Why eyes itch and what to do about it

When to see a doctor

Ophthalmic surgeon Alexander Kulik advises calling an ambulance or going to an ophthalmologist as quickly as possible if itching in the eyes is accompanied by one of these signs:

sudden loss of vision or a sharp deterioration during the day;
loss of half of the field of view or the appearance of a dark spot in front of one eye or both at once.

Alexander Kulik ophthalmologist-surgeon, candidate of medical sciences, doctor of the highest qualification, consultant of the "Teledoktor-24" service

These symptoms can indicate not only dangerous ailments of the eyes, but also diseases of the brain and nervous system.

Also, see your doctor immediately if you injure your eye.

Why eyes itch

Here are the main eight reasons.

1. Allergy

It arises as a response of the immune system to foreign substances. Most often, the eyes itch with seasonal allergies caused by plant pollen. Other causes include dust, pets, insects, food, medicine, and other chemicals.

As a result, the eyelids and conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelids and part of the eyeball) swell, redden, and itch. The eyes water at the same time and you feel a burning sensation. Sneezing and runny nose also occur.

What to do

See an ophthalmologist or allergist for an allergy prescription. To avoid Eye Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment unpleasant symptoms, avoid contact with irritants:

Keep windows closed during flowering and try not to go outside.
Do not eat foods that cause allergies.
Do wet cleaning as often as possible.
If pets are allergic, walk them several times a day. Avoid touching them and wash your hands after each contact.

2. Air pollutants

Some people are sensitive to smoke, exhaust fumes, dust, or even certain perfumes. Contaminants cause irritation when they come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, which makes them watery, itchy and burning.

What to do

Alexander Kulik recommends rinsing your eyes with an antiseptic miramistin and contacting an ophthalmologist. Avoid contact with irritating substances whenever possible.

3. Conjunctivitis

This pink eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) of the conjunctiva is caused by viral or bacterial infections, chemicals, or foreign objects. The eyes with conjunctivitis are red, itchy and watery, it seems to a person that sand has got under the eyelids. It is difficult to open them in the morning because of the stuck together crusts.

What to do

Instill Miramistin and see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Only a doctor will determine the cause of conjunctivitis and prescribe the correct treatment.

4. Dry eye syndrome

The disease occurs with Dry eyes due to a lack of tears that moisturize and nourish the cornea, so the eyes redden, itch and you feel a burning sensation. Viscous mucus accumulates under the eyelids, it seems that a speck has fallen under them, it is unpleasant for a person to look at the light. Vision often deteriorates.

Dry eye syndrome occurs when:

few tears are produced, for example, after laser surgery or taking hormonal drugs, as well as in diabetes and other diseases;
tears evaporate too quickly: when working at a computer, when twisting or twisting the eyelids;
there are factors such as wind, smoke, dry air.

What to do

See your ophthalmologist if you notice these symptoms. He will determine the specific cause of the syndrome and prescribe treatment. To relieve symptoms, rinse your eyes with warm water and soap two to three times a day and apply miramistin.

5. Visual fatigue syndrome

The organs of vision get tired due to prolonged and intense strain of Eyestrain - when reading or working at a computer. In addition to itching, pain and burning in the eyes, a person complains of double vision, fear of light, pain in the head, neck or shoulders.

What to do

As a rule, this condition disappears immediately after rest and does not require additional treatment. These tips will help you avoid eye fatigue:

Work with a screen or print media in good lighting.
Take breaks as often as possible. Get distracted for a few seconds, blink and look into the distance.
Limit the amount of time you can use the monitor if possible.
Apply eye drops with artificial tears.
Use special computer glasses.

If these recommendations do not help, see an ophthalmologist.

6. Contact lenses

If you wear them continuously or do not properly care for them, it can lead to Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis to papillary conjunctivitis. At the same time, the eyes turn red, watery and itch.

What to do

Visit an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as in some cases contact lenses will need to be replaced. Stop wearing them until symptoms go away. To avoid this situation in the future, carefully follow the hygiene recommendations:

wash your hands with soap and water before handling lenses;
minimize contact of lenses with water and saliva;
limit the time you wear your lenses, be sure to take them off at night;
treat lenses with a special solution before and after use.

7. Blepharitis

This is an inflammation of the Blepharitis of the eyelids, which usually appears at their edge, where the eyelashes and sebaceous glands are located. The causes of the disease are many: blockage of the sebaceous glands, allergies, bacterial infection, ciliary mites and even dandruff. Eyes with blepharitis are reddened and swollen, they itch, watery, and there is a burning sensation. A person is afraid of bright light, it seems that sand has got under his eyelids. Eyelashes stick together in the morning and fall out easily.

Blepharitis does not impair vision, but it is quite difficult to treat, and it often becomes chronic and causes complications: conjunctivitis, barley, corneal ulcers or eyelid scars.

What to do

Rinse the sore eyelid with soap and water two to four times a day and instill miramistin in the eye. Avoid wearing makeup or contact lenses until blepharitis is gone.

To reduce inflammation, dampen a washcloth with warm water and apply to your eyelid for five minutes. Do this two to three times a day.

Alexander Kulik

See an ophthalmologist if you do not notice any improvement after two days.

8. Barley

It is an inflammation of Sty of the sebaceous gland at the edge of the eyelid, similar to a boil or pimple with a white pus dot in the center. The disease is caused by bacteria that enter the eye with unwashed hands or contact lenses. In addition to itching, a person complains of soreness and swelling of the eyelid, eyes watery. Barley does not impair vision and usually goes away on its own.

What to do

It is enough to keep the eye clean so that the infection does not spread further. To do this, rinse the eyelid with warm water and soap two to three times a day and instill miramistin. Don't wear contact lenses or make-up until the stye is gone. To relieve pain, apply a washcloth soaked in warm water to your eyelid two to three times a day for five minutes.

Visit an ophthalmologist if the condition does not improve after two days or if the redness and swelling extend beyond the eyelid.