Dry, itchy eyes: what’s the cause?

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Dry itchy eyes can be caused by various conditions and irritants, but can be treated with eye drops, antihistamines, and cleaning the eyes daily. In some cases, medical attention may be necessary.

Dry itchy eyes are a common and very annoying irritation that can be caused by a variety of conditions and problems. Occasionally, dry itchy eyes affect many if not most people, but for some, the condition is a chronic, consistently uncomfortable problem. Fortunately, there are several cures for dry itchy eyes, although determining the exact cause of the symptoms may require close observation and even require medical attention.

The eyes are delicate organs composed mainly of fats and liquids. When irritants get into your eyes, they can cause many different unpleasant symptoms, from vision problems and redness to dry, itchy eyes. One of the key ways to keep your eyes from getting irritated is to clean the inner corners of debris at least once a day and avoid excessive eye makeup. This can help reduce chronic irritation and keep your eyes clean.

Allergies are an extremely common cause of dry, itchy eyes. When the eye is exposed to dust, floating pollen or pet dander, the particulate matter can easily irritate the eye and cause allergy symptoms. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can help reduce general allergies, while eye drops can help clear your eyes of any allergens. When you’re outdoors during hay fever season, consider wearing goggles or sunglasses to further protect your eyes.

For many different reasons, the eyes can stop producing enough tears to properly moisturize and clean surfaces. This can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, extended contact use, or simply age. Dry, itchy eyes are often a major symptom of inadequate tear production. If the tear ducts are under-productive, some eye drops can be used to artificially moisturize the eyes. Be careful when buying artificial tear drops, however, as they are different from the traditional form of eye drops used to reduce redness. Some experts suggest that regular eye drops, while eliminating redness, can actually contribute to dry and itchy eyes.

Dry itchy eyes can also be a symptom of certain diseases, such as pink eye or conjunctivitis. These eye infections are typically bacterial or viral in nature and can be treated with prescription medications such as antibiotics or antiviral drugs. People diagnosed with conjunctivitis should be extra cautious during treatment, as the condition is very contagious and easy to spread. Avoid touching your eyes and wash your hands often to prevent the infection from spreading.

In some cases, the malformation of the eye or eyelid can contribute to dry eye, itching, and other symptoms. For minor cases, eye drops may be able to reduce symptoms in some patients. Cosmetic surgery is often needed to correct the condition and allow the eyes to function normally.




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