Are your eyes constantly itchy and irritated? Do you find yourself rubbing your eyes to try to relieve the itchiness? Itchy eyes can be incredibly annoying and distracting, affecting your quality of life. While there can be many underlying causes, one common reason for itchy eyes is dry eye. In this blog post, we’ll discuss this condition, its symptoms and causes, and how you can find relief.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes are no longer able to make enough tears, or when your tears evaporate too quickly. It’s very common, especially in people over 50 and those who spend a lot of time staring at screens or wearing contact lenses. Dry eye can be uncomfortable or even painful, causing itchiness, stinging, and the feeling like something’s stuck in your eye. And in severe cases, it can damage your cornea and lead to scarring and vision loss if left untreated.
Causes of dry eye
Dry eye can have many causes, including aging, environmental factors like air conditioning or pollution, medications, and medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Additionally, women tend to develop dry eye more than men due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause and from taking birth control.
Managing dry eye symptoms
Fortunately, there are many effective dry eye treatments available. Following a few simple steps can also help relieve your symptoms and prevent dry eye. For example, you can take breaks from screens, avoid sitting in front of air conditioning vents, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and increase the humidity in your home by using a humidifier. You can also try over-the-counter eye drops designed for dry eye or try to blink more frequently. If at-home remedies aren’t relieving your discomfort, an eye doctor can help you find the best course of treatment for your condition.
When to see an eye doctor
If you’re dealing with persistently itchy eyes or severe dry eye symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor. There could be underlying causes that require treatment. At Omaha Primary EyeCare, our team of eye doctors can diagnose and treat dry eye and a range of other eye conditions. After a thorough eye exam, we’ll recommend the most suitable treatment, which may include prescription medications, light therapy, or a deep cleaning of your eyelids and eyelashes.
Don’t let dry, itchy eyes interfere with your daily life. By following a few simple steps and visiting an eye doctor, you can manage your symptoms and find relief. Let Omaha Primary EyeCare help you find the treatment you need. Schedule an appointment with us today at our office in Elkhorn, Nebraska.
