Itchy-eyes is a condition we commonly face in our lives. The medical term for itchy eyes is ocular pruritus. It is really normal but can become serious for vision if not treated properly on time.
What Causes Itchy Eyes?
Itchy eyes are mostly caused by allergies that can be due to pollen or animal dander. When allergens enter the eyes, they produce histamines in the tissue around the eye resulting in itchiness, redness and swelling. There are many other reasons of itchy eyes. Let’s start understanding them along with allergy.
1. Environmental or Food Allergy
Usually, red itchy eyes are a symptom of eye allergy. If you have touched an allergen and then touch your eyes with the same hand it may lead to redness and itching. If it is happening regularly, you are most likely in an allergic environment. Sometimes it happens due to allergens which are seasonal and the reaction is seen seasonally every year. Your allergy can also occur near a particular animal due to animal dander – tiny particles of skin or hair that these animals shed and which impact people who’re allergic to these particles.
2. Irritating Products
Some skin care products lead to contact dermatitis with irritation and itching of the skin. It’s a delayed reaction mostly caused due to certain cosmetic products or even certain jewellery items. Sometimes these skin irritants also irritate the eye.
3. Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes don’t get enough tears to nourish and lubricate it. It is a common issue and can become chronic among adults. Chronic dry eye can also cause eye burning, itching watery eyes with blurred vision.
4. Eyelids Inflammation
The medical term for eyelid information is Blepharitis and is caused due to staph bacteria on skin, dandruff and skin conditions like rosacea. Blepharitis makes eyes itchy, dry and teary eyes.
5. Digital Eye Strain
Due to our ever growing screen time, our eyes suffer from stress and feels itchiness. Digital eye strain can also cause headaches, fatigue, and difficulty in focusing and also impacts the long term vision.
6. Contact Lenses
If you use contact lenses daily it can cause itchy eyes due to many reasons. It can increase the risk of developing dry eyes. Some allergens can also collect on the lenses leading to itchy eyes.
7. Something In The Eye
If a foreign particle enters the eye it causes itching, irritation, and pain in the eyes. If something makes a way to your eye, wash it with water but don’t scratch or rub it, as scratching can increase the risks of infection and can also lead to corneal scarring.
8. Pink Eyes
Red or pink eyes are medical conditions arising out of several reasons in your eye, including bacterial infection. It can lead to itchiness in the eyes as well. You can also see some discharge coming out of the eye.
How To Treat Itchy Eyes At Home?
1. Rosewater
What You Will Need
- Rosewater
- Two cotton balls
What To Do
- Soak the cotton ball in rose water.
- Squeeze the excess water and place them on your eyes.
- Remove them 15-20 minutes.
How Often To Do
Do it 2-3 times a day.
Why This Works
Rose water is a natural cure for itchy eyes. Astringent properties of rose water help in relieving the swelling and inflammation. It also helps in the reduction of itchiness because of its soothing effect.
2. Aloe Vera Juice
What You Will Need
- Unsweetened aloe vera juice
- Cotton balls
What To Do
- Blend aloe vera juice and put it into a refrigerator for half an hour.
- Soak two cotton balls in it and place the balls over your eyes.
- Remove them after 15 minutes.
How Often To Do
You can do this multiple times a day.
Why This Works
Presence of phytonutrients in aloe vera contributes to its soothing and inflammatory properties that relieve us from itchy eyes.
3. Castor Oil
What You Will Need
- Organic castor oil
- Two cotton balls
What To Do
- Dip the cotton balls in the oil.
- Remove the excess oil and put them on shut eyes.
- Leave them for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cotton balls and rinse the eyes with water.
How Often To Do
You can do it one to two times a day.
Why This Works
Anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil help in treating itchy eyes. It is also a great emollient that keeps the eyes nourished and prevents further infection.
4. Potato
What You Will Need
- A raw potato
What To Do
- Refrigerate a raw potato.
- Cut the potato in slices and put 1 slice on each shut-eye.
- Leave them for 15 minutes.
- Remove the slices.
How Often To Do
Do it two to three times a day.
Why This Works
Anti-inflammatory properties of glycoalkaloids present in potato help in reducing itching and redness of eyes. And provides natural relief from itchy eyes.
5. Honey
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon organic honey.
What To Do
- Take honey and apply it under the eyelids.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
How Often To Do
Use this remedy two times a day.
Why This Works
Honey is another natural effective home remedy for itchy eyes. Anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of honey help in relieving the condition of itchy eyes. It also reduces inflammation caused by allergies.
6. Tea Tree Oil
What You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of tea tree oil.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
What To Do
- Mix tea tree oil and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Apply it around the eyes.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
How Often To Do
Do it two times a day.
Why This Works
Anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil relieve from itchy eyes and also prevents further infections.
7. Witch Hazel
What You Will Need
- Witch hazel extract
- Cotton pads
What To Do
- Soak the cotton ball in witch hazel.
- Place them over closed eyelids.
- Remove them after 10 to 15 minutes.
How Often To Do
Apply this twice a day
Why This Works
Anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of hazel relieve from itching and swelling of eyes.
8. Water
What You Will Need
- Clean water
What To Do
- Wash your eyes with water whenever you feel itching.
How Often To Do
Do it two to three times a day.
Why This Works
Water instantly cleans your eyes and provides relief from irritation.
9. Cold Milk
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon cold milk
- 2 cotton balls
What To Do
- Soak the cotton balls in milk.
- Put it on the eyes after closing them.
- Remove it after 30 minutes.
How Often To Do
Do it two to three times a day.
Why This Works
Milk acts as a compress and relieves from itching and redness.
10. Cold Compress
What You Will Need
- An ice pack
What To Do
- Take an ice pack and put it on the eyes.
- Leave it on for one to two minutes.
How Often To Do
Repeat it two to three times a day.
Why This Works
An ice pack is a really great home remedy to cure itchy eyes. It helps in relieving inflammation and itching.
Also Read:
Skin Allergies and Rashes – Causes, Symptoms and Effective Home Remedies
Dermatitis – Types, Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies
