Are your eyes always itchy? Do you dread the spring season? We will dive into some tips and advice for itchy eyes (or ocular allergies) to give you some relief!
Avoiding allergens
If you have itchy eyes or ocular allergies, it is because there is an allergen triggering this itchiness. Some common allergens include dust mites, pollen and animal dander. Implementing strategies to avoid coming into contact with allergens will significantly improve your chances of reducing the frequency of your itchiness.
Some helpful strategies/actions include:
- Washing bed sheets and pillowcases regularly
- Vacuuming regularly
- Installing a HEPA filter or air purifier
- Closing windows when indoors
- Wearing sunglasses when outdoors to act as a physical barrier
Methods of relief
There are many methods of relief but we will go through some that you can try at home.
Cold compresses
Cold compresses involve applying a clean cloth or pad soaked in cold water, or an ice pack wrapped in a towel over your eyes. The cool temperatures help to reduce the redness and relieve the itching of your eyes.
To use a cool compress, soak a clean cloth in cold water and wring out the excess water. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Place this over your closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes. You can do this a few times a day to provide relief throughout the day. If you are using ice, ensure the ice does not contact your skin or eyes directly as this can cause cold burns. Ensure the towel or cloth you use is clean to minimise the chances of infection.
Ocular lubricants
Ocular lubricants can help to provide relief from itching and wash away any allergens that are sitting on the surface of your eye. They can also relieve the dryness or irritation that your eyes may experience. There are many different eye drops on the market, and it is best to consult with your optometrist to determine what is best for you.
Don’t rub your eyes
It can be so tempting to rub your eyes when it itches, but this does not help long-term. Rubbing your eyes excessively can lead to the development of astigmatism and in severe cases, keratoconus.
Seeking further information
Seeking further information from the appropriate health professionals can help you understand and manage your ocular allergies better.
General practitioner
Seeing your general practitioner (GP) for an allergy test can be beneficial, as it can identify what you are allergic to. This will then make it easier to avoid allergens as you will know what to avoid. Your GP can also prescribe medications if required, and provide advice if your allergies also affect other areas of your body other than your eyes.
Optometrist
Your optometrist can perform an eye test to determine the right plan of action to address your symptoms. An eye test is important to ensure there is no other cause of your itchy eye symptoms. Following this, your optometrist can then provide personalised advice on eye drops and home/lifestyle modifications. If required, they can write a prescription for prescription eye drops.
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