You’re outside, enjoying another lovely spring day when suddenly your nose starts to run and your eyes begin to itch and turn as red as those lovely roses you recently admired. The pollen affected your eyes and sinuses. Our knowledgeable optometrists, Mital Patel, OD, Mark Machen, OD, and Ashley Swalla, OD, at Classic Vision Care in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia, pinpoint the exact cause of your issues and get you on the road to recovery fast. Here are four reasons you develop red, itchy eyes.
1. Allergies
Our doctors decipher whether your reaction is caused by an allergy or infection. Seasonal or other allergies come from a variety of causes, such as:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Smoke
- Air pollution
- Dry air
Chemicals in chlorinated pools and showers can also cause redness. Decide whether the irritation is due to an indoor or outdoor issue. Indoor allergies from pet dander, mold, or dust mites can be helped with air purifiers, frequent vacuuming, professional mold removal, and more. If outdoor pollutants aggravate the issue, keep your windows shut during heavy pollen days.
Dr. Patel and our team examine your eyes for issues such as conjunctivitis, an inflammatory infection of your eyelid’s transparent membrane (conjunctiva). We may prescribe eye drops and/or antihistamines or recommend you see an allergist for further assistance.
2. Contact lenses
Contact lenses can dry out your eyes, causing them to become itchy and red. The simplest solution is replacing them with glasses. Soft lenses are made from plastic mixed with water, which allows oxygen to pass through the lens into your eye. Simply switching to a different lens or wearing contacts less often may relieve some of your symptoms.
3. Eyestrain
Bloodshot eyes may be due to eyestrain. Glance away from the computer screen frequently. We can prescribe special glasses to use with the computer. Outside, UV rays from sunlight can damage your eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV protection whenever you’re outside during the day. And, don’t forget to blink often to moisturize your eyes.
4. Medical conditions
Conditions, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, cause dry eyes. Dandruff can also produce blepharitis, inflaming your eyelids, prompting redness and itching.
Dr. Patel and our team examine your eyes for these conditions and others to devise the proper treatment of red, itchy eyes.
How to ease eye problems at home
If you’re experiencing extensive redness or irritation, It’s important we examine your eyes. There are also things you can do at home in the meantime.
- Apply cold compresses to your eyes. Use chamomile tea bags or cold cucumbers to enhance healing.
- Consume omega-3’s from fatty fish and other sources to help lubricate your eyes and reduce inflammation.
- Soak cotton pads in rose water and place them on your eyelids to chase away redness.
Check with our doctors to discover whether the redness and itching is due to a virus, bacterial infection, allergy or other issue.
Relief is on the way
The answer may simply entail a slight change in lifestyle, such as switching from contacts to glasses or applying special drops as needed. We can also see if an infection is the culprit. If you’re suffering from dry, itchy eyes or simply desire to schedule your yearly exam, call us or book an appointment online with Classic Vision Care today.
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