What Causes Eye Itching? What Is Good For Eye Itch?

Eye itch is a very common condition in society. Eye itching can occur for different reasons. Why does the eye itch? or How does itchy eyes go away? You can find the answers to your questions such as in the rest of the article.

What is Eye Itching?

Eye itching, or pruritus, is a very common problem.
Eye itching is usually accompanied by redness of the eye. Many different reasons can cause itchy eyes. Depending on the underlying cause, different symptoms such as itchy eyelids and itchy eyes may occur.
Eye itch usually does not indicate a serious problem. When the condition causing itching is eliminated, the itching problem is also solved.

What Causes Eye Itching?

Itchy eyes occur due to different reasons. In each case, where the itching is and how long it lasts, the symptoms accompanying the itching may differ. The most common causes of eye itching:

• Seasonal Allergies

Feeling itchy eyes at certain times each year may be associated with seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies, such as pollen allergy, cause itchy eyes in spring. Eye itching caused by allergic causes; It may be accompanied by symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing.
The molecule called histamine, which is released against allergen substances in the body, is responsible for the formation of allergic symptoms. Therefore, symptoms such as allergic eye itching and nasal congestion occur due to histamine. Antihistamine drugs can be used to alleviate these symptoms. As the name suggests, these drugs help reduce the effects of histamine.
The contact with the allergen substance should also be reduced in order to avoid the problems related to allergies during the seasons. For example, a person with pollen allergy; In the spring, he can limit the time he spends outside, take a shower after coming from outside and change his clothes. Keeping home and car windows closed during the pollen season also helps control allergic symptoms.
Perennial Allergies: Unlike seasonal allergies, perennial allergies persist throughout the year. House Allergens such as dust, cat and dog dander, and mold can cause allergic symptoms throughout the year. Again, products such as contact lens solution, soap or shampoo that the person uses can also cause allergies. All these conditions can cause constant eye itching. If the person cannot identify the allergy that causes itching, the products that come into contact with the eyes should be discontinued in turn. Thus, it can detect the allergen causing the symptoms in the eye. The use of the detected substance should be discontinued. If the itching in the eye is severe, eye drops containing antihistamines or corticosteroids (given only after a doctor's examination) can be used.

• Infection

Viral, bacterial or fungal infections in the eye may cause itching in the eye. Conjunctivitis is a disease in which the outermost layer of the eye becomes inflamed. In this disease, the white part of the eye turns red, so the disease is also known as 'red eye'.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is the infection of bacteria in the conjunctiva layer outside the eye. In bacterial conjunctivitis, symptoms of itching, redness and inflammatory discharge are observed in the eye. In addition, swelling of the eyelids may occur.
Viral conjunctivitis caused by virus infection causes symptoms similar to bacterial conjunctivitis. In viral conjunctivitis, the discharge from the eye is more transparent. Both types of conjunctivitis are highly contagious. If the infection has affected only one eye, it can easily spread to the other eye. Eye infections can develop in healthy people as a result of close contact with someone who has conjunctivitis. It is important for patients not to wash their hands and share their personal belongings to prevent the spread of infection.
Inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye, is called uveitis. If uveitis occurs in the anterior region of the eye, it affects the colored part of the iris. In uveitis affecting the iris, symptoms such as eye itching, redness and pain in the eye, and hypersensitivity to light are seen.
Conjunctivitis and uveitis caused by infection must be treated by an ophthalmologist. If the infectious agent is bacteria, antibacterial eye drops can be used in the treatment. To reduce inflammation in the eye, the patient may be prescribed eye drops containing steroids. Immune in severe cases of uveitis Suppressants may be needed. If uveitis is not treated effectively, it can lead to serious complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, and vision loss.

• Dry Eye

Tears; It consists of a combination of water, oil and mucus. Tears keep the eyes moist and slippery. Tear production may decrease due to some reasons. In this case, it causes dryness and itching in the eyes. One of the reasons that reduces tear production is aging. As age progresses, the amount of tears produced in the eye decreases. Conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to a decrease in the amount of tears. The decrease in tear synthesis may also occur due to drug side effects. Drugs with dry eyes among their side effects are as follows:

Antidepressants

Blood-lowering drugs

Birth control pills

Decongestant drugs to relieve nasal congestion

In some cases, even if there is no problem with tear production, the eye may become dry. For example, when you stay in windy weather for a long time, the tears can evaporate quickly and leave the eye dry. Problems in the tear glands or blockage in the tear ducts can also cause dryness and itching in the eyes. Tear drops can be used to treat dry eye.

• Eye Fatigue

Behaviors such as staring at a computer screen for a long time, reading a book in poorly lit environment, driving a car for a long time at night or at noon cause eye fatigue. Eye strain can irritate the eye and cause itchy eyes. In order to avoid this situation, behaviors that will tire the eyes should be avoided.

• Using Contact Lenses

Using contact lenses for a long time or not changing them after the replacement date has passed may cause problems such as itching and redness in the eye. People who use lenses; should pay attention to the replacement time of the lenses, and follow the hygiene rules while wearing the lenses. Blepharitis causes itching, swelling and redness of the eyelid. In addition to these symptoms, it may also cause symptoms of itching and watering around the eyes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve symptoms such as eyelid itching and redness.

• Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a condition that causes red, scaly rashes on the skin. Atopic dermatitis can itch around the eyes.

• Foreign Object

The entry of substances such as dust, smoke, eyelashes into the eye can also cause itching in the eye. Care should be taken when removing these substances from the eyes, and the eyes should not be touched without providing hand hygiene.

What is Good for Eye Itching?

In order for eye itch to go away, the condition causing itching must first be eliminated. In this process, some applications can be made to relieve itching in the eye. These applications are as follows:

Applying hot or cold to the itchy eye helps to reduce itching. For this, a towel can be wetted with hot or cold water and put on the eye.

People with dry eye problems can use air humidifier steam machines in their rooms. Humid air provides relief from dryness and itching in the eyes.

If people who wear contact lenses feel itchy in their eyes, they should not wear them for a certain period of time.

Bag teas can also be good for itchy eyes. Bags containing regular black tea or any herbal tea can be put on the eye after the temperature has passed. This process helps the eye relax.

There are some points to be considered in order to prevent situations that may cause itching in the eye. These points can be listed as follows:

• Washing hands frequently or cleaning with appropriate disinfectants
• Refraining from touching eyes with hands, especially when outside
• Removing eye and face make-up before going to bed at night
• Following the general cleaning rules in the use of contact lenses

Eye itching is common, but it usually does not cause a serious problem. However, in some cases, itchy eyes may indicate a serious underlying disease. In the presence of excessive eye itching that does not go away on its own within a few days or accompanied by itching, redness, discharge, decreased vision, a doctor should be consulted. ir.

_{Read: 26}