Almost everyone, children and adults, has experienced itchy eyes. So, what exactly causes itchy eyes? Read on for an explanation of the causes of itchy eyes, as well as various ways to overcome them.
Itchy eyes or in medical terms referred to as ocular pruritus, often causes discomfort, especially when you are on the move. The appearance of itchy eyes can be caused by many factors, ranging from daily habits to certain medical conditions.
Various Causes of Itchy Eyes
The following are some of the causes of itchy eyes that you need to know:
1. Allergies
Allergies are the most common cause of itchy eyes. This can happen because the eyes are exposed to allergens, such as dust or animal dander, which will trigger the tissue in the eye to release histamine substances. The release of this histamine substance will cause allergic reactions and one of them is itching.
Itchy eyes from allergies can also be seasonal, especially for those who live in subtropical regions. Allergies can occur when a person inhales pollen which is usually widely scattered in the air in the spring.
2. Irritation
Some people are very sensitive to irritants in the air, such as cigarette smoke, vehicle fumes, combustion fumes, or even certain perfumes. If in contact with the eyes, irritants can cause red, watery, and even itchy eyes. To prevent this, avoiding exposure to irritants is the most effective solution.
3. Infection
The eyes are quite susceptible to viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, especially if they are not kept clean. Examples of common eye infections are conjunctivitis and uveitis. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from itchy eyes, eye pain, blurred vision, to sensitivity to light.
4. Dry eyes
Dry eye is a condition when the eyes do not produce enough tears. Dry eyes are generally characterized by eye symptoms that feel sore, itchy, and watery. This condition can be caused by aging or the use of certain medications, such as antidepressants or birth control pills.
5. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. This condition is usually caused by an infection. Symptoms of blepharitis include swollen, red, and itchy eyelids. In addition, blepharitis can also cause the eyelids to secrete a lot of dry and oily dirt. This can make the itching worse.
In addition to the above conditions, the cause of itchy eyes can also come from daily habits, for example using contact lenses that are rarely cleaned or not replaced regularly. Besides, staring at the screen WL or a computer that is too long can also trigger tired eyes and itchy eyes.
How to Overcome Itchy Eyes
Most cases of itchy eyes are easy to treat. Mild itchy eyes, such as those caused by irritation, can even be treated at home with a cold compress or using over-the-counter eye drops.
However, in certain conditions, itchy eyes sometimes require medication prescribed by a doctor. Some examples are:
Antihistamines
Itchy eyes caused by allergies can be treated with antihistamines. This medication can be prescribed as pills or eye drops, depending on the condition of the itchy eye.
Antibiotics or antivirals
If itchy eyes are caused by an infection, such as conjunctivitis, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics or antiviral drugs to control the infection. Antibiotic or antiviral drugs that doctors prescribe can be in the form of ointments or eye drops with different doses.
Steroid eye drops
In cases of itchy eyes caused by uveitis or blepharitis, your doctor may prescribe eye drops that contain steroids. This drug works by suppressing the work of the immune system to reduce inflammation that can trigger itching.
There are various causes of itchy eyes, some are mild and some are severe enough to require a doctor's prescription. If you experience itchy eyes, especially those that do not go away and are accompanied by other disturbing symptoms, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.