Search results
People also ask
What is eye irritation?
Why do my eyes irritate a lot?
What should I do if my eyes are irritated?
How do I know if my eyes are irritated?
Jan 13, 2023 · Eye irritation is a term for eye discomfort, itchiness or dryness. It has a variety of causes, ranging from mild to serious. Eye irritation usually gets better quickly with at-home remedies and over-the-counter eye drops.
- Allergies. Eye allergies happen when something that you’re allergic to, called an allergen, disturbs the membranes of your eye. There are many things that can cause eye allergies, including pollen, dust mites, molds, and pet dander.
- Irritants. Accidental exposure to things such as smoke, dust particles, or chemical vapors can also cause eye irritation. In addition to being red or watery after exposure, your eyes may also have a grainy feeling.
- Foreign objects. Foreign objects can get into your eyes and cause irritation. These objects can be small things such as a stray eyelash or something larger, such as a piece of glass.
- Digital eye strain. Sometimes you may feel eye irritation when you’ve been using your computer, phone, or tablet for an extended period of time. This is referred to as “digital eye strain” or “computer vision syndrome.”
- 4 min
- Environmental Irritants. Chemicals and environmental pollution can irritate your eyes. These eye irritants can also make you feel like there’s grit or debris stuck in your eye.
- Eye Allergies. Seasonal allergies and sensitivities to certain substances can cause your eyes to feel irritated. Signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye) include
- Foreign Objects. A foreign object stuck in the eye can cause irritation, redness, and sensitivity to light. Common examples include sand, sawdust, or a stray eyelash.
- Computer Vision Syndrome. Blue light from computer screens and other digital devices can irritate your eyes over time. Other symptoms of computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain include
- Dry Eye Syndrome. Eye irritation is commonly caused by dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome happens when the tear glands do not make the right amount of tears or make low-quality tears.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Irritation in the eyes can also be caused by infections. Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as "pink eye," is inflammation of the clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye (conjunctiva).
- Eye Allergies. If you tend to have eye irritation at certain times of the year, allergies could be to blame. Many people with eye irritation have seasonal eye allergies.
- Blepharitis. Eye irritation can also be caused by specific eye disorders. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid. It commonly causes red, crusty eyelids in kids and adults.
Uveitis, also known as iritis, is a rare condition that causes inflammation inside part of your eye. It's important to get it treated early to avoid long-term complications such as vision loss and blindness. It usually gets better quickly with treatment but can come back over time.
Nov 8, 2022 · Are your eyes feeling irritated? Learn more about the common causes of eye irritation and what to do about it at WebMD.
Health A to Z. Red eye. A red eye is usually nothing to worry about and often gets better on its own. But sometimes it can be serious and you'll need to get medical help. Common causes of a red eye. Lots of different things can cause a red eye. Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing it. What to do if you have a red eye.
