4 Causes of itchy eyes that keep you going

Rubbing the eyes is a habit that is often done when the eyes feel itchy. Starting from small children and the elderly, if itchy eyes must be reflex rubbing the eyes. However, what exactly causes itchy eyes that make people want to rub their eyes constantly? Then, what is the right way to solve it? Check out the reviews below.

What are the causes of itchy eyes?

Itchy eyes are a very common condition. The causes also vary, from allergies, infections, to your lifestyle.

Well, here are various conditions that can cause itchy eyes:

1. Eye allergies

Allergic eye or allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eye caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as dust in the house, pollen, mold spores, star hair, or the smell of chemical substances. The conjunctiva itself is the layer that encloses the eyeball. The conjunctiva is prone to irritation and is quite common.

There are two types of allergic conjunctivitis that can occur, namely acute and chronic allergic conjunctivitis. Acute allergic conjunctivitis is the most common condition. Symptoms of the eyelids suddenly feel itchy and sore like burning. However, sometimes it is followed by a runny nose like when you are about to have a cold. This allergic reaction lasts only briefly.

Meanwhile, chronic conjunctivitis is less common. This type of allergy can occur all year round and on. Chronic allergies are the body's response to allergens such as food, dust, animal dander. This condition causes the eyes to feel like burning and itching continuously.

When it enters the body, these triggers are immediately confronted by the immune system. The immune system secretes histamine, a chemical that fights foreign substances. As a result, one of the effects on the eyes becomes itchy.

2. Dry eyes

Dry eye is a condition when the eyes don't produce enough tears. If the eyes do not produce enough tears, this will greatly interfere with vision, the eyes feel sore, red, itchy and like something is blocked.

You need to treat dry eyes if you want to get rid of itchy eyes. In fact, dry eyes are not only due to the small amount of tears produced. It could also happen because the quality of the tears produced is not good.

The components of the mixture in the tears should be balanced, namely water, oil, and mucus (mucus). However, due to problems in the oil-producing glands, the quality of the tears produced is different. Some medications can also trigger dry eyes, which over time can make your condition worse.

From habit it can also make your eyes dry, for example smoking. This habit affects not only the respiratory system, but also the eyes. Dry eyes that are getting sick, reddened, and don't heal should be taken to a doctor immediately.

3. Eye infection

Because the eye is a sensitive organ in the human body, this makes the eye more susceptible to infection. Infection of the eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi.

Some of the most common types of eye infections are conjunctivitis and uveitis. Unlike allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Meanwhile, uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea of ​​the eye which is also triggered by infection.

Eye infections can cause symptoms such as red eyes, itching, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. This condition must be treated immediately because of the risk of causing more severe eye problems, such as injury to the retina, cataracts, or permanent vision loss.

4.Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)

Blepharitis is an inflamed condition of the eyelids. This inflammation of the eyelids can occur when the tiny oil glands at the base of the eyelashes become blocked. This condition makes the eyes easily irritated and the eyelids swell.

Symptoms that will appear in this condition are itchy eyes, starting from the eyelid area and the eyes as a whole, watery eyes, reddening of the eyes, and the eyes are sensitive to glare.

5. Use of contact lenses

Using contact lenses can also be the cause of excruciating itchy eyes. If you use contact lenses for too long or change them too infrequently, it will cause itching.

Some people also feel allergic to contact lens fluid, so you have to understand which ingredients are safe for your eyes and which are dangerous.

6. Too long staring at the screen gadget

The habit of looking at electronic device screens for too long, such as cell phones, tablets, computers, laptops, or TVs, can actually affect eye health.

When you focus on the screen gadget over a long period of time, you tend to blink less frequently than usual. This causes your eyes to tire more quickly, dry out, and become irritated. As a result, itchy eyes can not be avoided.

How do you deal with itchy eyes?

Fortunately, itchy eyes are an easy condition to treat. Most cases of itchy eyes are mild, so you can treat them in a variety of ways, from using medications to following simple tips that you can try at home.

Here are some ways to treat itchy eyes:

1. Use drugs

Medicines to treat itchy eyes usually depend on what the cause is. If your condition is triggered by allergies, you can use oral medications and eye drops that contain antihistamines.

In addition, according to the website of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you can also use decongestants to reduce redness of the eyes. There are also drugs that combine decongestants and antihistamines in one product.

It is different if your condition is caused by an infection. The doctor may prescribe the use of drops containing antibiotics.

However, make sure you consult your doctor first about using these drugs to avoid unwanted side effects.

2. Use a warm or cold compress

Tortured because the itching doesn't go away? You can put a warm compress on the itchy eye to divert the itching sensation. Especially if your itching is caused by an alias stye.

However, if the itching is caused by conjunctivitis, another way to treat it is by cold compresses. This step is usually taken when your symptoms are accompanied by red eyes.

3. Always maintain eye hygiene

Try to remember again, did you take the time to regularly clean and maintain eye health? If not, start implementing this now. The reason is, chemicals, dust, pollution, dirt, and make-up on the eyes that accumulate can make the eyes feel itchy.

That's why keeping the eyes clean will help relieve annoying symptoms. First, remove eye makeup if you use it. Then flush eyes with water and then wipe dry. Follow up with eye drops that can remove dirt in the eyes and keep them fresh.

Don't forget to remove the contact lenses that you have used all day before you sleep.

4. Avoid allergens

The easiest step to deal with itchy eyes, especially if triggered by allergies, of course, is to avoid the source of the allergen.

For example, if your eye allergy is caused by dust, make sure you regularly clean every corner of your house. Don't forget to regularly change the sheets and clean your bed, because this can become a nest for allergy-causing dirt and dust to collect.

5. Apply the 20-20-20 rule

Eyes that are too tired from being in front of the computer for too long can trigger itching. Therefore, you need to prevent this condition by following the 20-20-20 rule to reduce the risk of eye fatigue.

The 20-20-20 rule means that every 20 minutes looking at a computer or device screen, you must look away from the screen and look at another object 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. This method will make the eyes much more relaxed.

6. Use humidifier

Apart from using drugs and applying eye hygiene, use humidifier can help add moisture to the air.

Gradually, the itching sensation will gradually decrease because your eyes are no longer exposed to air that is too dry. Humidifier can be used at any time, especially when the weather is cold and dry where air humidity decreases.

If the tips above don't work effectively and your itchy eye condition is really disrupting your activities, don't delay the time to go for an eye exam to the doctor.