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 optometrists, Dr. Mital Patel, OD, and Dr. Sela Hothersall, OD, at Classic Vision Care in Kennesaw and East Cobb / 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 contact 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 a clean, cold compress to your closed eyes.
- Consume omega-3’s from fatty fish and other sources to help lubricate your eyes and reduce inflammation.
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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What causes red, itchy eyes, and when should you see an eye doctor?
Itchy red eyes usually come from a short list of causes. Allergies, irritated eyelids, dry eye, and contact lens problems lead the list. Infections can look similar, so finding the cause of red, itchy eyes matters more than treating the redness.
Allergies are the classic cause of itchy red eyes. Eye allergies cause red, swollen, or itchy eyes, often with burning, tearing, and light sensitivity [1]. Common triggers include pollen from grass, trees, and ragweed, plus dust, pet dander, mold, and smoke [1]. Preservatives in some eye drops can also trigger a reaction [1]. Eye allergies are not contagious [1]. In Cobb County, spring tree pollen and fall ragweed can stretch red, itchy eye season across much of the year.
Eyelid inflammation is another common cause. Blepharitis inflames the eyelid edges, which leads to red, itchy, crusty lids. It is very common in people with oily skin, dandruff, or rosacea [3]. An overgrowth of tiny eyelash mites can play a role [3].
Infection needs a different plan. Viruses and bacteria can also cause red, itchy eyes. An eye doctor can check whether you have an eye infection or an allergy [1].
Safe steps at home until your visit. Avoid rubbing your eyes, which only adds irritation and swelling [1]. A clean, cold compress and artificial tears can ease inflammation and dryness [2]. If pollen or pet dander is the trigger, limiting exposure usually helps [2]. Do not put tea bags, cucumber slices, rose water, or other kitchen remedies on your eyes.
Contact lens wearers: take your lenses out. If your eyes turn red and itchy, stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor says it is okay [2]. Bring your lenses or their packaging to the visit.
When red, itchy eyes need care soon. See an eye doctor if redness comes with eye pain or light sensitivity [2]. Also go if blurred vision does not clear when discharge is wiped away [2]. Intense redness, a weakened immune system, or symptoms that get worse also need a visit [2]. At our offices, eye pain is a same-day concern.
Red eye care in Kennesaw and East Cobb. Dr. Mital Patel, OD, and Dr. Sela Hothersall, OD, see red, itchy eyes as a medical eye visit at both offices. One exam checks for allergy, infection, eyelid disease, and dry eye. If dry eye is part of the picture, a dry eye evaluation can start at either office. Call the office nearest you or book online.
Related reading: eye allergies, eye infections, dry eye evaluation and treatment, which eye visits are same-day.
