Itchy Eyes : Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Many individual tend to suffer from itchy eyes as soon as the allergy season approaches wherein the eyes become irritated and there is a constant itching sensation. This itching may become frustrating and intense and there may be an irresistible urge to scratch and itch.

There are two types of allergic conjunctivitis;

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
- typically happens during the spring and fall and is due to the exposure of certain allergens like grass, pollen, trees and weeds.

Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis
- it happens all year long due to the exposure of household allergens like mold, dust,chemicals, cigarette smoke, pollen, pet dander and pet hair.

Allergic reactions occur when the surface of your eye is exposed to allergens. The reaction triggers the release of histamines which causes itchy eyes, as well as other symptoms like red and watery eyes. Rubbing your itchy eyes is highly discouraged. As you rub your eyes, you release more and more histamines which results in worse symptoms. Also, you can damage, scratch or cause other trauma to the surface of your eye by rubbing the itch.

You can help prevent itchy eyes at home and outdoors with these helpful tips.

At home:
.Vacuum regularly to reduce dust and pet dander and pet hair.
.Keep your windows shut to reduce outdoor allergens.
.Keep your pets out of bedrooms or areas you spend a lot of time in.
.Run your air conditioner to reduce indoor allergens, also keep your air filters and air ducts clean.
.Avoid smoking, especially in rooms with little or no ventilation.

Outdoors:
.Watch the news to check the pollen counts. Pollen counts are the highest between 5am and 10am.
.Dry your clothes in dryer, not outside. Outdoor allergens stick to the fabric of your clothes.
.Avoid or take precautions before doing yard work. Wear face masks, gloves, etc..
.Take a shower after being outside to wash away allergens that have clung to your hair and skin.

If you happen to suffer from the symptoms for an unusually long period or at very frequent intervals, you may need to consult a doctor and ask for proper medical treatment. Meanwhile, you can try out some of the common home remedies that are often used to remedy this condition.

. Apply cool compress on the itchy eye to get some relief. A cold compress is an effective way of getting relief from itchiness.

. Use cucumber juice to wash your eyes – this will also help in reducing the eye irritation significantly.

. Have garlic soup regularly – garlic is known to have immune-boosting qualities and also provides effective relief from common cold.

. Boil slices of ginger in water, let it cool down, and then use the solution as an eye wash.

. Use some rosewater to rinse the eyes with a couple of times a day. Alternately, pouring 4 or 5 drops of rosewater into the inflamed eye is a lot more beneficial than using drops that are medicated.

. A chilled raw potato should either be grated or cut into thin slices and applied on to the eye, for a period of at least 30 minutes, before the eye is washed.

. Refrigerate two bags of chamomile tea and then applying those bags on the eyes.

. Slice some cucumber and keep it in the refrigerator and then apply this on the eyes. Let it stay on the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes or till the time it feels soothing.

. Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Make a paste out of the soaked seeds in the morning and apply it on your eyes. Wash the paste off after twenty minutes. You can apply this paste twice daily.

. Make compresses from cotton balls soaked in green or black tea and place on the eyes. Repeat the procedure three to four times a day.

. Boil one cup of distilled water and one teaspoon of salt. Simmer until salt is completely dissolved. Let it cool completely then flush the eyes with the solution.

. Add dried leaves and flowers of Agrimony to boiled water. Strain the infusion and use it to bathe the eyes, to reduce itchy eyes.

. Rub your hands together and cover your eyes; the warmth coming from the hand palm relaxes eye tissues and gives fast relief from itchy eyes.



~source:naturalallergiescure.com~