How do I treat my itchy eyes?

Most eye problems can be treated at home

MOST minor ailments can be eased without rushing to your doctor. Optician Nick Atkins explains how to look after your peepers at home.

CONJUNCTIVITIS

This common condition causes redness and inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye. Symptoms include itchiness and watery eyes and sometimes a sticky coating on the lashes.

It is the result of either a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction or the eye coming into direct contact with substances that irritate the tissue such as shampoo.

Symptoms should clear up within a couple of weeks without treatment but antibiotic eye drops can be used to clear a bacterial infection. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with anti-allergy medications such as antihistamines.

Avoid wearing contact lenses until the symptoms have cleared up.

 

Any sticky or crusty coating can be treated using cotton wool soaked in water. Make sure you wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing pillows or towels to help prevent the infection from spreading.

STYES

These are small, painful abscesses that occur on the inside or outside of the eyelid. They are caused by a bacterial infection and most of us get them at least once or twice in our lifetime.

They are usually visible on the surface of the skin but can appear deeper inside the eyelid. They are commonly confused with a chalazion which is a firm, round, smooth bump usually some distance from the edge of the lid.

They are caused by oily glandular secretions that were unable to reach the lid surface as the duct was blocked by debris. Both styes and chalazia are usually harmless and rarely affect the eyeball or sight.

Styes often get better without any treatment within a week or two, particularly after they burst and release pus but don’t try to burst a stye yourself. Use over-the-counter painkillers to manage any discomfort.



Spending hours on the computer can be bad for your eyes

DRY EYES

A common and uncomfortable problem which occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This causes a disruption to the tear film or lipid layer, the thin layer of tear that protects the eyes.

The eyes then feel dry, become inflamed, red, swollen, irritated and itchy. Complications of dry eyes include conjunctivitis and ulceration of the cornea. Dry eyes can be a temporary condition, perhaps aggravated by your surroundings, or a symptom of something else.

Excessive computer or smartphone use, not blinking enough when concentrating, driving long distances, hot and windy weather, wearing contact lenses, a dry atmosphere (such as central heating) or being dehydrated can all be to blame.

Thyroid problems, allergies, some immune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), skin disease around the eyes and vitamin A deficiency can all make you more prone to getting dry eyes.

Unfortunately the problem tends to be more common as we get older. Using a liposomal spray (such as Optrex Actimist 2in1 Eye Spray for Dry & Irritated Eyes, £15.99, Boots) helps to repair the oily layer of the natural tear film and soothes and hydrates dry, irritated eyes.
 

Drops and sprays can repair the oily layer to soothe and hydrate eyes

 

BLEPHARITIS

An inflammation of the eyelids with numerous causes, from bacterial infections to a blockage of the glands around the eyelashes. It is a common problem that in its mildest form often goes unnoticed and is estimated to affect one in three people.

It is a chronic condition that often has no single identifiable cause but those who suffer with dry skin or dandruff are often more prone. There is a link between blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, where the glands along the eyelids that produce oils to form the tears become blocked.

Symptoms can include swollen, scaly, crusty or sticky eyelids and itchy or dry/burning eyes. Optometrists can easily diagnose blepharitis and prescribe a treatment.

There is now an excellent range of special eyelid cleaners that, in conjunction with a warm compress such as Eyebag (£20, eyebagcompany.com) – an eye mask that is heated in the microwave – help liquify the hardened waxy gland blockages.

Initially the treatment will be intensive (two or three times a day) and, as the condition isn’t curable, will require ongoing management, perhaps two or three times a week.