Itchy Eyes

Itchy eyes can occur because of strain due to overuse, to dryness, over exposure to sun, chlorine, dust, and can be symptomatic of allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis comes in two forms. One is Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis, typically occurring in the spring and fall, this occurs due to the addition of grass and pollen allergens in the air.

The second type is Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis that happens due to a year long exposure to mold dust, pet dander, or pet hair allergens.

If you have itching, pain, and or redness and swelling around just one eye you might have a very serious infection known as periorbital cellulitis. If you or your child has eye symptoms around just one eye you should see your health care provider right away.

Periorbital cellulitis can lead to an infection entering the brain. It is typically common in children under the age of 6, but can occur at any age.

Natural Remedy for Itchy Eyes:

Natural Cold Compresses:

A cold compress for your eyes can help sooth the irritation and reduce redness and swelling. The compress can be made from several different things, including:

  • A damp wash cloth wrapped around a small ice bag.
  • Cold cucumber slices.
  • Chamomile tea bags that have been put in boiling water for a minute and then chilled.
  • You can make compresses from cotton balls that you’ve soaked in either green or black tea. You can soak several in the tea and keep in a baggie in the refrigerator. Place the cotton balls on your eyes three or four times and day.

To use the compresses, lie down and close your eyes. Put the selected items on your eyes and rest for at least fifteen minutes. It's best to do this when you have no makeup on the eyes.

Natural Eye Wash Solutions:

There are several options for home made eye washes. When you are making natural eye washes it is critical to use distilled water, let the solution get cold before using it, and that you keep the unused portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The eye wash can be used for only two days before it must be thrown away to prevent bacteria growth.

See if one of these helps you in the treatment of itchy eyes.

  • Make a natural eye wash by boiling a cup of distilled water with one teaspoon of salt. Make sure the salt dissolves completely. Then let it cool and flush the eyes to ease pain and itching.
  • A second eyewash recipe can be made by boiling two green tea bags in one cup of distilled water and then cooling completely. Use this solution up to twice a day to flush the eyes.

Rest Your Eyes:

If you have itchy eyes, make sure you take regular breaks from activities that can cause eye strain. It is important to allow your eyes to rest in order for them to naturally replenish moisture and produce tears.

Activities that might strain the eyes include driving, playing hand held video games, working on the computer or playing games, watching TV or playing video games.

Take Care of Your Eyes:

Besides getting enough rest and avoiding strain, it is important to take care of your eyes in many ways if they are itchy. Start with sleeping on a clean mattress and change your pillow case often. If your eyes are bothering you, avoid using eye makeup.

If you have an infection, you will need to throw away any eye makeup brushes, mascara, or anything that was used before the infection was diagnosed. Any thing that comes in contact with the eye that is used before and during an eye infection should be thrown away and new items bought after the infection has passed.

You might consider using artificial stuffing in your pillows rather than down or feathers. If you have even a slight allergy to down and feathers you can develop itching eyes or conjunctivitis.

Avoid hair and skin products if you can as the solutions can sometimes get in your eyes. Wash your hands often and try to avoid touching your eyes.