Ah, spring. The season of lush green grass, blooming flowers . . . and red, itchy eyes? If you’re one of the many people who ask “Why do my eyes itch?” when spring rolls around, this post is for you.
Why Do My Eyes Itch?
Do you ever have red, itchy eyes? How about puffy eyelids? Do your eyes water excessively, or sometimes feel like they’re burning? If so, you’re probably wondering what’s going on – and how to make it stop!
Understanding the cause of itchy eyes is key to finding relief. More often than not, itchy eyes are a symptom of eye irritation from allergies. If your eyes are puffy and red and there’s no other medical explanation, odds are good that one of these allergens is the culprit:
- Common seasonal allergies, like pollen
- Pet dander or animal hair and waste
- Allergies or sensitivities to make-up, lotions, or other facial products
- Mold, dust, smoke, or other irritants
If you’re experiencing regular eye irritation and you aren’t sure which of these things may be causing it, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with an allergist. They can conduct an allergy test to help you determine the cause of the problem, as well as rule out anything that actually isn’t an issue.
It’s also important to note that while itchiness and irritation aren’t usually a sign of a serious eye problem, they aren’t necessarily something you want to ignore. If you’re regularly experiencing any form of eye irritation, talk to your eye doctor to make sure you aren’t overlooking a more serious problem.
What Can I Do About My Itchy Eyes?
Once you know what is causing your eye irritation, it’s time to find some solutions. Since eye irritants tend to come from your environment, being proactive about allergens is key:
- Don’t rub your eyes! We know it’s tempting, but it only introduces more of the allergen that is irritating you to the surface of your eye. Rubbing your eyes too much can also cause eye infections. If you need relief, try a cold compress or eye drops.
- Be sure you’re treating your allergies regularly. Over-the-counter antihistamines can provide relief, as can allergy shots and other longer-term treatments. The better control you have over your allergy symptoms, the less your eyes will be irritated.
- Avoid and remove allergens from your immediate environment whenever possible. Keep your windows closed in your car or at home, and consider wearing sunglasses if you don’t already. Shower at least once a day so pollen and other allergens don’t build up on your skin. Be sure to keep your home as dust-free as possible, and change bedsheets regularly to avoid the build-up of pollen and dust mites.
- If you wear contacts, be sure to clean them regularly and change them as prescribed. Ask your eye doctor if you should change them more regularly during allergen season.
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Why do my eyes itch? Odds are good that it’s because of allergies. However, it’s always a smart idea to make an appointment with your eye doctor if you’re having any kind of eye issues. So, don’t take our word for it! Instead, schedule an appointment with the experts at Heffington’s so that you can get the care you need.
Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an email to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!