Itchy eyes aren’t just annoying — they can be a sign of an underlying problem that won’t get better without medical treatment. Understanding the causes of itchy eyes can help you decide when it’s time to call the office for an appointment.
At Long Island Ophthalmic Concepts, our team offers comprehensive eye care, using advanced techniques and technology to diagnose itchy eyes, relieve symptoms, and address the underlying cause. Here, learn about some common causes of itchy eyes.
Lots of issues can cause eye itching, some of which are benign and others that can be quite serious.
Allergies are perhaps one of the most common causes of eye itching, along with burning, redness, and tearing. Lots of triggers can cause eye allergies, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold.
Dry eyes happen when you don’t produce enough tears, your tears are of low quality, or tears aren’t being distributed sufficiently. In addition to itching, dry eyes can cause burning, redness, and watering, just like allergies.
Blepharitis is an eyelid condition caused by irritated, infected, and inflamed lids. Many people with blepharitis experience intense itching, mild swelling, eye discharge, and crusting.
Your eyes are exposed to the external environment all day long. Dry air, wind, smoke, and other airborne particles can quickly cause itching and other symptoms, like burning and general discomfort.
A popular alternative to eyeglasses, contact lenses can cause eye itching if they aren’t cleaned properly or don’t fit as well as they should. Itching can also be a sign of corneal irritation, a side effect of contact lens wear that needs to be evaluated immediately.
Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even tiny parasites. Any type of infection can lead to itching, sometimes accompanied by blurry vision, burning sensations, eye redness, tearing, and pain. Without prompt treatment, an eye infection can cause permanent vision loss.
Some medical conditions can lead to itchy eyes, too, like thyroid disease and some autoimmune disorders. During your exam, we’ll talk about your health history and any other symptoms you may have.
Certain medications can cause itchy eyes as a “side effect,” including some antibiotics, high blood pressure medicines, birth control pills, antidepressants, and decongestants. Be sure to discuss any medications you take regularly with our team during your visit, including over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements.
Itchy eye treatment depends a lot on what’s causing your symptoms. For instance, itchy eyes caused by allergies may be easily remedied with eye drops designed for allergies, sometimes accompanied by other allergy medication.
Dry eyes respond well to eye drops and lifestyle changes, like taking frequent breaks from computer or phone use. Itching related to contact lenses may be corrected with new lenses, a different type of lens, or improved lens care practices.
Itching due to infections typically requires medication in the form of drops, pills, or both. If you have an infection, it’s essential to follow treatment guidelines closely to ensure the infection is completely treated so it doesn’t recur.
Finally, eye itching due to medications or underlying health issues often requires collaboration between our team and your family doctor or specialist to find a solution that keeps you healthy while resolving eye symptoms.
A little temporary itching is probably nothing to worry about, especially if it’s related to a known allergy or it goes away after a day or so. However, it's important to schedule an exam to prevent potential complications for recurrent or persistent itching or itching accompanied by other symptoms.
To learn why your eyes are so itchy, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Long Island Ophthalmic Concepts in Bellmore and Great Neck, New York, today.
