Itchy Eyes

Itchy eyes - Causes & treatment



Itchy eyes, also referred to as ocular pruritis, affect many people and are a common reason for visiting the ophthalmologist. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies and infection.

Causes

Certain medical conditions can cause itchy eyes, as well as other accompanying symptoms. Some conditions may include:

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis

This is the Inflammation of the cornea and the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the front of the eye). This is a condition in which a person is genetically predisposed to an abnormal allergic reaction to a specific allergen. People with this medical condition produce higher than average levels of antibodies, and these may affect them all year round.

If the condition is not treated, the following symptoms may occur:

ulcersscarringcataractskeratoconus, where the cornea thins and causes a cone-shaped bulge to developcorneal vascularization, where blood vessels grow into the cornea

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)

This is another condition where the membrane that covers the front of the eye becomes inflamed. The condition affects young boys most often and people with VKC typically present with raised, hard, cobblestone-like bumps on the upper eyelid.

Although commonly a seasonal condition, there are some people who experience VKC all year round. Some individuals who experience severe VKC may go on to develop corneal ulcers and scarring.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the inner membrane covering the eye is irritated by an allergen. Some common causes of this allergic reaction include:

pollenmoldgrassweedspet danderdustdust mitesirritating substances, such as makeup, lotion, or contact lens solution

Atopic dermatitis

A form of eczema, this condition results in patches of dry and scaly skin. It can be irritating to the skin surrounding the eye, as well as other parts of the body.

Dry eye syndrome

When the eye lacks moisture and lubrication, dry eyes can ensue. The eyes are less protected and more sensitive to dust or other airborne particles. This condition can lead to inflammation and scarring.

Meibomian gland dysfunction

The Meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelids and are responsible for oil secretion. When these glands are blocked or develop abnormally, tears produced by the eyes will not contain enough of the oil needed to maintain moisture.

Blepharitis

This is a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids in response to antigens produced by the staphylococcal bacteria and possibly eyelid mites.

Contact lens-induced conjunctivitis

Contact lens wearers may at times experience an infection from contact lens use. At times, the cornea can be damaged and become scarred.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis

This eye condition is often related to an allergic reaction of some sort and may present as large bumps under the eyelids.

Causes include:

VKCatopic keratoconjunctivitiscontact lens useartificial eye useexposed sutures

Infectious conjunctivitis

The eyes are not immune to bacterial and viral infections. Some of the common bacteria found in infectious conjunctivitis include:

N. gonorrhoeaeNeisseria meningitidesStreptococcus pneumoniaeHaemophilus influenzaStaphylococcus aureusChlamydia trachomatis

Viral infections are fairly common and can be caused by the adenovirus, herpes simplex and herpes zoster.

Other causes

At times, certain medications can cause eye problems and side effects like dry eye. These medications include:

birth control pillscertain antibiotics such as penicillinover-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophendecongestants including antihistaminesbeta-blockersantidepressantsartificial tearssome acne medications

Treatments

Treatment options for itchy eyes will depend on the cause. Options may include certain treatments and recommendations, such as:

identifying the cause and avoiding itapplying cool or warm compressesmaintaining good eye hygienestopping using contact lenses or using a different typeregulating air temperature and moistureusing of artificial tearscleaning the eye with a saltwater solutiontaking antibiotics or other medicationsusing over-the-counter decongestantscombining decongestants and antihistaminesapplying medication to the eyes to increase tear productionusing oral or nasal antihistamines and mast-cell stabilizershaving steroid injections above the upper eyelid

A healthcare provider will discuss recommended treatments based on the condition being treated and the individual's medical history.