your family's eye care

Most Common Reasons For Itchy Eyes

Do you find you often have itchy eyes? If you suffer from itchy eyes, you'll want to learn about the common causes so you can take preventative measures to avoid itchy and irritated eyes in the future. This article will go over some of the most common reasons many people find they get itchy eyes.

Itchy eyes with pain, light sensitivity, redness and drainage

If you have itchy, red, painful eyes that are also accompanied by light sensitivity and a discharge, then there is a good chance that you have a condition called conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is commonly referred to as pink eye.

There are a few different types of pink eye. Allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by allergens, such as pollen or something else you are allergic to. This type of pink eye generally occurs in both eyes at the same time.

Viral conjunctivitis can come with a virus you have caught. The condition is most common with viruses that also cause sore throats or upper respiratory infections. This type of pink eye can be very easily transmitted from one person to another. It can happen in one eye or in both eyes.

Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs when bacteria get in your eye and causes an infection. This type of pink eye can also develop in one eye or in both.

Depending on the type of pink eye you have, you may be prescribed antibiotics that come in the form of oral medications or eye drops to be put directly in your eyes.

 Itchy eyes accompanied by redness and dryness

If you have itchy eyes that appear bloodshot and also feel dry, they may be irritated from being tired. If you have been looking at something, such as a computer screen or a book for a long period of time, they can feel this way. In this case, giving them a break and using some moisturizing eye drops would be the best thing to do.

Itchy eye with the development of a small bump

If your eye itches and you notice a small bump appear on your inner eyelid, then this indicates you have a stye in your eye. A stye is an abscess that gets filled with puss. They are generally caused by a bacterial infection in your eye. They generally go away on their own. You want to seek treatment if they don't go away, affect your vision or if you have a fever.

If you are concerned about your itchy eyes and have been unable to treat them on your own, your optometrist can help. To find out more, speak with a business like Beyond Vision in Millwoods.