Itchy eyes (ocular pruritus) is a common medical condition that many people experience. The causes of itchy eyes range from allergies triggered by dust and animal dander to infections.

Almost everyone, both children and adults, has experienced it. Most of them also usually reflex by rubbing their eyes. In fact, this action can make the eyes feel sore and irritated.

Proper treatment is needed to overcome the problem of itchy eyes. You can overcome this by using eye drops, eye compresses, or taking allergy medicine.

Causes of itchy eyes

Knowing why your eyes often itch can help you find the right treatment for it. Here are the common causes of itchy eyes.

Staring at the screen for too long

In the midst of rapid technological advances like today, humans tend to be inseparable from their gadgets.

Staring at a phone or computer screen for a long time can strain your eyes, causing red and itchy eyes.

In addition, reading in poor lighting can also cause itching or discomfort in the eyes.

Using contact lenses

Wearing contact lenses for too long, not cleaning them properly, or not changing them regularly, can irritate the eyes. This can make the eyes red and itchy.

In severe cases, the eyes can also experience swelling to the point of impaired vision.

Allergies

Most cases of itchy eyes are caused by some type of allergy.

Various allergens, such as pollen, dust, and animal dander, cause the release of histamine compounds in the tissues around the eyes, causing allergic reactions, including itching, redness, and swelling of the eyes.

Allergies can occur in certain seasons or throughout the year.

To find out whether you have allergies or not, you can do an allergy test. In this test, a small amount of the allergen is injected under the skin to see if the reaction occurs.

Allergy testing is safe for most children and adults. However, make sure this test is done by an allergist or immunologist.

Causes of Itchy Eyes Air irritation

Some people are very sensitive to airborne irritants, such as pollution (burning fumes, exhaust, factory chimneys) or even certain perfumes.

So, exposure to irritants in the eyes can cause itchy, sore, watery, or red eyes.

Sand grains that get into the eyes can also cause irritation. In severe cases, eye irritation can result in blurred vision or loss of vision.

Causes of Itchy Eyes Infection

The eyes are susceptible to viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. All of these infections can cause itchy and watery eyes.

One of the most common eye infections is conjunctivitis. In addition to making the eyes itchy, inflammation of the conjunctiva also makes the whites of the eyes turn pink. This eye disease is very contagious.

Another eye infection that may occur is uveitis or inflammation of the eye’s rainbow membrane (iris).

Apart from itching, this condition can also cause eye pain and extreme sensitivity to light.