Red, itchy, irritated eyes are no fun, and depending on the cause behind them, could take more time and effort than just eyedrops to clear up. Determining the cause of your red and irritated eyes is important, that way you can use the most ideal solution to restore optimal eye health. We’re going to look at five common reasons why your eyes may be red and irritated, and which reasons can usually be easily resolved at home, and when you may want to seek professional help regarding the health of your eyes.
- You’ve Got Something in Your Eye.
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most common reasons why our eyes irritated. The best way to deal with this is to remove the foreign object: try not to rub your eyes or use any sharp (like tweezers) or anything with fibers that could make it worse (like cotton swaps) and make sure your hands are clean, so your eye health won’t be compromised by bacteria.
- You’re Allergic to Something.
Allergies are no fun, and they can wreak havoc on eye health. Antihistamines are a great way to combat the eye irritation of an allergic reaction. Sometimes antihistamine eyedrops will do the trick and other times you may need to take an allergy medication to properly quell the symptoms.
- You Wear Contact Lenses.
If you wear contact lenses, you’ve probably experienced red and irritated eyes as a result fairly often. Sometimes the contact lens may be dry or have something stuck on it that can scratch our eyes. If your eyes are dry or itchy, try taking your contacts out and cleaning your lenses with solution. Avoid putting the contacts in until the irritation is gone.
- You Work in Front of a Screen.
By now most of us know that prolonged screen time can irritate and even damage our eye health, but it is often an overlooked cause simply because our jobs may require us to be in front of a computer most of the day. With excess screen time comes eye strain, as the blue light from the screen is harsh on our vision. The best way to help with this is to take time to rest your eyes away from a screen and invest in a quality pair of blue light blocking glasses.
- You Live in a Dry Climate.
Arizona is known for its dry, arid climate, and while that can have many health benefits, it can take a toll on your eye health if you don’t pay attention to it. There are a number of ways you can manage irritated eyes due to dry air: you can use a humidifier in your home, ensure that you always stay hydrated, and use soothing eyedrops when needed.
If you have concerns about your red and irritated eyes or want more direction on the best way to treat them, give us a call at Valley Eyecare Center: 602-955-2700 or by scheduling an appointment online.
