Dealing with itchy or irritated eyes can be stressful, especially when you’re unsure of the exact cause. Many things can cause eye pain or irritation, including dust or debris entering the eye or a corneal scratch. Most people with itching and irritation in the eyes are likely suffering from allergies or small debris.
Itchy eyes may mean nothing serious, but it could also mean an infection is around the corner. This article will cover how to treat itchy eyes, how to prevent them, and when to see a medical professional.
Common Causes of Itchy Eyes
There are several causes of itchy eyes.
The most common causes of itchy eyes include:
- Seasonal allergies
- Allergic reactions (which include reactions to eye drops, makeup, and mold)
- Dryness
- Infection
- Blepharitis, which is when the eyelids are inflamed
- Eczema
- Dust
- Defective or old contact lenses
At-Home Remedies for Itchy Eyes
Eye Drops
Looking for a way to relieve itchy eyes? Over-the-counter eye drops work well for relieving itchy eyes. Some provide artificial tears to counter irritation, while others relieve redness and itchiness caused by common allergies.
Common over-the-counter eye drops for itchy eye relief include:
- Lubricating eye drops for moisturizing and cleaning the eyes
- Antihistamine drops in the case of seasonal allergy relief
Eye drops are a great option to try because they’re inexpensive, effective, and readily available. You can find eye drops at any pharmacy, supermarket, or most gas stations.
Cold Compress
Sometimes the best remedies for itchy eyes are the simplest. A cold compress is the practice of applying a cold, wet cloth to your closed eye to soothe discomfort. This will help draw out any perceived heat from your eyes and soothe the irritation.
Many people spend their day staring at computer screens and other electronic devices, which lowers their blink rate. A lower blink rate leads to dry eye, eye strain, headaches, and other related symptoms.
Taking a break every couple of hours to apply a cold compress will help relieve itchy eyes and reduce cumulative strain.
Warm Compress
Similar to a cold compress, a warm compress will help soothe various eye conditions. Compression with a warm, wet cloth may help relieve pain and relax muscle spasms. It can also lead to added moisture in the eye, helping with dryness. Finally, heat from a warm compress may help drain any clumping in your eyelid glands.
How to Prevent Itchy Eyes
Avoid Touching Your Eyes
It’s very tempting to rub your eyes when they’re itchy, but this is one of the worst things you can do. Rubbing your eyes may feel good for a second, but you’ll actually cause further eye irritation and could potentially damage your eyes.
Repeated rubbing can cause microscratches on the cornea, leading to watery, red eyes, light sensitivity, and other issues. Give your eyes time and space to heal, and seek medical attention if the sensation becomes overwhelming.
Avoid Allergens
Common allergens include dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold. Try to limit your exposure to these allergens by:
- Checking the pollen count in your area before spending time outside
- Checking your home for mold
- Cleaning frequently to prevent a build-up of dust or pet dander
- Keeping windows closed during seasons of high pollen
Mold is a common cause of allergic reactions in the home. If you’re unsure how to check your home for mold, try scheduling an inspection with a professional. To prevent mold, regularly use dehumidifiers in areas prone to moisture.
OTC Allergy Medications
Many over-the-counter allergy medications can help reduce symptoms of itchy, irritated eyes. If you have symptoms you think are likely due to allergies, keep allergy medications on hand to help relieve itchy eyes.
However, if your symptoms become worse or aren’t relieved by the medication, then you’ll need to seek medical treatment.
Wear Protective Gear
Itchy eyes may be caused by debris or chemicals. If you work with power tools or paint, for example, you should always follow federal and state guidelines for eye protection. That will often include wearing eye gear to prevent eye injuries.
When To Seek Medical Treatment
If you’ve tried these remedies for itchy eyes and haven’t experienced any relief, then you may need to speak with a medical professional.
When one or both of your eyes are persistently red and itchy for at least a week, it could be a sign of pink eye. This is something you’ll want to discuss with a doctor.
Here are some other symptoms to look out for when debating whether to seek medical treatment:
- Dry eyes that don’t get better with the use of OTC eye drops
- Sensitivity to light
- Dried discharge on your eyelashes
- Feeling as if there’s something stuck in your eye
- Blurry or worsening vision
- Excess discharge
- Swollen eyelids
These symptoms all point to a problem that requires a medical professional to diagnose and treat.
How To Seek Itchy Eye Treatment Through Online Visits
Many patients believe they need to see a doctor in person to treat eye-related issues, but that isn’t always the case. At The Urgency Room, we can treat eye-related issues through our telehealth services.
You’ll be connected to the same providers who work onsite, so your condition can be assessed from the comfort of your own home. If you require medication, we can send the prescription straight to your pharmacy.
Starting a telehealth visit will allow you to be seen quickly without leaving your home. This is an excellent option for caregivers, busy professionals, and anyone who needs quick access to medical treatment.
FAQs
Why are my eyes so irritated and itchy?
Several things can cause irritated and itchy eyes. You may have allergies, a corneal eye scratch, pink eye, or severe dry eyes.
How to stop an itchy eye?
If only one of your eyes is itchy and irritated, you’re likely experiencing dry eye or dealing with debris stuck in your eye. Try over-the-counter eye drops or the other remedies for itchy eyes mentioned above. Another option is to try rinsing your eye with cool, clean water to remove dust and other debris.
How to get rid of itchy eyes?
Aside from the remedies for itchy eyes we mentioned above, your best bet to get rid of itchy eyes is to consult a medical professional. They can assess your condition, determine the root cause, and suggest a treatment plan to resolve the issue.
How do I know whether my itchy eye is infected?
If your eye is simply itchy, it’s likely not infected. However, there are other signs that, when paired with itchy eyes, may indicate the eye is infected. That includes tenderness, excess discharge, redness in or around the eye, burning, pain, and sensitivity to light. If you’re unsure whether your itchy eye is infected, you should seek the help of a trained medical professional.
Will my itchy eye get better on its own?
It’s possible your eye will get better on its own. If there’s dust or light debris in your eye, your natural tears may wash it clean. In the case of a mild scratch, the eye may heal on its own in a day or two. If you notice pain or the itch gets worse throughout the day, you may want to consider visiting a clinic.
Here To Help
The Urgency Room provides in-person and online medical services. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the best care. We treat a variety of illnesses and conditions, including relief for your itchy eyes.
Itchy eye cases can often be treated virtually. Start an online visit today to have your condition assessed and learn about effective remedies for itchy eyes. For in-person treatment, locations include Woodbury, Eagan, Golden Valley, and Vadnais Heights.