peculiarity. At some point, he can go into a progressive form, and this is fraught with a severe deterioration in vision, up to its complete loss.
Bacteria from the chlamydia family, once in a living organism, begin to parasitize inside its cells.Such infections are transmitted in a contact-household way. A person can accidentally bring bacteria to the mucous membrane of the eyes with dirty hands. Doctors do not exclude the possibility of the transfer of these microbes by insects, for example, flies. Chlamydia can be in the body, not showing their presence in any way until favorable conditions come for this. When a person is sick, his immune system is vulnerable, bacteria begin to attack. Even after the infection has been cured, the body does not become immune from it, since it does not develop immunity against these microorganisms.The likelihood of a relapse is very high.
What symptoms, besides itching in the eyes, are there in trachoma?
Three main symptoms of the disease have already been named: redness of the eyes, itching, lacrimation. The patient also develops photophobia. Exposure to the sun without glasses or in brightly lit areas is very uncomfortable. On the cornea and conjunctiva, the tissue becomes denser. Follicles are formed on the connective membrane – small vesicles that increase in size and burst, resulting in scars.Because of this, vision is rapidly declining. Pathology develops faster if a person suffers from some other disease: tuberculosis, malaria.
Trachoma is treated on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the stage. On the first and second follicles are removed with tweezers. The third and fourth stages are treated permanently. The patient has to lie in the infectious diseases ward of the hospital. With trachoma, antibacterial agents and sulfonamides are prescribed – antimicrobial agents.If trachoma causes a volvulus of the eyelid, plastic surgery may be required. Sometimes it becomes necessary to transplant conjunctival tissue from the oral cavity.
Lack of treatment will inevitably lead to visual impairment. Also, the patient may stop growing eyelashes. Ulcers appear on the cornea in severe forms of trachoma. The eyelids can curl into the eye – entropion develops. All this greatly affects the visual ability. With an unfavorable course of the disease, it is possible that the patient will go blind.
Barley on the eye – which drops relieve itching?
Barley, called hordeolum in ophthalmology, is an inflammation of the hair follicles of the eyelashes, meibomian glands or Zeiss sebaceous gland. The hair follicles and sebaceous glands of Zeiss are located outside the eyelid, and the meibomian gland is located inside. By localization, barley is divided into internal and external. It develops after getting staphylococcus on the specified structures of the eyelid. A healthy person with strong immunity may not be afraid of the development of the disease.The body will cope with the microbe. In order for bacteria to begin to spread, appropriate conditions are needed. With hypothermia, the presence of diseases, during a period of stress, the immune system is more vulnerable. This becomes the conditions for the development of infection, which leads to the onset of the inflammatory process. After this, the maturation of the abscess begins.
Approximately 2-4 days, the connective tissue of the eye turns red, a seal forms at the edge of the eyelid, in which you can see the contents of a yellowish color.Several abscesses may form. On the 3-4th day, that is, after the barley is fully ripe, purulent seals break through. The patient’s condition immediately improves markedly. Barley often dissolves quickly. However, in some cases, it flows into a more complex form, becomes a chalazion, which may not pass for several months. Then it has to be removed promptly.
Primary signs of barley – itching, pain at the site of formation of an abscess, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids. Puffiness can be such that the eye completely closes and falls out of the visual process.A severe course of the disease is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, weakness, malaise, nausea and lack of appetite, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes.
As soon as the barley has appeared on the eyelid, it is necessary to treat it with antiseptic agents. After opening the abscess, antibacterial drops and ointments are prescribed. Usually, drugs such as “Levomycetin”, “Floxal”, “Tsipromed” are used. It rarely comes to surgical treatment. During the operation, the abscess is opened, its contents are removed, and an antibacterial ointment is applied to the affected area of the eyelid.
Demodecosis of the eyelid – what is this disease and how is it treated?
Demodecosis in some classifications is considered as one of the varieties of blepharitis, when it becomes the result of a tick of the genus Demodex, an acne gland that gets under the skin of the eyelids. Getting under the skin of the eyelids into the sebaceous glands or ciliary follicles, the mite parasitizes and feeds on dead skin cells. This parasite belongs to the group of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. This means that it can be present in the body for a long time without manifesting itself in any way.As soon as a person catches a little cold, overcooles, the acne iron begins to attack. The eyelid, affected by the parasite, begins to become inflamed. Quite often, the inflammatory process covers not only the eyelids, but also the mucous membrane of the eyes. The patient has itchy eyes, swollen eyelids, eyelashes fall out, a purulent crust forms along the edge of the eyelid, the skin in this place peels off. Barley may also appear. With the progression of the disease, photophobia, lacrimation, yellow secretion, the formation of bubbles with pus in the place of the ciliary bulbs join the above signs.The mite secretes substances that are allergens. Because of this, the skin around the eye becomes covered with a rash.
Can demodicosis be treated with drops?
In this condition, the eyelids are sore, so eye drops are usually not used. Even if the doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs in drops, they are not buried in the eyes, but applied to the affected area of the skin and rubbed into it. However, in some cases, the doctor may prescribe eye drops for itchy eyes to be instilled into the conjunctival sac.Such a need arises with very severe itching, burning sensation, which make a person rub his eyelids. To relieve these symptoms, a prescription for “Dexamethasone”, “Okumetil”, “Akular” is written.
In severe forms of pathology, when inflammation covers the mucous membrane and other structures of the eyeball, other drugs for instillation are prescribed: Levofloxacin, Tobrex, Dexa-Gentamicin. They have an antibacterial effect. The drops have to be dripped from 7 to 10 days. Even after the disease is completely cured, the mite remains in the body.It can again become a source of infection, so it is important to prevent this pathology.
Glaucoma and itchy eyes
An ophthalmic condition characterized by increased pressure in the eyes is called glaucoma. It occurs mainly in old age and a variety of factors contribute to its development: genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle, refractive errors, in particular, farsightedness, eye injuries and others. Glaucoma takes various forms.It can be open-angle and closed-angle. The pressure in the eyes can be chronically increased or paroxysmal. In any case, its increase causes severe discomfort to the patient. His eyes and head ache, and the pain spreads to the eyeballs, eyebrows, temples. This is due to a violation of the outflow of intraocular fluid. It presses on the walls of the eye and provokes a pressure surge. This can lead to very unpleasant consequences. The eye structures, including the optic disc, begin to literally collapse under the pressure of aqueous humor.For this reason, atrophy of the nerve occurs, which performs one of the main functions in vision – it transfers images received on the retina to the brain. Atrophy cannot be treated; fibers that have already been damaged cannot be restored. This means that visual functions lost due to atrophic lesions of the eye cannot be returned either. It can end in irreversible blindness.
It is accompanied by glaucoma and such a symptom as itchy eyes. It is absolutely impossible to scratch them.First, it doesn’t bring relief. Secondly, there is a risk of infections entering the organs of vision. Glaucoma against the background of diseases of infectious etiology is even more difficult. To relieve itching, you can use compresses from herbal infusions. Before using them, you need to consult your doctor. Glaucoma does not tolerate self-medication. Incorrectly selected funds can dramatically aggravate the situation.
What drops are used to treat eyes with glaucoma?
In case of glaucomatous processes in the eyes, several groups of drugs are prescribed, each of which is aimed at different symptoms of the disease.Among the commonly used drugs are the following solutions:
- Timolol, Okumed, Arutimol. They improve the drainage of aqueous humor.
- “Brinzolamid”, “Trusopt”, “Azopt”, quickly reducing the pressure by about 20%.
- “Brimonidine”, “Clonidine”, which help to reduce the production of intraocular fluid, thereby reducing its pressure on the walls of the eye chambers.
- “Ksalakom”, “Azarga”, “Fotil” – combined drugs used in severe forms of glaucoma.Drops eliminate almost all symptoms of pathology.
The initial stages of this disease are treated conservatively. Complex forms are forced to carry out the operation, otherwise vision will be permanently lost.
Itchy eyes with cataracts
With cataracts, the lens becomes cloudy, which is responsible for focusing at different distances. Consequently, with this disease, visual acuity decreases and other visual functions deteriorate. Cataracts develop most often in the elderly. Usually, people diagnosed with it have a hereditary predisposition to it.The contributing factors to the development of pathology are alcohol abuse, tobacco smoking, unbalanced diet, myopia, hypertension and other ailments. Itchy eyes are not a typical symptom of cataracts. First of all, eyesight suffers. Photosensitivity also develops, flies, sparks, flashes flash before the patient’s eyes, the image doubles, its contrast drops, whitish spots appear around the perimeter of the pupil. Due to a decrease in visual acuity, a person’s eyes, especially if he constantly loads them with visual work, get tired very quickly.This symptom is already accompanied by burning and itching in the eyes.
Cataracts are treated in various ways. In the last stages, when it is no longer possible to save the lens, it is removed, and an intraocular lens is installed in the eye instead. The early stages of the disease can be cured or at least stopped its progression with the help of drug therapy. The patient is prescribed eye drops (“Vicin”, “Taufon”, “Vitafacol”) and vitamins in the form of solutions for instillations (solutions of ascorbic, nicotinic acid, riboflavin).
All these diseases cause itchy eyes. This symptom is eliminated mainly with drops. It is possible to get rid of it completely, and not temporarily stop it, only by treating the underlying pathology. In this regard, it is not recommended to acquire eye drops for itchy eyes when they itch. It is unlikely that you will be able to accurately determine the cause of the itching, and therefore, choose the right medicine correctly. Consider another group of factors that cause burning in the eyes and itching.
What systemic diseases cause itchy eyes?
In some diseases of a systemic nature, itching and burning may also appear in the eyes. Most often, this symptom is also accompanied by reddening of the scleral membrane. Itchy eyes with the following pathologies and conditions:
- diabetes mellitus;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- hormonal disruptions;
- hypertension.
When the eyes itch due to ophthalmic ailments, there are lacrimation, diplopia, decreased vision and many other signs.In case of systemic diseases, the patient is disturbed by such symptoms as:
- high blood pressure;
- Constant thirst and swelling from drinking plenty of fluids;
- vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain;
- subfebrile body temperature;
- frequent headaches, dizziness;
- a sharp decrease in body weight or its gain without any objective prerequisites;
- rash;
- runny nose and others.
In these cases, treatment will also be directed to the underlying pathology.The accompanying symptoms will disappear automatically after healing.
What examinations are performed for itchy eyes?
If the eyes itch very often, the itching does not go away, the first thing to do is contact an ophthalmologist to exclude ophthalmological ailments or to confirm one of them. In cases where the initial examination does not give any results, computer methods for examining the organs of vision are prescribed.
With such an ambiguous symptom, a comprehensive examination is often required.In order to accurately diagnose, you may need to consult a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, allergist and other specialists. The patient will have to donate blood for clinical testing and allergy testing. Also, eyelids are scraped for bacteriological analysis, and eyelashes are examined under a microscope. The treatment program can be adjusted depending on the test results and the general clinical picture of the disease.
If we talk about prevention, then it is impossible to foresee so many diseases.It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, that is, eat right, play sports, give up bad habits. People whose professional activity is related to visual stress should do eye exercises daily. Go through examinations more often, visit the ophthalmologist’s office. Even if these measures are not sufficient to prevent the disease, you will find it in time and begin treatment.
MagazinLinz.ru Team
Treatment of itchy eyes in case of allergies
According to the WHO, the 21st century will be the century of allergies.According to independent data, about 35-40% of people around the world suffer from it. However, according to the doctors themselves, this figure can be much higher, because not every person turns to a specialist. Often, allergies are accompanied by severe itching in the eyes. How to get rid of it?
In the course of numerous studies, scientists have come to a very disappointing conclusion. Over the past 40 years, allergic diseases have spread rapidly. These are pathologies such as:
- atopic dermatitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- furunculosis;
- toxidermia;
- eczema.
This list is far from complete. Do not forget about cases of food, drug and even cold allergies, which can occur from time to time. Such phenomena are associated with violations of certain processes in the body, in which the immune system becomes sensitive to external irritating factors.
Allergies were initially called hypersensitivity. That was until 1906, when the Viennese pediatrician Clemens Von Piquet singled it out into a separate category.It was they who discovered that itching is directly related to an increase in immunoglobulin E in the body. Today, an analysis for immunoglobulin is prescribed by doctors in order to be sure of the diagnosis.
Causes of allergic reactions in the eyes
Due to certain physiological characteristics, our eyes are not an ideal “tool”. Being a highly sensitive organ, they are vulnerable to itching allergens. It could be:
- Household dust;
- animal hair;
- chemical compounds;
- pollen;
- mold.
All of them spread very quickly in the air, and it is almost impossible to protect yourself from them. Getting on the mucous membrane, they cause allergic reactions, which are accompanied by severe itching in the eyes. It can also be caused by various substances that enter our body with food, medicines, through animal and insect bites.
Quite often, the problem lies in the use of cosmetics, because it can also provoke allergic itching in the eyes.In medical practice, there are cases when it arose as a result of surgical intervention. As shown by the results of the studies, the cause of the itching was the body’s reaction to the suture materials.
How does allergic itching of the eyes manifest?
Anyone knows such an unpleasant sensation as itching. The eye area is also prone to this condition. A characteristic manifestation is a feeling of irritation, redness of the skin in the region of the visual organs, accompanied by a strong desire to scratch them.
The most acute itching in the eyes with allergies begins to develop a couple of hours after contact with the allergen. This period of time can be increased. Depending on the state of immunity and the amount of allergen, this process can last even for several days, or even weeks. The most characteristic symptoms by which it is possible to unmistakably determine that itching is of an allergic nature are:
- burning sensation;
- redness;
- inflammation;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- eye fatigue;
- photophobia;
- lacrimation.
There are also more serious cases, for example, infectious allergic conjunctivitis. It is characterized by the release of purulent secretions that accumulate in the corners of the eyes. Children are most predisposed to it, however, according to doctors, cases of this disease among adults have become more frequent recently.
What are the types of eye allergies?
The causes of an allergic reaction can be very different, and therefore it can manifest itself in different ways.The single most obvious symptom is itchy eyes, but there are other symptoms as well. Modern doctors allocate:
- contact dermatitis – a disease that can occur due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye due to the use of poor-quality mascara or shadows, as well as various means, including folk, intended for cleansing the face;
- papillary conjunctivitis, which develops in people who use contact lenses. A negative reaction is provoked either by the optical products themselves, being a body foreign to the eye, or by the solution used to process them, more precisely, by its components;
- keratoconjunctivitis is a pathology that is more common in boys 6-13 years old due to the instability of the hormonal background.In addition, the cause of the disease can be neurodemitis, which occurs in patients with previous atopic dermatitis;
- hay fever or hay fever, which usually develops during the warmer months and is associated with the onset of flowering. As a rule, it is accompanied by a runny nose and lacrimation. The beginning of flowering of cereals and weeds, as well as trees, provokes the development of hay fever.
The following classifications are not so common, but one cannot fail to mention them, as they also provoke itching in the eyes with allergies.These are such forms of pathology as:
- medicinal product arising from the use of a previously not administered medical product during treatment;
- infectious, developing as a response when interacting with bacteria or other infectious objects;
- chronic, consisting in a stable increase in the susceptibility of the organs of vision to various allergens.
Why is there severe itching in the eyes?
So, let’s now figure out what influences how exactly allergy symptoms manifest in a particular person? As doctors assure, manifestations directly depend on the type of pathology.So, for example, allergic conjunctivitis is characterized not only by itching in the eyes, but also by increased lacrimation. This is especially pronounced in the chronic form. The patient may suffer from headache and pressure in the temporal region, redness may form in the area of the visual organs, and purulent fluid may accumulate in their corners.
If we are talking about an acute form of allergy, then there may be a pronounced edema of the mucous membrane of the eye – chemosis. In such situations, you need to seek help from an ophthalmologist, if you have not done this before.It is important to take into account that in advanced cases, under the chemosis itself, various microbes and bacteria can begin to accumulate, for example, demodex, which is the causative agent of an infectious eye disease – demodicosis. If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, it can lead to the formation of ulcers on the cornea of the eye.
Allergies can progress not only on the horny or mucous membranes, but also on the eyelids. This condition is called allergic dermatitis by doctors. It represents, in its own way, a response to the use of decorative cosmetics or drugs applied in the form of ointments, creams or eye drops.In addition to itching, the accompanying phenomena for this condition are a burning sensation, redness and even a rash on the skin.
Diagnosis and treatment of itchy eyes
Only a qualified doctor is capable of determining the type of allergy that is specific to you and prescribing competent treatment. It is very important to understand this unspoken rule. You should not make a diagnosis yourself, relying on the opinion of friends or acquaintances. In each specific case, the reaction of the body can proceed in completely different ways, and therefore the treatment should be approached with maximum responsibility.
The first thing a doctor should do during an appointment is to collect the patient’s history, that is, to clarify in detail all the nuances of his lifestyle, the presence of chronic diseases and much more. After analyzing the data provided by the patient, the specialist will conduct his own survey regarding the symptoms and causes that, according to the patient, led to the allergic reaction. He will be able to make a final conclusion by analyzing the determination of the number of eosinophils in the blood.
Having received the result of the analysis carried out in the laboratory, the doctor will be able to determine the accuracy of the preliminary diagnosis, and also to suggest why the allergic reaction has occurred.It is likely that the clinic will immediately carry out skin tests to determine the allergen. As soon as the specialist has all the necessary information, he will be able to establish the exact cause and identify what exactly is the allergen in a particular case.
The first thing a doctor will recommend when an allergen is identified is to avoid further contact with it. The selection of drugs for treatment is carried out strictly individually, since some of them may have side effects or contraindications that do not allow a particular patient to use this drug.Usually, mast cell stabilizers and histamine receptor blockers are included in the therapy program. Also, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed by a doctor.
Today, there is a method of immunotherapy, which is very successfully used, in which a certain amount of an allergen is injected under the patient’s skin. This allows the body to recognize it and in the future perceive it as its part, and not as a foreign body. Conservative methods of treatment are drops, various creams or ointments, and, of course, antihistamines.Vasoconstrictor drugs may also be prescribed to relieve redness.
What drugs are used for treatment?
First of all, antihistamines are prescribed by the doctor. Most of them come in pill form, although there are also injectable drugs. They are usually prescribed in a course of 3 to 6 days. There is a division into drugs of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation. The former are less in demand due to the fact that they also have a hypnotic effect, and also reduce muscle tone, and therefore are prescribed today only as an exception.These are drugs such as:
- Suprastin
- “Diphenhydramine”
- “Diazolin”
- Fenkarol
- Tavegil.
All of them are able to get rid of severe itching in the eyes, but they have a lot of “side effects”. The drugs of the second generation are more reliable, but they can hardly be called ideal either. These drugs provoke a cardiotoxic effect, and therefore, when taking them, it is recommended to monitor cardiac activity.Needless to say, they are not prescribed for the elderly and patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system? These drugs include:
- Kestin
- Rupafin
- Claritin
- “Lomilan”
- Claridol.
The third generation drugs are the most effective and at the same time the safest. They are not just drugs, they are prodrugs.This means that when they enter the body, they are converted into active metabolites – substances that take part in the biochemical reactions of the body. Such drugs will not only quickly cope with allergic itching in the eyes, but will also have a beneficial effect on the entire body. These are drugs such as:
- Erius
- “Cesera”
- Telfast
- “Zirtek”
- “Fenkarol”.
Drops are still successfully used to treat allergic itching of the eyes.They are prescribed in combination with pills. The most effective are:
- Allergodil
- “Kromehexal”
- “Opatanol”
- “Opticrom”
- Azelastine.
Of course, they are not suitable for quickly relieving symptoms, but in combination with other drugs they can provide a faster and, most importantly, stable effect, relieving the patient from itching.
90,000 Itchy eyes
Itchy eyes
this is the problem of the last decade.It has become quite common, so it is not worth trying to treat at home. After all, there can be many diseases associated with such an unpleasant symptom. You will not be able to cure this problem on your own. Only a qualified ophthalmologist will help in such a situation.
Eyes can itch for a variety of reasons. Among which are environmental factors and endocrine disorders. That is why it is impossible to independently understand what caused the unpleasant sensations.
Causes of itchy eyes
The underlying causes of itchy eyes can be hidden behind many negative factors. Moreover, everything is also accompanied by certain symptoms. Therefore, it is impossible to understand what happened on your own.
So, the cause of this symptom can be an allergic reaction. This applies to the flowering of any plants. Facial contamination often leads to an unpleasant burning sensation. Therefore, it is recommended to rinse the eyes more often.Otherwise, the fat that is secreted from the sebaceous glands along with sweat will cause discomfort.
Eye contact with foreign objects and even insects can cause itching. In this case, you do not need to comb the eye, especially with dirty hands. Only running water will help here. If it is not at hand, then you should use a handkerchief and remove the insect or third-party object. It is necessary to drive the “foreign body” into the corner of the eye and then remove it.
Gases and other corrosive liquids can damage your eyes.It is important to rinse your eyes immediately. In no case should you pull.
The causal redness can be a disease of trichiasis. It is quite common. It is not so difficult to notice it, the eyelashes begin to grow in the wrong direction. Therefore, the eyelids cannot close completely, which leads to incomplete protection of the eye from the environment.
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. The most common disease that causes itchy eyes. As a result, his eyelid is covered with a thin film of the inner part of the eyelid.When this organ is inflamed, the blood vessels expand. Therefore, the eyes begin to redden, itch, in addition, a large number of tears are released.
Dry eye syndrome occurs due to a lack of fatty secretion, which is able to protect the tear film from evaporation. A similar problem often occurs in the aging process of a person. This often occurs due to air conditioning in the room, cigarette smoke, dry and hot climates, wearing contact lenses, etc.etc.
Symptoms of itchy eyes
Depending on the disease, peculiar symptoms of itching in the eyes appear. This is mainly reddening of the eyelids and proteins. This phenomenon is due to the presence of an allergic reaction or the presence of an eye disease.
Often there is a sticky discharge that turns into a crust as it dries. It causes itching and even pain. This complicates the problem at times. Redness and discomfort in the eyes appear mainly in the morning or late afternoon.
Conjunctivitis manifests itself in the form of swelling and redness of the eyelids. In addition, there are mucous or purulent discharge, burning sensations and increased lacrimation. The presence of certain symptoms depends on a particular type of pathology.
The well-known barley manifests itself in the form of itching and swelling of the edge of the eyelid. Painful sensations are also observed when touched. Lacrimation, fever, general malaise and headache are possible.
It is worth repeating that much depends on the disease itself, which only a doctor can diagnose.Therefore, when the main symptoms appear, namely: burning sensation in the eyes and soreness, you should immediately seek help.
Redness and itching in the eyes
Often, redness and itching in the eyes indicate the presence of serious problems with the organs of vision. The most common of these is conjunctivitis. In this case, one or both eyes turn red, causing itching. In addition, cloudiness is observed, as well as an increased sensitivity to light. It seems to a person that sand was poured into his eyes.This is quite common. During sleep, crusted discharge may occur.
All this suggests that the patient suffers from inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. This is a viral disease that occurs on the inner surface of the eyelid and the eyeball membrane. Eyes start to redden, tears flow.
There is also allergic conjunctivitis, it affects not one, but two eyes. Often occurs under the influence of allergens from the environment.Infections also affect its development. In addition to redness, there is a burning sensation, sometimes a runny nose is also present. This is perhaps the most common eye problem.
Redness and itching are caused by foreign matter on the mucous membrane, blooming, chemical exposure, and poor hygiene. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures.
Itching around the eyes
Often, itching around the eyes is a blepharitis syndrome.Sometimes this suggests that an eye mite has wound up, which is often found in the form of a saprophyte on the eyebrows and eyelashes.
The eyes may also start to itch due to an allergic reaction to the flowering of a plant. It’s okay, but you have to fight it. Often people just rub their eyes from overstrain. But if the organ of vision is subject to constant irritation, then this sign will be observed everywhere. This phenomenon is often associated with lesions of the eyelids and skin around the eye.This can also happen due to a wound located on the skin. Indeed, during healing, substances are actively produced that provoke this process.
Often this phenomenon is accompanied by profuse lacrimation. In this case, it is necessary to observe the remaining symptoms. After all, most likely we are talking about some kind of disease. A visit to an ophthalmologist is a must. Because this symptom can be a harbinger of corneal ulceration, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye and glaucoma.
Itchy eyelids
Hyperemia is another reason during which itching of the eyelids appears. Often this disease arises from irritation with dust, washing powders, animal hair and chemical suspensions.
This phenomenon can appear against the background of inflammation, the presence of viruses, bacteria and allergies. In this case, everything is accompanied by redness and swelling. If itching is observed in the corners of the eyes, then most likely we are talking about conjunctivitis.
The eyelids can swell and itch against the background of an allergic reaction of the body.In this case, it is necessary to undergo an examination and find out what is the allergen. During such a reaction, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and a runny nose appear.
This symptom can be the cause of a reaction to food. They are the ones who are capable of causing irritation. For example, after eating chocolate, some people may feel like combing their eyelids.
In women, it is often caused by a reaction to cosmetics. If it is not of sufficient quality and contains prohibited substances in its composition, then this is a completely standard phenomenon.
Wearing contact lenses leads to a number of unpleasant sensations, but only at the very beginning of their use. Dry eye syndrome and computer syndrome may appear. Some diseases, such as diabetes, cause the same symptom.
Itching under the eyes
What can cause itching under the eyes and how to avoid it? Healing injuries, allergic pathological conditions, barley, blepharitis, keratitis, demodicosis and conjunctivitis cause such a reaction.
The healing of wounds, especially after a surgical reaction, leads in many cases to itching. In this case, a process takes place in which the body gets rid of dead tissue. This state is quite normal, you should not worry about it.
This symptom can often indicate the presence of an allergic reaction. Allergens can be cosmetic products, plant pollen, house dust, poplar fluff and household chemicals. This reaction is accompanied by redness and swelling of the eye area and underneath.
Inflammation of the ciliary margin often causes discomfort. So, the disease is characterized by abnormal growth of eyelashes, as a result of which the eyelids do not fully protect the eye from negative environmental factors.
There can be many reasons for inflammation of the area under the eyes. It is simply impossible to determine on your own what the reason is. In this case, you need to seek help from an ophthalmologist.
Swelling and itching in the eyes
In most cases, swelling and itching in the eyes develops while taking medications.This can be caused by antibiotics, medicines containing iodine and vitamin complexes.
Eyes can swell if the allergen is in a cosmetic product. Often this phenomenon occurs in women. Swelling of the eyelids is often due to an insect bite. An experienced doctor is able to determine the cause of this phenomenon and prescribe a good antihistamine. Do not forget that puffiness is also caused by diseases.
To avoid swelling, it is necessary to revise the daily diet.Basically, this phenomenon appears due to the use of certain foods. This can be chocolate, eggs, milk and seafood. Therefore, it is better to include berries in the daily diet. We’ll have to remove citrus fruits, strawberries, pomegranates and red apples. It is advisable to follow a special diet. But this is only if the swelling is caused by this condition.
Itching in the corner of the eye
Just like that, this symptom does not appear. This phenomenon is preceded by a number of reasons. So, it can be infectious diseases of the organs of vision.The most common cause of this symptom and other discomfort is infection. The fact is that bacteria cause irritation of the mucous membrane and lead to swelling of the entire eye.
Allergies, another common type of itching in the corner of the eye. This condition is not the most pleasant, because it is characterized by burning, profuse tearing and swelling of the mucous membranes.
If a foreign body or substance gets into the eye, it leads to similar symptoms.Many negative environmental factors can irritate the mucous membrane.
The most common disease that causes itching in the corner of the eye is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. It occurs against the background of bacteria and infections entering the mucous membrane of the eye. The disease is accompanied not only by this sign, but also by redness, as well as purulent discharge.
Itching in the inner corner of the eye
Often, itching in the inner corner of the eye indicates that a person has an infectious disease.Because on the organs of vision, they manifest themselves in this way. There is nothing wrong with that, if you do not start this phenomenon. After all, diseases are different and they are all capable of passing into complicated forms.
The most common allergies should not be ruled out. Only in this case, itching manifests itself not only on the inner corner of the eye, but also on the eyelids, as well as the mucous membrane. It is important to determine the cause of this phenomenon in time and start fighting it.
The most common development of irritation and burning sensation in the eyes is conjunctivitis.In the initial stages, he does not particularly show himself. But if the disease is started, then purulent discharge may appear. There are several types of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, these are viral, bacterial and allergic.
A viral disease manifests itself as profuse lacrimation, irritation, burning sensation and damage to one eye. If you do not start treatment on time, then soon all the symptoms are observed in the second eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by purulent discharge, swelling, redness, and irritation.Usually the disease covers one eye. Allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye is manifested by pronounced swelling of the eyelids and lacrimation. It usually affects both eyes. In any case, every disease requires quality treatment.
Severe itching in the eyes
Often, severe itchy eyes can be caused by a number of reasons. So, the most common of them are allergic reactions, ingestion of foreign objects, reactions to food and cosmetics.
But these are the most harmless of all possible reasons.Basically, severe itching is observed against the background of any disease. This symptom is typical for keratoconjunctivitis.
This disease manifests itself in lacrimation, photophobia, viscous secretions. This infection affects both the conjunctiva of the eyelid and the eyeball. With the defeat of the eyelid, hard and tightly pressed growths may appear. Rather, it is something like a cobblestone pavement. This pattern often occurs on the upper eyelids.
If we are talking about damage to the conjunctiva of the eyeball, then in this case the cornea becomes hypertrophied and has a grayish tint.Sometimes there is moderate damage to the corneal epithelium. This is why pain and photophobia arise.
When the symptoms of these diseases begin to manifest themselves, you must immediately go for help.
Itching and scaling around the eyes
Itching and peeling around the eyes suggests that a person has demodicosis. This is a skin disease that occurs due to the defeat of the sebaceous glands by a mite. This phenomenon is localized not only around the eyes, but also on the shoulders, chest and back.
The manifestations of demodicosis are different, because much depends on the course of the disease and its localization. Often, skin lesions, red rashes, and more can become signs. The main symptom is flaking. On the face, redness often appears around the eyes, on the eyelids, on the chin and in the corners of the lips. If these symptoms are detected, in no case should you start self-treatment.
The disease often affects the eyes. As a result, the appearance of redness of the edges of the eyelids and puffiness.The most characteristic symptom is peeling of the roots of the eyelashes along the edge of the eyelids, clumping of eyelashes and plaque on the eyelids. In addition, patients often complain of discomfort after reading or working at the computer.
Therefore, as soon as the main signs are noticed, it is necessary to immediately go to a qualified doctor for help.
Allergic itching of the eyes
Basically, allergic itching in the eyes does not just happen. Small particles of dust or plants can irritate the mucous membrane and thus lead to unpleasant symptoms.This is especially common in the spring, when everything begins to bloom actively.
Pet hair is often irritating, and is accompanied by tearing, nasal congestion and sneezing. Household chemicals are in the same position with other allergic “ingredients”. Moreover, nail polish and other cosmetics occupy a leading position. Even children’s toys can cause allergies, because they can contain anything.
Diagnosis of the cause of this phenomenon and treatment is carried out only by a doctor. It will not work out on your own in this situation. After all, it is not so easy to determine the source of an allergy. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to rinse the eyes several times a day. This procedure is preventive.
Itching in the eyes and ears
If a person has itching in the eyes and ears, then the cause must be sought among parasitological diseases.This is not at all like an ordinary allergic reaction. Redness of the eyelids and eyes is an inflammatory process. After all, it is not in vain that a person has a crust, sticky discharge and loss of eyelashes during sleep. All this suggests that this is blepharitis of demodectic etiology.
What is it? In this situation, we are talking about a disease that is characterized by the “fishery” of a microscopic mite. It easily penetrates hair and sebaceous follicles. That is why itching in the eyes is accompanied by discomfort near the ears.
It should be noted that almost 80% of the population has this tick, it just does not manifest itself until a certain time. But as soon as problems with the immune system appear, it begins to negatively affect a person. You can check the skin of the eyes for this disease with an ophthalmologist. It is important not to delay solving the problem. The treatment is not complicated at all and takes place in 2 stages. First of all, the parasite is removed from the body, and then anti-inflammatory therapy is carried out.
Swelling under the eyes and itching
Just like that, swelling under the eyes and itching do not occur, this is preceded by some unpleasant diseases and other reasons. So, basically bags or puffiness appears as a result of disturbances in sleep and wakefulness. Often, even insomnia stimulates the development of this process. Severe headache and stress can cause swelling.
Dry air can blow the eyes and thereby weather the skin around them.Overuse of certain foods can also lead to these unpleasant symptoms. After all, itching is mainly due to the presence of an allergen or an infectious disease. If all this is also accompanied by puffiness, then it is necessary to take measures to solve the problem immediately.
There are also everyday reasons that contribute to the development of these phenomena. For example, food, dust and lint can cause puffiness in the eyes. Fluid retention in the body often leads to bags. Especially if you drank a lot of it before bedtime.Even the menstrual cycle can trigger small hormonal changes and swelling.
In any case, only a doctor can determine the true cause of this phenomenon. Therefore, if swelling appears, you should immediately seek help from a qualified specialist.
Dry and itchy eyes
Often these signs indicate that a person has dry eye syndrome. This phenomenon is accompanied by several symptoms. So, burning sensation, photophobia, fatigue and photophobia are actively manifested.
In addition, there is a slight reddening of the conjunctiva. Sometimes crusts form in the corners of the eyes. Many people believe that this is a harmless phenomenon that appears after sleep. In fact, this is not the case. Dry eye syndrome is common in people with follicular conjunctivitis. In this situation, small tubercles-follicles may form.
If a person is often worried about dry eyes, he can independently stimulate tearing.Only in this case there is a risk of microtraumatization of the eyelids and the development of inflammation.
The feeling of dryness is often exacerbated by windy and sunny weather. On the other hand, warm and humid air is an acceptable environment for the eyes. Unpleasant sensations at such a time gradually decrease.
At times, dry eyes can be replaced by lacrimation. This also causes a lot of inconvenience. Especially when it comes to the girl who put on the makeup. In any case, it is necessary to deal with this problem.
Itchy eyes and runny nose
Often, itching in the eyes and a runny nose indicate the presence of a disease. On examination, the patient shows reddening of the sclera and mucous membrane of the eye. Discharge may also appear. Initially, they are transparent, after a while they become purulent. Often, the eyes are affected due to inflammatory changes.
Dark circles can manifest themselves, as well as swelling of the nasal mucosa. All this indicates the presence of an infectious disease.To get rid of these unpleasant phenomena, people begin to rub the tip of their nose with their palm upward. A wrinkle that can form between the tip of the nose and the bridge of the nose is a characteristic sign of allergic rhinitis.
The person is worried about itching in the ears, throat and palate. This suggests that the patient is faced with allergic rhinitis or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. These two diseases especially affect the eyes, nose and ears. Therefore, it is not so easy to determine independently, the more a person is.
It is necessary to pay attention to accompanying signs. Often, irritation and runny nose can appear due to common allergies. In this situation, you need to determine the main allergen and limit contact with it. Special measures must be taken.
Itching in the eyes of a child
Children’s organs of vision are susceptible to any unfavorable factors, therefore, itching in the eyes of a child is quite common. If an adult has an enlarged vascular network of the eyeball, then this often occurs due to non-observance of the visual regime.This does not pose any danger. But if such a phenomenon is noticed in a child, then most likely we are talking about an infection, as a result of which conjunctivitis can develop.
It is he who in most cases causes irritation. There are three main forms of this disease: allergic, viral and bacterial inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. The characteristic signs are the same for everyone, they are hypersensitivity, redness of the eyes, a feeling of sand in the organs of vision, mucous or purulent discharge.
It is not worth delaying the solution of this problem. After all, we are talking about the health of the baby. His body is developing and requires increased attention to itself.
Diagnosis of itchy eyes
Diagnostics is quite simple. But a person is unlikely to be able to do this on his own. So, the patient should see a doctor if he has a dense, greenish or purulent discharge from the eyes. Excessive pain, fatigue, sensitivity to light, and decreased vision require immediate medical advice.
Physical diagnosis is as follows. First, the doctor asks the person a few questions. After all, he needs to know how long ago it appeared and what is accompanied by it. The specialist then performs a physical examination of the eyelids. Next, you need to conduct several tests and observe the movement of the eye. Then the pupils’ reaction to light is checked. And finally, a test of vision, how a person sees objects and objects.
Based on the data obtained and after a thorough examination, a diagnosis can be made.This is usually a common allergic reaction or an infectious disease. In any case, treatment is prescribed.
Treatment of itchy eyes
Treatment is carried out with improvised methods or medication. In any case, you should not prescribe any procedures yourself.
The first step is to resort to cold compresses. If there are crusts on the eyelids, you can soften them with warm compresses. It is also worth using a gentle washing of the eyelids with baby shampoo.To do this, it is applied to a cotton swab and thus the crusts are removed. Tears can also provide relief.
Cooled artificial tears have a positive effect on the eyes. With viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, the patient should wash his hands as often as possible and only then touch the eye.
Basically, special ointments and drops are used to eliminate unpleasant symptoms. So, Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Tobrex ointment is widely used.As for the drops, these are Olopatadin, Akular and Octilia.
- Tetracycline ointment is used for bacterial inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. It is strictly forbidden to use it for children. Liniment is placed behind the lower eyelid 3-5 times a day until all unpleasant symptoms disappear.
- Erythromycin ointment. With conjunctivitis and other infectious diseases, this is the best remedy. It has a pronounced antibacterial effect and is used even for newborns.The ointment should be applied under the eyelid three times a day, 0.2-0.3 grams. The course of treatment is 2-4 months.
- Tobrex ointment is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is used for various eye infections. The ointment is laid for the eyelid 2-3 times a day, in case of severe infection, the dosage is increased up to 4-5 times.
- Olopatadin is a broad-spectrum antihistamine drops. Used to treat all types of conjunctivitis and other infectious eye diseases. To achieve a positive effect, it is necessary to instill 1-2 drops in each eye 2 times a day.
- Akular is an anti-inflammatory drug. It relieves puffiness and irritation. It is necessary to instill the drug in 1 drop in each eye, 2-3 times a day. The dosage and duration of treatment are prescribed by the doctor.
- Octylia is used in the complex therapy of diseases of the organs of vision. In addition, the drug relieves allergic reactions. It should be buried in the conjunctival sac, 1-2 drops 2-3 times a day.
The primary treatment should be prescribed by a physician.Naturally, it is best to follow medication to correct the problem.
Eye drops for itching
Eye drops of various pharmacological groups help to relieve the main symptoms perfectly. They not only fight the main cause of the disease, but also eliminate lacrimation, photophobia, edema and conjunctivitis.
There are antihistamine drops, these are substances that actively remove an allergic reaction and have a quick anti-allergic effect.These include Ketotofen, Opatanol, Azelastine and Lekrolin.
- Ketotofen is used in the treatment of acute and chronic allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, as well as seasonal and keratoconjunctivitis. Every day, adults need to instill one drop of the drug in each eye 2 times a day. For prophylaxis, the medicine is used for 3 weeks. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
- Opatanol. A drug is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of allergic eye diseases.In addition, it is a remedy that fights autumn fever and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. It is necessary to apply the medication 1-2 drops in each eye 2-3 times a day. The interval between instillations should not be less than 8 hours. The course of treatment is up to 4 months.
- Azelastine effectively fights allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Every day you need to instill one drop of the medicine in each eye, morning and evening. If the disease is particularly severe, then use the drug 4 times a day.
- Lekrolin. It is used for acute and chronic allergic reactions in the eyes. The drug relieves the symptoms of irritation caused by allergens. In addition, the tool is actively used for prevention. You need to bury the product 4 times a day, one drop in each eye.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs relieve inflammation and actively fight unpleasant symptoms. But in no case should they be used without the knowledge of the doctor. Because their long-term use can lead to the development of glaucoma, lens opacity and dry eye syndrome.The most effective among these are Lotoprednol, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone, and Tobradex.
- Lotoprednol. This medication relieves inflammation and swelling. It must be applied daily. The number of drops is prescribed by the attending physician. Basically it is 1 drop in each eye 2 times a day.
- Hydrocortisone relieves inflammation of all types. It fights major eye problems, relieves irritation, puffiness and inflammation. The medication is buried once a day in each eye.The duration of treatment is prescribed by the doctor.
- Dexamethasone is a universal drug. It not only relieves irritation, swelling and inflammation, but also eliminates the manifestation of an allergic reaction. It is used for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, iritis, keratitis and other inflammatory processes in the eyes. During treatment, the medicine is instilled in 1 drop 3-5 times a day. It all depends on the specific disease.
- Tobradex is used in complex therapy for the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, blepharitis, barley and other inflammatory diseases.You need to instill 1-2 drops every 4-6 hours.
- Vasoconstrictor drugs are symptomatic substances. They actively relieve irritation, remove puffiness, relieve redness and constrict blood vessels. These include Okumetil, Vizin, Naftizin and Irifrin.
- Ocumetil is widely used to relieve eye irritation, reduce allergic conjunctivitis and in complex therapy. To achieve a positive result, you must apply 1 drop 2-3 times a day.
- Visin. Has the same effect as Ocumethyl. It also relieves swelling of the mucous membrane of the eye and eliminates hyperemia. The drug should be instilled into the conjunctival sac 2-4 times a day, one drop at a time.
- Naphthyzin is used to eliminate allergic conjunctivitis, as a symptomatic drug that relieves inflammation. The agent should be instilled only into the affected eye 2-3 times a day, one drop at a time.
- Irifrin is in demand for inflammatory diseases of the iris, hyperemia and ophthalmic operations.The effect of using the drug is simply incredible. Relief comes in a minute and lasts for 2-7 hours. It is necessary to bury one drug in the affected area 2-3 times a day.
In no case should all of the above drugs be used without the approval of a doctor.
Folk remedies for itchy eyes
Often, folk remedies have a positive effect. So, chamomile tea, cucumber, rose water, aloe vera, raw potatoes and milk can remove an unpleasant symptom.
- Chamomile tea bags help relieve irritation. To make a soothing compress, simply brew the product and send it to the refrigerator. Enough 30 minutes before their full “readiness”. Then the bags are placed on the eyes for 10 minutes. After using such a tool, the eyes will not itch so much.
- Cucumber is one of those vegetables that have a number of positive properties. It is he who is able to relieve irritation and soothe the skin. The vegetable is great for helping to get rid of inflammation and swelling.Just cut the cucumber into thin slices and leave in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Then the resulting product is taken out and applied to the eyes for 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to repeat the process 4-5 times a day.
- Rose water is a fairly popular ingredient. It is enough just to use rose water for washing to remove an unpleasant symptom.
- Aloe Vera. It is worth taking the juice of this plant and mixing it with honey. Elderflower tea can be added for added potency.This formulation is great for rinsing the eyes. This should be done at least a couple of times a day.
- Raw potatoes are a universal product. You just need to peel it, cut it into small slices and leave it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Then put the product on your eyes for 30 minutes.
- Milk is used as a cold compress. Just soak a cotton swab in this product and apply it to your eyes. Relief will come instantly, you need to apply the product twice a day.
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90,000 What to drip into your eyes when they itch unbearably?
Table of Contents
Problems with eyesight are absolutely not needed by anyone, therefore, burning in the eyes, along with other unpleasant sensations, is always very disturbing. The eyes itch and watery from a variety of reasons.How to understand what’s troubling, how to prevent it, and what inexpensive itchy eye drops can be used to quickly relieve symptoms.
Why eyes itch
There are many reasons to experience burning sensation in the eyes. The two main ones are pathologies of the organs of vision or other systems of the body and influence from the outside. When the mucous membrane of the eye itches, there is little pleasant. And, as a rule, trouble does not come alone. Itching sensations are often complemented by such unpleasant symptoms as:
- sand effect on the cornea;
- cutting pains;
- discharge from the eyes;
- constant feeling of fatigue of the organs of vision;
- shroud, fog before the eyes.
Eyes itch and watery most often for one of the following reasons:
- Staying in a dusty, dirty place.
- Non-compliance with sanitation and personal hygiene.
- Strong smoke.
- Allergy to wool, food, medicines, etc.
- The use of low-quality or outdated cosmetics for the face.
- Insufficient rest, in particular night sleep.
- Continuous work with electronic devices.
- Incorrect contact optics.
- Avitaminosis.
- Viral, infectious and other health disorders.
The listed factors will not necessarily cause burning sensation in the eyes, but if this happens, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist to get an appointment for eye drops for itching and tearing.
Household factor
In everyday life, we are constantly faced with different types of stimuli. Provokes discomfort in the eyes, for example:
- Household cleaning without gloves using aggressive cleaning agents;
- dirt, dust, earth, sand that falls on the cornea with unwashed hands;
- cigarette or fire smoke;
- Excessive amount of perfumery.
When itching occurs, we involuntarily try to scratch our eyes, which can lead to even more discomfort. Before you independently examine the organs of vision, you need to wash or disinfect your hands. Then, to eliminate the spontaneous reaction, it is enough to rinse the eyes with clean water, use eye drops for redness and cramps, and then go out into the fresh air.
Allergic reaction
Most often, patients who are worried about burning sensation in the organs of vision are those who are susceptible to different types of allergens.The reaction also occurs on the nasal mucosa, on the skin, and swelling of the eyelids and redness of the sclera are added to the itching of the eyes. Allergies can occur for many reasons, the most common of which are:
- food products, especially nuts, milk, citrus fruits;
- cosmetics;
- pollen of flowers, trees;
- wool, animal sweat;
- active UV radiation.
If your eyes itch, to determine a specific allergen, you need to visit an allergist to undergo tests and get recommendations on which antihistamines and eye drops to buy.
Itching as a side effect
The human visual system can simply not cope with the load assigned to it:
- Prolonged work at the laptop screen, studying social networks in a smartphone along with watching TV in the evening or playing video games tires, dries up the mucous membrane.
- Systematic lack of sleep, supplemented by stress, causes discomfort. The situation is manifested by a constant desire to scratch the eyelids.
- Failure to comply with the rules for wearing contact lenses, poor-quality solution create conditions under which vision does not rest at all.The mucous membrane dries up, the eye muscles are constantly tense – these factors contribute to the appearance of a burning sensation.
In all these cases, the way to solve the problem is to regularly rest and moisturize the cornea with special solutions. What remedies are best to use when your eyes itch with fatigue, you can ask a pharmacy or an ophthalmologist.
It is important to remember that chronic overwork can create a situation where even the best medications will not help. Take care of your eyesight, rest more often.
Injuries and burns
Even the smallest mechanical effect on the mucous membrane can be the answer to the question of why the eyes itch. An eyelash, a speck of mascara, and other minor dirt can be easily removed by yourself using clean hands, a mirror and clean water. If a large foreign object gets inside, you should contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Thermal or chemical burns of the surface of the visual organs can be obtained from the ingress of boiling water, steam, exposure to aggressive chemicals, during construction work, for example, when working with a welding machine.
Eye diseases causing itching and burning
Sometimes the eyes itch due to developing inflammatory processes or pathological changes in the visual organ. The symptom manifests itself during diseases such as:
- conjunctivitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane;
- cataract – partial or complete opacity of the lens;
- barley – acute purulent inflammation of the hair follicle of the eyelash;
- glaucoma – gradual destruction of the optic nerve.
Diseases of other organs of the human body can also cause a persistent urge to scratch the eyelids. This happens, for example, with diabetes mellitus, parasitic or hepatic pathologies, with endocrine disorders.
Drops from burning in the eyes in this case are selected taking into account the therapy of the identified disease. The unpleasant symptom will disappear as soon as the underlying problem is resolved.
General symptoms
Itching can manifest itself in different ways. Sometimes the eyelids just itch, and sometimes the irritation becomes so intrusive and unbearable that it causes severe pain.What usually coexists with such signs?
- swelling of the eyelids, edema, redness of the sclera;
- release of a sticky transparent substance, which, after drying, becomes a crust;
- tearing;
- decrease in visual acuity.
Associated symptoms:
- headache, dizziness, lethargy, apathy;
- increase in body temperature.
When there are several symptoms, it is better to see a therapist, and then to an ophthalmologist.
Review of eye drops for itching
If your eyes itch, what drops to drip – only a doctor with specialized education can correctly answer this question. The secret to the success of the therapy lies in the correct diagnosis
All ophthalmic solutions are divided into several groups according to the nature of the effect.
Moisturizers
The most harmless drugs are considered to moisturize the cornea: they replenish the fluid deficit caused by dry air, strenuous work or prolonged wearing of contact lenses.
Effective eye drops with a good price-quality ratio – Russian ophthalmic solution Gilan Comfort and Gilan Ultra Comfort . Hyaluronic acid quickly fills the eyes with moisture, forming a protective layer on the surface of the cornea against dryness and inflammation. Gilan is available in the form of convenient single-dose unidoses, so you no longer need to think about how to store your ophthalmic preparations after opening the package. Gilan acts instantly, compatible with all types of contact optics, allowed during pregnancy.
To prevent the cornea from drying out while wearing the lenses, it is recommended to carefully select the means for storing and processing the optics. The unique multifunctional solution Aqua Optic of hyaluronic and succinic acid completely solves the required issue with disinfection, reduces the risk of hypoxia, helping the eyes feel hydrated and rested.
Allergy drops
If the cause of chronic itching is an allergic reaction, first you need to identify and eliminate the source, then you can begin to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms.To alleviate the condition during allergy attacks, inexpensive Sigida crystal eye drops are recommended. The drug quickly narrows blood vessels, reduces redness and maximally moisturizes irritated mucous membranes. The solution is made without preservatives, it is completely safe for all patients, including children from two years old.
Drops for viral or bacterial infection
If the eyelids itch not because of fatigue, but because of the inflammatory process, solutions with active ingredients that can eliminate the pathogenic microflora and all the symptoms that it causes are required for treatment.
Each type of pathology has a specific treatment regimen prescribed by a doctor. Drugs are prescribed on the basis of the collected anamnesis, laboratory tests and clarification of the contraindications of the patient. Depending on the type of illness, the following are used for drug support:
- Vixipin eye drops treat inflammatory manifestations in the organs of vision, help with chemical or thermal burns of the cornea, with retinal thrombosis.
- Trilactan solution is prescribed by ophthalmologists in the complex therapy of glaucoma.
Anti-itch drops for children
For pediatric patients, drugs should always be prescribed only by an ophthalmologist after the examination. If a child’s eyelids itch during an allergic reaction, it is safe to use Sigida crystal eye drops. The solution is approved for use by children over two years old. Sigida crystal does not contain preservatives, moisturizes well, safely relieving inflammation, swelling, irritation.
Folk remedies
Sometimes recipes of traditional medicine help from burning and itching.Remember that self-medication can sometimes be harmful, so always discuss any ideas with your doctor.
There are many popular options for getting rid of tickling sensations, here are just a few of them:
- Fresh cow milk lotions gently cleanse dirt and eliminate germs, soothing irritated eyelids.
- Patches from fresh potato wedges, placed 15 minutes 2 times a day, effectively relieve swelling, eliminate itching.
- If your eyelids itch, you can use a proven grandmother’s recipe – a compress from tea leaves.The tannins contained in the tea, within a few minutes, soothe severe itching.
- Fresh cucumber mask moisturizes, cools, soothes and tones the skin around the eyes.
- The burning sensation is quickly stopped by a lotion of fresh aloe and honey juice.
- Washing or compresses from rose water saves from discomfort.
General recommendations
Ophthalmic agents should be used according to the instructions for a specific preparation. Most anti-itch solutions are instilled 2-3 times a day, and the standard dosage is 1-2 drops in each conjunctival sac.
If the medicinal product is stored in the refrigerator, it should be brought to room temperature before use. Before the instillation procedure, be sure to wash your hands.
Modern products, including the Gilan solution, are available in convenient dropper tubes or in unidose. The advantage of this form of release:
- The dose contained in the dropper tube is sufficient for one instillation procedure.
- No more puzzling over the storage of an open package of eye drops.
Diagnostics
To identify the cause of irritation of the visual organs, ophthalmologists use the following methods:
- Examination of the patient, examination of the state of vision, examination of the fundus.
- Interview for collecting anamnesis, clarification of hereditary diseases.
- Eyelid scraping for bacteriological analysis.
- Examination of eyelashes under a microscope.
- Blood and urine tests to check the general health of the patient.
- Consultation of doctors of related specialties: endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, allergist, immunologist.
Prevention
Burning with redness due to increased stress can be prevented. To do this, it is enough to perform simple actions:
- Take regular breaks during intense visual work. Sometimes you just need to close your eyelids for a few minutes or go outside for 10 minutes.
- Choose a computer monitor with eye protection.If you have to work frequently at the computer, order special glasses to reduce the load.
- Perform regular gymnastics.
- Select and use the correct optical means.
- Check eyesight annually.
- Have a supply of moisturizing eye drops to help the mucous membrane recover from stress.
Do’s and don’ts
Try to restrain your urge to scratch your eyelids during the attack, as this can aggravate the problem.Don’t ignore the alarming symptom. If irritation of the mucous membrane bothers the patient for a long time, it is better to visit a doctor.
Why do eyelids itch in the morning?
During the day, the visual system adapts to daylight and the planned load. In the morning, the organs of vision are still weakened after a night’s rest, the sensitivity is increased, which makes you want to comb your eyelids.
Evening itching is also quite understandable – by the end of the day, vision especially needs rest, but not all people allow it to relax.With the onset of darkness, the optic muscles become especially tense, so people who work for a long time at night often comb their eyelids in an attempt to eliminate the unpleasant symptom. Doctors recommend that in case of increased visual stress, it is imperative to moisturize the mucous membrane with special moisturizing ophthalmic solutions.
Morning itching does not always signal the onset of the disease. Immediately after waking up, our eyelids are a little sticky, and hardened formations accumulate in the corners, which cause a tickling feeling.In order not to scratch your face, simply washing your face with warm water is enough.
What causes itchy eyes during pregnancy?
During the period of gestation, a woman’s sensitivity to most allergens is greatly increased. What in the usual state did not cause trouble during pregnancy can stimulate swelling, redness, burning of the mucous membrane. In this situation, you should rather find out the source of irritation in order to take the necessary measures.
Why do the corners of the eyes itch?
Ophthalmologists know that eye infections usually cause the urge to scratch the inner corner of the eye.Most often, any allergic reaction manifests itself this way.
Itching of the upper eyelid is noted with the progression of conjunctivitis. A little later, the desire to scratch the bridge of the nose disappears, and purulent discharge comes in its place.
The more attentive a person treats the symptoms, the easier it is to stop the development of the disease, so if the burning sensation persists for a long time, you should definitely consult a doctor. And you can quickly eliminate discomfort with the help of eye drops with hyaluronic acid.
90,000 What to do if your eyes itch
Before taking any action to eliminate itching, you need to find out why it happened. The reason why the eye or both itches can be both local and general.
Most common reasons:
1. Ingress of foreign bodies – dust, debris, small insects, even improperly selected lenses can act in this capacity. With the disappearance of the irritant from the eye, the itching gradually disappears;
2.Eye burns from ultraviolet radiation – often a factor causing itching and pain in the eyes is ultraviolet radiation. It is possible to harm your eyes not only on a beach holiday – there is enough reflected sunlight from the glaring surface of the water. In addition, it is possible to get a burn of the retina and cornea not only in summer, but also in winter, when freshly fallen pure snow on the street reflects light ten times more than normal;
3. Swimming in untested open water or poorly cleaned pools – Swimming in chlorinated water can cause itchy eyes.Disease-causing forms of eyelid lesions often occur from swimming in open water, especially in the hot summer months in conditions of water bloom, when it acquires a greenish tint from actively multiplying algae. And together with them, chlamydiae feel great. Especially rapid development of such microflora is observed in stagnant water bodies: ponds, lakes, especially small ones, where amphibians live with fish.
4. Allergic reaction – anything can act as an allergen: tobacco smoke, pollen, unsuitable mascara, pet hair, window cleaner, etc.The diagnosis “allergy” can be made if the eyes not only itch, but also watery, plus rhinitis is observed. With allergies, the eyes swell, turn red, open painfully, photophobia begins;
5. DES or dry eye syndrome – this phenomenon is observed in many who are associated with prolonged sitting at a computer screen or laptop. Elderly people suffer from dry eye syndrome due to dysfunction of the lacrimal glands, which is exacerbated if a person is in an excessively dry or smoky room.You can get rid of unpleasant sensations by using drugs with an artificial tear, periodically airing the working room by conducting eye gymnastics sessions;
Important! A simple exercise often helps to cope with the syndrome – close your eyelids and relax, make five circular movements with your eyes clockwise and five counterclockwise. Repeat three to five times.
6. Blockage of the lacrimal duct – a burning sensation in the eyes and their dryness can lead to blockage of the lacrimal ducts caused by the ingress of fine dust or burnt particles into the eyes during prolonged smoke of the atmosphere.To relieve unpleasant symptoms, try using clean fingers for a few seconds to press the points located at the inner corners of the eyes closer to the bridge of the nose. And only if this does not help, and the tears do not start to flow, you need to see a doctor;
7. Unsuitable lenses or incorrect wearing – in this case, it will help to remove the lenses and rinse the eyes with running water, if after a few hours the irritation has passed, and when the lenses are reused, the situation repeats, then you need to consult an ophthalmologist to check the organs of vision and, possibly, for the selection of new contact lenses;
eight.Infectious Diseases:
a. Conjunctivitis – it can be caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria – of the latter, infection with chlamydia is the most unpleasant. Therefore, it is defined as a polyetiological lesion of the mucous membranes of the sclera and the inner surface of the eyelids. Most often one eye is affected, only then the inflammation of the conjunctiva passes to the second, most often this happens after the diseased organ has been touched with hands, and then the healthy one has been rubbed, after which the pathogenic microflora gets there.
b. Blepharitis is a disease similar to conjunctivitis, but more characteristic of inflammation of the entire thickness of the eyelids, especially in the area of the ciliary edge. The allergic form of blepharitis can appear from exposure to animal hair, cosmetics incompatible with skin type or even blood group, exposure to plant pollen, drugs and hygiene products. Therefore, during treatment, it is often necessary to consult an ENT specialist, dentist, dermatologist and even an endocrinologist.
c. Barley is a purulent inflammation near the ciliary bulb or sebaceous sac of Zeiss.The symptoms of the disease are as follows: the edges of the eyelids become inflamed and swollen, redden and deliver painful sensations when combing. In the vast majority of cases, barley is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is characteristic of an organism weakened by colds with a weak immune system. Dry, heated to 40-45 degrees, compresses help well.
What to do if your eyes itch
1. First of all, give your eyes a rest! Temporarily exclude from your schedule long work at the computer or with a smartphone and watching TV;
2.If you are sure of the origin of eye irritation, then stop contact with the pathogen;
3. If there are no special medicines or prophylactic eye drops available, you need to make lotions using cosmetic sponges soaked in strong black tea and keep for 10-15 minutes;
4. You can use fresh chamomile broth prepared in a water bath. Chamomile can be either flower or pharmacy;
5. Putting tampons soaked with fresh calendula to the eye sockets will also help relieve irritation.
6. If itching is caused by dryness of the mucous membrane and skin around the eyes, slices of fresh cucumber, which should be applied for 30 minutes, 2 times a day, will help.
Important! Folk remedies may help if the itching is not caused by bacteria or viruses. Before the procedure, you need to wash your hands with soap and strain the liquid well so that it does not contain foreign particles.
To prevent itchy eyes you need:
- Wear sun goggles on high UV index days;
- Wear special protective goggles when working at the computer, if most of the time is associated with using it;
- Perform special eye exercises to prevent stress;
- Use only high-quality, proven cosmetics;
- From hygiene products, use clean personal towels or disposable napkins;
- During the course of the disease, it is necessary to exclude the use of all cosmetics;
- To improve immunity, to be outdoors more often.
Experts do not recommend condescending to the above symptoms. This is not a reason for panic, but a timely appeal to the clinic, especially if folk remedies have not helped, will greatly simplify further treatment and get rid of discomfort.