5 Tips for Itchy & Irritated Eyes

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 getting into the eye, a corneal eye scratch, pink eye, infection, and more. Most people dealing with minor to moderate itching and irritation in the eyes are suffering from allergies or small debris in the eyes. 

There are several remedies for itchy eyes. Here are five tips for itchy eyes relief you can try at home. Give these methods a try to eliminate eye itchiness and irritation. 

1. Eye Drops

Over-the-counter eye drops work well for itchy eyes relief. Some work to provide artificial tears to counter irritation caused by dry eyes, while others work to relieve redness and itchiness caused by common allergies. 

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, and most gas stations.

2. Cold Compress

Sometimes the best remedies for itchy eyes are the simplest. A cold compress will work well to draw out any perceived heat from your eyes and soothe the irritation. 

Many people spend the majority of their day staring at computer screens and other electronic devices, which causes a lower 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 provide itchy eyes relief and reduce the cumulative strain on your eyes. 

3. 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 irritation and could potentially damage your eyes. 

Repeated rubbing can cause micro-scratches on the cornea, which can lead 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.

4. Avoid Allergens

One of the best ways to achieve itchy eyes relief is to avoid things that irritate your eyes. 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, and cleaning frequently to prevent a build-up of dust or pet dander. 

5. OTC Allergy Medications

Many over-the-counter allergy medications will help reduce symptoms of itchy and irritated eyes. If you have mild to moderate symptoms that you feel are likely caused by allergies, keep allergy medications on hand to help provide itchy eyes relief. 

However, if your symptoms become worse or aren’t relieved by the medication, then you’ll need to seek 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.

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 speak with a doctor about. 

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

These symptoms all point to a problem that requires a medical professional to diagnose and treat. 

How To Seek Medical Treatment

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 with the same providers who work onsite and have your condition assessed from the comfort of your own home. If you require medication, we can send the prescription straight to your pharmacy.

Setting up a Telehealth appointment will allow you to be seen quickly without having to leave your home. This is an excellent option for caregivers, busy professionals, and anyone who needs quick access to medical treatment. 

Here To Help

The Urgency Room is dedicated to providing its patients with the best care. We treat a variety of illnesses and conditions, including itchy eyes relief. Set up an online appointment today to have your condition assessed and learn about effective remedies for itchy eyes.