Treating Red, Itchy Eyes:
Causes and Solutions

Most people will experience itchy eyes from time to time. While the most common cause of itchy eyes is allergies, there are many other reasons why your eyes can become irritated. Knowing the right cause for your itchy, burning eyes can help you find the right treatment and get some relief. Scheduling an exam with your eye doctor can help determine whether your symptoms are the result of environmental impacts or an infection.

It’s also important to note that if you have increased light sensitivity, double vision, floaters, excessive pain, or a burning sensation in your eyes that lasts more than a few days you should visit your neighborhood eye care center as it could be an indicator of underlying health issues.

Factors That Can Cause Red Itchy Eyes

There are a number of reasons why you may experience red itchy eyes. Causes may include:

• Allergies: Both seasonal and perennial allergies can cause eyes to be red and itchy. Reducing your exposure to the allergen and taking an antihistamine can help alleviate the symptoms.
• Dry eye: There’s a number of reasons why your eyes may not produce enough tears to keep them from feeling dry and itchy, including aging, various health conditions, and medications. A comprehensive eye exam can help determine the cause and get you the right treatment.
• Computer Eye Strain: Working on a computer for a prolonged amount of time can cause your eyes to strain, making them feel itchy and fatigued. Prescription computer glasses can help prevent red eyes from screen time and reduce fatigue.
• Wearing Contact Lenses for Prolonged Periods: Keeping your contact lenses in for too long or not replacing them as recommended can irritate your eyes. Make sure to follow basic contact lens care tips recommended by your eye doctor to avoid red eye from contact lenses.
• The Common Cold or Flu: Sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes are all common symptoms of a cold or flu. Most symptoms should clear up within a week.
• Infection: Viral and bacterial infections, such as pink eye, can be the cause of itchy eyes. Infections should be examined and treated by an eye doctor.
• Blepharitis: This is a disorder that causes inflammation and itchiness whenever the oil glands at the base of your eyelids are blocked. This can become a chronic problem that can lead to pink eye. Ask your eye doctor about antibiotics and other itchy, red eye treatment options if washing the eye area doesn’t resolve the problem.
• Airborne Irritants: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as tobacco, smoke, smog, or dust can cause red and itchy eyes.

How To Treat Red Itchy Eyes

You may be wondering how to stop itchy eyes. Home remedies for red eyes and itchiness include:

• Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops
• Getting plenty of rest
• Applying a cool, moist compress over your closed eyes
• Applying a warm compress for 10 minutes to stimulate blood flow

If the above treatments don’t seem to help, schedule an eye exam at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center. Our eye doctors can help determine the cause of your itchy and red eyes and get you the appropriate treatment.