Itchy eyes is one of the common problems that occur especially in spring and can occur in almost everyone. In fact, itching your eyes does not directly affect your vision. But think about it, your eyes are constantly itching. The discomfort caused by the itching sensation will reduce your daily life comfort, and if it is continuous, it may also indicate another discomfort. Of course, there are solutions to this problem. It is necessary to proceed step by step to solve the problem. You should first identify the cause and apply the appropriate treatment accordingly. So why does eye itching occur? How should we proceed for a solution?
What are the Causes of Itchy Eyes?
It will not be right to attribute itching to a single cause. As you can see in our list, there are many factors that will cause itching. Allergies, air pollution, various diseases and much more. Some of these are more prominent and more common causes, while others are more background causes.
Possible Conditions That May Cause Eye Itching
- Persistent Allergies (seasonal or persistent allergy)
- Irritants in the air (air pollution)
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Use of contact lenses in the eye
- Eye strain due to digital screen use
- Clogged eyelash bases (blepharitis)
- Eye Infections
So let’s consider these causes separately and talk about possible solutions to itching.
Persistent Allergies
Allergy, allergy and allergy again. The most common answer to the question of why the eye itches is allergy. Especially during seasonal transitions, people with allergic constitution may experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose or watery eyes.
The cause of these allergic symptoms, especially during seasonal transitions, is histamine secreted by cells to defend against allergens. The histamine secreted shows an inflammatory effect, which causes symptoms such as itching in the eye.
You may experience symptoms not only seasonally, but also when you come into contact with a substance that is allergenic for your body. In other words, allergy should be considered in a more general framework. This may be due to pollen or cat hair.
Irritants in the Air
We can say that air quality has a direct impact on eye health. In fact, we have previously shared with you a scientific study examining the relationship between cataracts and air quality. Air pollution is also among the causes of itchy eyes.
Exhaust fumes, particles from certain perfumes and similar dust and grain particles that cause air pollution. When they come into contact with your eyes, they can cause itching in the eye. Most of the time, when you clean the eye, you will see that the itching sensation passes. Ideally, it is best to take protective measures for the eyes from the beginning. If air pollution is intense in your area, such as going out using protective goggles.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Although not widely recognised, dry eye syndrome is one of the major causes of itching. In this disease, tears are not produced in the desired quantity or quality. The result is rapid evaporation. Consequently, there is not enough moist surface in the eyes. In addition to the feeling of dryness, effects such as persistent eye itching, burning and stinging sensation in the eye may occur.
Itching may occur in one eye, or the dry eye effect may appear in both eyes and itching may occur in both eyes.
The solution will be to treat dry eye. By consulting a specialist doctor, after you have the necessary treatment against dry eye, the itching effect is expected to disappear. Not only itching. In addition, negativities such as burning and stinging sensation in the eye are also eliminated.
Contact Lens Use in the Eye
Contact lenses can be used to obtain clear vision in common refractive errors. However, these lenses may cause side effects such as itching in the eye. For this reason, you should pay as much attention as possible to the hygiene of your eyes and change contact lenses frequently.
Eye Fatigue Due to Digital Screen Use
Looking at digital screens such as computers and smartphones for a long time can cause itching in the eyes, although it does not cause constant eye itching.
Most of the time, this effect disappears if you rest your eyes. For this reason, we also know that many specialists recommend the 20-20-20 rule.
Clogged Eyelash Bottoms (Blepharitis)
Due to Demodex mites, the disease condition called blepharitis occurs as a result of blockage of the eyelash bases. In case of blepharitis, not enough oil is secreted from the glands located at the base of the eyelashes and this directly affects the tear quality. Both dry eye condition may occur and eye itching may occur.
Eye Infections
Our last item among the causes of itchy eyes will be infection. Infection in the eyelid or eye can cause itching. There may be itching in one eye or itching in both eyes due to infection.
It is best to evaluate all these causes separately and determine the treatment path by going to a specialist physician. However, if you are not constantly experiencing itchy eyes, most of the time this is a temporary effect, you can make some suggestions.
How Does Eye Itching Pass? What is Good?
- There are some methods you can apply at home to relieve itchy eyes. We can also call these little tips. Let’s list them just below.
- You can use supportive artificial tear drops.
- You can apply cold compresses to relax your eyes. A cold cloth can also do the job.
- In order to get rid of the pollen accumulated on your skin and face and minimise the allergenic effect, you can choose to take a shower after coming from outside.
- If you have pollen allergy, you can wear a protective mask when going out in spring and summer.
- You should take care to keep the eye area clean.
- Saline solution applications can be made.
Questions You May Wonder
What Should I Do If I Have Excessive Itchy Eyes?
If you have constant and excessive eye itching, the best thing to do in this case would be to consult a doctor. Itching may be due to an infection or diseases such as dry eye.
I have itchy eyes after petting a cat
You are probably allergic to cat hair. You may need an allergy test for this.
Itchy right eye! Itching in one eye
Your right eye or only your left eye may itch. This is often caused by an infection in one eye. Consult your doctor to remove and detect the infection.
