There are many things that can cause itchy eyes and the number one cause is allergies. People with allergies may be sensitive to the pollen in the air, pet dander, dust, and mold and can be effected by indoor and outdoor allergies. There is a difference between itchy eyes due to allergies and dry eyes. Dry eye irritation usually does not have the runny nose as those with itchy eyes associated with allergies. Rubbing the itchy eyes can worsen the situation as pollen, dust and pet dander may be on your hands and clothing. Dry eyes has the tendency of being very uncomfortable and may feel as if there is something in the eye causing irritation.
Itchy eyes due to allergies can be triggered through the release of histamines, which causes the red, water eyes. Several ways that you can prevent and control the itchy eyes without going to the doctor are: vacuum on a regular basis to keep pet dander and dust at bay, keep all windows closed so that the outside environment will not affect your allergies, keep the filters in your central air and heat unit clean, do not hang dry your clothes outside as allergens can attach itself to the clothing, try not to rub your eyes as this can worsen your eye condition due to the histamines and
You may first try some OTC (over the counter) medication such as Zaditor eye drops, which contain antihistamines and decongestants. As with any other medication, the eye drops should not be taken any longer than what is prescribed on the bottle, usually 6 weeks. You may want to see your doctor if the itchy eyes gets worse or become unbearable. He may give you a prescription of Allegra, Zyrtec or Claritin to help relieve itchy allergy eyes. These prescription medications work in as little as 20 minutes, but can cause some mild side effects such as drowsiness.
Another reason a person may have itchy eyes is pink eye. Pink eye, which is contagious, is conjunctivitis which is from being exposed to bacteria and/or a virus. Conjunctivitis or pink eye can also be spread by water that is contaminated, touching personal items and even by coughing or sneezing. Pink eye has the symptom of red itchy eyes that are inflamed and may have a burning sensation, itching, stinging, grittiness and sensitivity to the light. Pink eye does not cause any major damage but can be caused by allergies that can enter into the eye causing a red, mucus filled eye. It is very important to wash your hands as the pink eye can be transferred by rubbing of the eyes and touching the other. Other causes of pink eye can be caught by chemicals such as soaps, chlorine, smoke and fumes, and airborne pollutants that can cause allergies. Anyone can catch the pink eye but it is more common in children since they have a more likelihood of catching more colds and upper respiratory infections.
