The itchy eyes are, in most cases, a sign of allergy to dust, smoke, pollen or animal hair, which comes into contact with the eyes and causes the body to produce histamine, a substance that causes inflammation at the site, causing symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling.
However, itching can also indicate the development of an eye infection or even problems with the functioning of the glands that keep the eye moist. Thus, whenever itching appears and it takes more than 3 days to relieve, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist to identify the correct cause and start treatment with the most appropriate eye drops.
- The onset of itching is almost always a symptom of allergy.
- Whether caused by dietary or environmental factors such as dust.
- Hair or smoke.
- And in these cases is called allergic conjunctivitis.
- Allergy is usually easily recognized because itching often occurs after contact with a specific substance.
- So the best way to prevent itching is to stay away from the allergen that causes it.
This type of eye change is more common in spring and summer, as these are times of year when the concentration of allergens in the air is higher and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive production of tears, redness and sand feeling. in the eyes, for example.
What to do: Avoid contact with substances known to be allergic and apply moisturizing eye drops to reduce discomfort and relieve irritation. Discover other ways to treat allergic conjunctivitis.
Dry eyes are more common in the elderly, due to the body’s natural aging, but it can also occur in people who work in very dry, air-conditioned or computer-front environments. In addition, it may also appear in those who wear contact lenses incorrectly or use certain medications such as antiallergic medications or birth control pills.
What to do: The best way to combat dry eye symptoms is to use artificial tears during the day to keep your eye hydrated. However, you can also put warm water packs in your eyes, avoid using air conditioning, and take breaks when working in front of the computer. See more tips for getting rid of dry eyes.
Eye stress is increasingly one of the main causes of eye problems, especially itching. This is due to the excessive stress caused by the computer screen and mobile phone, which are increasingly present in daily life, causing visual fatigue. This type of fatigue can also cause frequent headaches, difficulty concentrating, and generalized fatigue.
What to do: It is important to take regular breaks to use your computer or mobile phone, taking the opportunity to walk and rest your eyes. A good tip is to look at an object located more than 6 meters, for 40 seconds every 40 minutes.
When you have an eye problem that causes inflammation of the eyelid, such as barley or blepharitis, it’s common for the eye to be unable to maintain proper hydration, allowing its surface to be dry and irritated, causing itching, as well as redness. and swelling. eye and burn.
What to do: One way to relieve eyelid inflammation and reduce symptoms is to place a warm water compress in the eye for 2 to 3 minutes and keep your eye clean and free of stains. However, if your symptoms don’t improve, you should see your eye doctor to evaluate the need to start using antibiotic eye drops, for example. Learn more about its causes and how to treat eyelid inflammation.
The use of contact lenses for more than 8 hours a day can contribute to dry eyes and, therefore, to the development of itchy eyes. In addition, inadequate hygiene of lentils, especially in the case of monthly ones, can also facilitate the accumulation of bacteria, which eventually infect the eye and cause signs such as redness, itching and skin formation for example.
What to do: Avoid wearing longer contact lenses than indicated by the manufacturer, as well as using lubricating eye drops. Good hygiene of contact lenses should also be maintained, even when placed in the eye. Learn how to properly maintain contact lenses.
In addition to severe redness of the eye, puffs and burns, conjunctivitis can also cause itching. Conjunctivitis should usually be treated with the use of antibiotics (when bacterial) in the form of eye drops and therefore an ophthalmologist should be consulted.
What to do: If you suspect conjunctivitis, you should immediately go to the ophthalmologist to start appropriate treatment, as well as to avoid the spread of conjunctivitis, so it is important to avoid scratching your eyes with your hands, washing your hands frequently and avoiding personal items such as glasses or makeup, for example. See 7 other things you can or can’t do in case of conjunctivitis.