Aches, pains, and minor issues are common from time to time. Severe symptoms warrant a doctor’s visit, but it’s tough to know when a minor issue is cause for concern. For instance, broken bones require attention, yet bruises and small cuts often heal on their own. Similarly, many things can cause itchy eyes, and not all of them require treatment. It’s vital to know when itchy eyes aren’t just a minor symptom, though. 

What Are Itchy Eyes? 

Chronic itchy eyes are also known as ocular pruritis. Many people get the urge to rub or scratch their eyes for different reasons. It’s often a minor issue, but sometimes itchy eyes will come with other symptoms. These may include dryness, redness, a burning feeling, discharges, sneezing, and a runny nose. If they persist for more than a few hours, this may signal an allergy or infection. 

What Causes Itchy Eyes? 

Knowing the causes is the first step towards getting relief from itchy eyes. However, the sources of this symptom can vary widely. Itchy eyes are avoidable in some cases, though not always. There are many factors to consider, but here are some of the most common causes of itchy eyes.

1. Keratitis 

This refers to inflammation of the cornea, a membrane that covers the front of your eye. It can be caused by contact lenses, bacteria, or genetics. Keratitis often requires treatment, as it can result in conditions like cataracts, scarring, and vision loss. 

2. Conjunctivitis 

This is better known as “pink eye.” It’s a common condition that almost always presents with red, itchy eyes. Pink eye results from allergies, viruses, bacteria, or chemicals. This condition runs its course in a matter of days and doesn’t always require treatment. 

3. Medication Side Effects

Sometimes itchy eyes can be a simple side effect of medication. They may occur with birth control pills, some antibiotics, beta blockers, antihistamines, and some antidepressants. 

4. Allergies

Many times, the answer to itchy eyes lies in seasonal allergies. Common causes of allergies are smoke, pollen, mold, grass, dust mites, and pet dander. However, substances applied near the eye like makeup, lotion, or contact lens solution could also be the culprit. 

When to Visit Your Doctor 

For many people, symptoms may be minor and not require medical attention. However, there are some situations where you should seek help to get relief from itchy eyes. 

1. Persistent Symptoms 

Itchy eyes should go away on their own, but sometimes the body isn’t producing tears properly. If you have more than minor itching, or a gritty feeling in your eye, call your doctor. Long-term symptoms may indicate a severe underlying condition. 

2. Fluid Discharges

While some discharge is normal at night, a rapid change in the amount isn’t good. Discharge of an unusual color may be caused by an infection and warrants a trip to the doctor. 

3. Long-term Redness

If your eyes are red and itchy, there’s a chance you may have conjunctivitis. If the symptoms persist for more than a week, you might want to get them checked out. Whether the cause is viral or bacterial, your doctor can provide solutions to get relief from itchy eyes. 

4. Vision Changes

Itchy eyes shouldn’t affect your vision. If you have vision problems during the onset of itchiness, contact your eye doctor right away. This could indicate an injury to your eye that could lead to long-term damage if left untreated. 

5. You Need Relief

This is a simple reason to call a doctor, but many people choose to tough it out. If your eyes affect your quality of life, schedule an appointment to explore some solutions. 

Minor health issues are a fact of life. Not every symptom requires medical treatment, but knowing when to see a doctor is important. Ignoring even minor symptoms may lead to major consequences down the road. Regular eye exams are one great way to stay on top of your health. If you have questions about symptoms like redness or itchy eyes, contact us for more information. We’ll help you to decide the best course of action moving forward.