Key Takeaways
- Environmental factors can often lead to constant itching.
- Sudden vision changes or pain mean you should book an eye exam right away.
- Taking screen breaks and avoiding allergens can help your eyes feel comfortable.
- An optometrist can figure out what may be going on and recommend a helpful treatment plan.
When our eyes feel itchy, many of us rub them without even thinking. A mild itch usually passes quickly after you step away from a dusty area or rest your eyes for a few minutes, but constant itchiness can leave your eyes red and sore by the end of the day. Our team at Vision Care Centres wants you to know that you don’t need to live with the frustrating feelings.
You should see an eye doctor for itchy eyes when the discomfort lasts for more than a few days or happens alongside pain and blurry vision. The eye doctor can examine your eye health, rule out infections, and recommend a treatment plan to help you feel comfortable again.
Reasons for Itchy and Irritated Eyes
Common Environmental Factors
Tiny particles are constantly floating through the air, and if your body interprets them as an invader, your eyes might be one of the first things to react. This is because your body produces a substance called histamine, which travels throughout your body and causes the uncomfortable symptoms associated with allergies.
Common allergens include:
- Outdoor pollen from trees or grass
- Indoor dust mites or pet dander
- Cigarette smoke or strong perfumes
Signs of Dry Eye
Your eye is coated in a delicate tear film that is meant to wash away particles and keep your eye smooth. If your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears you do produce aren’t the right quality, you may experience dry eye symptoms.
These symptoms can include:
- A scratchy sensation that feels like a grain of sand is trapped under your eyelid
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Excessively watery eyes, which can be your body’s response to the irritation
It’s helpful to know that while dry eye can cause mild itching, an intense, persistent itchy feeling is more often associated with allergies. If your discomfort feels more scratchy, it might be dry eye.
Symptoms That Need Attention
Noticeable Changes in Vision
A simple itch shouldn’t affect how well you see the world. If you experience blurriness, it may indicate a deeper issue that requires a proper exam. It’s a good idea to seek prompt care if you notice:
- Any changes in vision, such as new blurriness
- New eye floaters and spots that appear suddenly across your line of sight
- Double vision in 1 or both eyes
Pain and Swollen Eyelids
General itchiness feels annoying, but it rarely hurts. If sharp pain or swelling accompanies your itchiness, it may indicate a possible infection or injury. These symptoms should be evaluated by an eye doctor as soon as possible:
- Intense or ongoing eye pain
- Thick, green discharge from the eye
- Very red or swollen eyelids
Simple Habits for Eye Comfort
There are a few habits you can try at home that can help with day-to-day eye comfort. If you’re experiencing dry eye, try taking regular screen breaks. When staring at a digital device, people tend to blink less often, which can dry out your eyes and create that burning sensation. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
If your symptoms seem to be associated with allergies, some simple changes at home might be able to help limit your exposure to the allergen. Try these habits:
- Wash your hands often to remove irritants
- Avoid touching your face
- Wear glasses to block some of the wind and pollen when you spend time outside
- Use air conditioners instead of open windows to filter the air inside your home
How an Optometrist Can Help You
Thorough Eye Exams
You shouldn’t guess the source of the itch because that can lead to buying the wrong eye drops. Instead, our team uses modern tools to assess your eye health, determine whether allergies, dry eye, or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms, and recommend next steps.
Custom Treatment Plans
Everyone experiences eye irritation differently, which is why a personalized approach is so important. Our eye doctor considers a range of factors about you, including your daily routine, personal preferences, and lifestyle. From there, they may recommend some of the following options:
- Dry eye therapy to add moisture back to your eyes and provide relief
- Allergy eye drops to manage discomfort
Book an Appointment Today
If your eyes are constantly itchy, our team at Vision Care Centres knows how frustrated you must be. That’s why we’re here to help you understand your symptoms and find a suitable solution. Don’t put up with the discomfort anymore: Whether you’re looking for an eye doctor in St. Albert or Spruce Grove, we have a team available for you. Book your appointment today.
