Most people get itchy eyes every once in a while. Even though allergies are the most common cause of itchy eyes, many other things can make your eyes feel bad. If you know what’s making your eyes burn and itch, you can find the proper treatment and feel better.
By making an appointment with your eye doctor, you can determine if the environment or an infection is causing your symptoms.
It is also important to know that you should see an eye doctor if you have increased sensitivity to light, double vision, floaters, a lot of pain, or a burning feeling in your eyes that lasts more than a few days. These could be signs of a more serious health issue.
Many factors can make your eyes red and itch. Some possible causes are:
- Seasonal and year-round allergies can make your eyes red and itchy. Taking an antihistamine and avoiding the allergen can help ease the symptoms.
- Your eyes may not make enough tears to keep them from feeling dry and itchy for several reasons, such as getting older, having specific health problems, or taking certain medicines. A complete eye exam can help you determine what’s wrong and get the proper treatment.
- If you work on a computer for a long time, your eyes can get tired and itchy from the strain. With prescription computer glasses, you can avoid getting red eyes from staring at a screen and feel less tired.
- Your eyes can get irritated if you wear contact lenses for too long or don’t change them when you’re supposed to. To avoid red eyes, follow your eye doctor’s basic contact lens care instructions.
- Colds and flu often cause people to sneeze, cough, have a runny nose, and have itchy eyes. Most of the symptoms should go away in about a week.
- Pink eye and other viral and bacterial infections can cause itchy eyes. An eye doctor should check for and treat infections.
- Blepharitis happens when the oil glands at the base of your eyelids get blocked, making your eyes red and itchy. Blepharitis can become a constant problem that can lead to pink eye. If washing your eyes doesn’t help, talk to your eye doctor about antibiotics and other treatments for itchy, red eyes.
- Tobacco, smoke, smog, or dust can make your eyes red and itchy.
How to Get Rid of Red, Itchy Eyes:
You might be wondering what to do if your eyes are itchy. Some home remedies for itchy, red eyes are:
- You can buy drops that keep the eyes moist over the counter.
- Putting a cool, damp cloth over your closed eyes can help.
- Putting a warm compress on an area for 10 minutes to get the blood moving.
- Getting enough sleep.
If the above treatments don’t help, you can make an appointment at the Walmart Vision Center in Crystal Lake, IL or Harvard, IL. Our eye doctors can help you figure out why your eyes are red and itchy and give you the right treatment.
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