We have all experienced the need to rub our eyes. This feeling sometimes feels good, especially when you feel itchy. However, this habit can cause wrinkles and reddening of the eyes even more, among other factors. Despite the source of irritation, whether allergies or seasonal shifts, itchy eyes can ruin a well-planned day. It is essential to know the cause of your condition before looking for available remedies.
One of the primary reasons causing discomfort in the eyes comes from an uncontrollable element – the weather. According to Healthline, approximately ten to thirty percent of the global population is affected by allergies caused by the weather. When dryness and itchiness of your eyes are accompanied by other allergy symptoms such as a running nose and sneezing, you can thank the body for eye irritation. Histamine has an essential function as an itching mediator. It creates inflammation that directly affects your eyes. The remedy for this condition is purchasing OTC antihistamine medication. Also, you can stay indoors when the pollen count is significantly higher than usual.
Another reason for eye discomfort is spending most of your time looking at the TV and using gadgets such as tablets and mobile phones. According to Healthline, when your eyes are overly focused on something specific for a long, your eyes are strained. Some of the situations causing eye irritation include forcing your eyes to stay open when they want to close, staring at a TV or computer screen for long, and reading in dim light. Experts recommend taking care of your eye health by taking breaks and closing the eyes when necessary.
Most people mistake eye discomfort for an infection. The symptoms, however, are much different. For example, a report from the Cleveland Clinic says that infections present more signs and symptoms than allergies. Symptoms such as feeling a coarse sensation in the eyes, being sensitive to light, and discharging mucus can indicate a more severe problem. When you notice that you have developed more symptoms other than feeling mild discomfort, consult a health professional immediately.
To reduce the risk of getting an infection, ensure that you maintain good hygiene by keeping your hands clean always and replacing or cleaning makeup brushes. It is essential to be careful of what you bring close to your eyes since fungi and bacteria can live on such objects.
Apart from complicated problems like infections, eye discomfort can be caused by daily life experiences like wearing contact lenses. When contacts stay in the eye for long, it can cause dryness and discomfort. It is vital to keep them clean always. Other causes of irritation include smoke or dust. Ensure that you maintain body hygiene and acquire eye drops for emergencies.
Does squinting affect our eyes adversely?
When we were young, most of us have been told by adults to stop squinting our eyes. It was a common misconception, according to doctors. Dr. Jay Pepose, a qualified ophthalmologist at Pepose Vision Institute, says that squinting cannot make an eye problem worse. He adds that people squint to bring things either far away or close into better focus. However, this shows that you already have an eye problem and may need glasses. You need to book an eye examination if you notice you might be squinting a lot.
When to see your doctor?
While squinting is a normal and unharmful habit, it is not a long-term remedy for eye irritation. It may help you to see better at that moment, but you may still have the problem in the long term. Going for regular eye checks even when not experiencing any eye discomfort is essential in detecting and preventing potential eye problems. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends eye exams for children above the age of three throughout their lifetime. Regular exams are essential in the early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts.