Few things are more distracting than irritated eyes. Whether they feel gritty, watery or just plain uncomfortable, eye irritation is one of the most common reasons people visit their eye doctor. The tricky part is that irritation can come from many different causes, and knowing the difference helps you decide when to reach for artificial tears and when to book an appointment.
One of the most common culprits is allergies. Seasonal triggers like pollen, dust or pet dander can leave eyes red, itchy and watery. This reaction happens when your body releases histamines, which make your eyes feel inflamed and uncomfortable. While over-the-counter antihistamine drops can bring temporary relief, ongoing or severe symptoms should be evaluated by an eye doctor to rule out other conditions.
Dry eye is another frequent cause of irritation. This happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Screen time, aging, contact lens wear and even certain medications can all play a role. Dry eyes often feel scratchy or gritty, and some people notice their vision fluctuating throughout the day. Artificial tears may help, but a comprehensive eye exam can pinpoint the underlying cause and determine the best treatment to restore lasting comfort.
Infections are also a possibility. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, can be viral, bacterial or allergic. Viral conjunctivitis often causes watery discharge and spreads easily, while bacterial conjunctivitis produces thicker, yellowish discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together. Because pink eye is highly contagious and sometimes requires prescription medication, it’s important to see your eye doctor rather than trying to manage it on your own.
Another common source of irritation is blepharitis, a condition where the eyelid margins become inflamed due to clogged oil glands. Symptoms include burning, itching and flakes around the eyelashes that can be mistaken for dandruff. Warm compresses and gentle eyelid scrubs can improve comfort, but in persistent cases, prescription treatment may be necessary to control inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
While occasional redness or dryness is common, ongoing or severe irritation should not be ignored. If you notice significant discomfort, changes in vision or symptoms that do not improve with basic care, it’s time to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. Early diagnosis not only relieves uncomfortable symptoms but also helps protect your long-term eye health.
If eye irritation has been bothering you, help is just a phone call away. Contact Arizona Eye Specialists at 602-254-7255 or visit WEBSITE to schedule your appointment and find lasting relief.