Common Causes Of Eye Irritation That You Might Not Know

Eyes are  the windows to your soul. Any irritation or discomfort experienced in this area greatly affects your day-to-day functioning. Sometimes they itch, sometimes they pain. Your eyes may excessively blink or twitch depending on various factors. Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons behind such irritation.

Dry eyes due to stress, fatigue, and age

A person experiencing eye discomfort, Credit: Pixabay

Somedays you may feel your left eye blinking more than your right eye. On other days, the pace of your right eye blinking may be more than usual. Increased stress, lack of rest, too much screen time are some of the major contributors of this condition. Nutritional deficiency related to magnesium may also lead to eye irritation.

Older people may also experience frequent left and right eye blinking. This is because of a decrease in tear production that prevents the eyes from being sufficiently lubricated.

Allergens

Woman experiencing eye discomfort, Credit: Pxfuel

Almost ninety percent of eye irritation is caused by common allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Their effect can be seen in the form of itchy and watery eyes. These allergens can cause a significant amount of discomfort in your eyes when you come in direct contact. They are often present in one’s environment.

Eye irritation caused due to such allergens can be reduced to a considerable extent through eye drops available at drugstores. If the discomfort persists, it is better to seek the advice of a specialist.

Common environmental irritants

Watery eyes, Credit: Pxfuel

You may have experienced eye discomfort in the form of watery and red eyes. This is caused when foreign objects like smog, polluted air, and smoke enter into the ocular membrane of your eye. They may cause pain and upon closing, your eyes may even hurt.

Sometimes a prolonged usage of contact lenses can also cause irritation to the eyes. Contact lens wearers should always keep their lenses clean. An unclean lens when worn for a long period of time can cause a burning sensation, watery discharge, and even red eyes in come cases.

Foreign objects permeate into the cornea that protects iris and pupil. In most cases, they are not a cause of much worry. Splashing your eyes with cold water will provide relief. But a prolonged irritation may require a visit to your physician.

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections

Sometimes you feel a strong urge to vigorously rub your eyes. An unusually swollen eyes can also take you by surprise. A steady stream of mucus from your eyes can feel alarming. These symptoms indicate an underlying viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.

Common eye infections are conjunctivitis, keratitis, and stye. These infections don’t stay for  more than two weeks if treated at the right time. Treatments mainly include antifungal medication, and eye drops to counter the discomfort.

Maintaining optimal eye health

Woman with healthy eyes, Credit: pxfuel

There are many causes of eye irritation. Much of the eye discomfort does not require extensive treatment. It can be easily resolved using eye drops, cold water eye rinse, antifungal medication, and the like. Adequate rest, a stress free lifestyle, and limited screen time also contribute to optimal eye health.

However, sometimes, the symptoms stretch for too long. Instead of ignoring, we recommend that you immediately refer to a certified eye specialist.