Who hasn’t had itchy eyes at one time or another? While reading, looking at the computer screen or watching TV.
Stinging can also be caused by allergies in spring, but the most common cause is still eyestrain and eyestrain, which can also cause tearing or headaches.
It is interesting to apply the 30/30/30 rule when we are working at the computer or studying. Every 30 minutes, we will raise our eyes for 30 seconds, at a distance of 30 feet (7 meters), that is to say, raise our eyes and look for a while at the farthest point of the room where we are, or look out the window if we have one.
This helps to relax the focus, as well as to vary the frequency of blinking. The symptoms are clear: sensation of dryness, itching, mucus secretion and eyelid inflammation.
The result is an irremediable and annoying itching that prevents us from carrying out our usual tasks normally.
Dry eye occurs when there is deficient hydration of the ocular surface and we can differentiate two types of dry eye: hyposecretory (deficient aqueous production), or evaporative (deficient oil production).
There are several factors that can favor dry eye, among them:
- Age
- Hormonal changes
- Use of contact lenses
- Use of screens or devices, which result in less frequent blinking.
There are many ways to treat dry eye, although the most common is the use of artificial tears (preferably without preservatives and with hyaluronic acid).
Dry eye can also be treated with oral fatty acids, eyelid edge cleaning with wipes, and lately, we are getting very good results with a new treatment based on several sessions with IPL pulsed light, for which you can ask without obligation in our clinic.
Another frequent cause of itchy eyes is the irritation produced by contact with substances such as soap, shampoo, chlorine, etc. Normally the itching can be relieved with the use of artificial tears or washing with physiological saline solution. But if the contact has been with a more dangerous agent such as acids, or if the discomfort persists after washing, a visit to an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Bacterial and viral infections can also cause itching and irritation and are accompanied by the production of mucus or gingiva. Treatment will vary depending on the causative agent, so a visit to an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Allergies are another major cause of itchy eyes. When we come into contact with a substance to which we are sensitive (allergen), such as dust, pollen, animal hair, etc., histamines are released in the eye and surrounding tissues, causing itching, redness and inflammation.
Treatment is usually based on cold serum, antihistamine eye drops and sometimes anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Itchy eyes, therefore, are one of the most frequent causes of ophthalmological consultation. As you have seen, the causes are varied, and the treatments must be specific. If you have itchy eyes, go to your specialist for evaluation.