Itchy Eyes -- Its Causes And Treatment

Itchy eyes - Causes And Treatment Your eyes are light of the body -- meaning that eyes are very special organ of the body that should be well cared for. Itchy eyes is the scratching of the eyes which may be caused by allergens, infections and others. When eyes are itchy, they may be redish in colour due to its inflammation. --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: - ulcers - scarring - cataracts keratoconus, where the cornea thins and causes a cone-shaped bulge to develop corneal 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: - pollen - mold - grass - weeds - pet dander - dust - dust mites - irritating substances, such as makeup, lotion, or contact lens solution 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 it applying cool or warm compresses maintaining good eye hygiene stopping using contact lenses or using a different type regulating air temperature and moisture using of artificial tears cleaning the eye with a saltwater solution taking antibiotics or other medications using over-the-counter decongestants combining decongestants and antihistamines applying medication to the eyes to increase tear production using oral or nasal antihistamines and mast-cell stabilizers having 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.