Itchy eyes are a common and frustrating experience. Irritation and swelling can make everyday tasks uncomfortable and unmanageable until you find the proper eye care for relief. Before treating this pesky condition, you should understand what can be causing it. Here is a guide to this problem and how you can manage it.

What Causes Your Eyes to Itch?

1. Eyestrain 

Being without sunglasses on a sunny day, reading in a dimly lit room, or staring at a computer for an extended period causes your eyes to work harder to see. As a result, they can become tired, irritated, and sensitive to light. Protect the visual organs from additional strain by resting them. Closing your eyes or taking periodic breaks to look away from your screen can help give them a much-needed break. 

2. Dry Eyes

Your eyes naturally lubricate themselves using water, oil, and mucous. When they feel itchy and dry, it can be a reaction to waning tear production or a blocked duct or gland. This issue can be due to environmental factors like wind, biological components like age, or chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. 

Prescriptions like antidepressants, over-the-counter decongestants, blood pressure medication, and birth control can also be unsuspecting causes of reduced tear production. Artificial tears can provide extra lubrication and relief, but consult an optometrist if you experience chronic symptoms.

3. Blepharitis

Blepharitis occurs when the oil glands at the eyelash base become obstructed, causing irritation, redness, and swelling. There is rarely a single cause for this inflammation of the eyelids. However, it often has to do with bacteria or a condition that causes inflammation, like rosacea, allergies, or dandruff. 

Keeping the lids and lash line clean, using a warm compress to remove debris, and avoiding eye makeup will help minimize symptoms. However, if the condition is a chronic problem, you may require antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication to treat it. 

Practice proper eye care and avoid itchiness with regular visits to Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates, in Aiea, HI. This practice is a yearly recipient of the Best Optometrists award by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, demonstrating its dedication to providing complete vision and eye care for its patients. They offer quality services, like comprehensive exams, contact lens fittings, and dry eye treatments, using personalized care and the latest technology. Schedule an appointment today by calling (808) 487-5500 or visiting their website.