Causes of Eye Irritation

There are many possible causes of eye irritation. An allergy from environmental exposure or a chemical reaction to conatct lens solution can result in red, watery irritated eyes. Some of the more common eye conditions include:

Blepharitis is a common inflammatory ocular condition that affects the eyelids. It usually causes burning, itching and irritation of the lids. Other common symptoms include sandy, itchy eyes, red and/or swollen eyelids, crusty, flaky skin on the eyelids, and dandruff. In severe cases, this ocular condition may also cause sties, irritation and inflammation of the cornea (keratitis)and conjunctiva(conjunctivitis). Blepharitis, usually a chronic problem, can be controlled with extra attention to lid hygiene. However, it may also be caused by an infection which would require treatment with a prescription medication.The key to controlling blepharitis is to keep the eyelids and eyelashes clean. Home treatment should begin by soaking a clean washcloth in hot tap water. Place the compress on closed eyelids for five minutes, and then repeat. Next, gently scrub the eyelids with a washcloth or cotton swab soaked in a mixture of equal parts of baby shampoo and water. Afterward, rinse the lids thoroughly with warm water. This treatment may need to be repeated two to three times daily for two weeks, and then reduced to once daily. Like dandruff, there is no cure for blepharitis; but with treatment, it can be controlled. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic treatment drops or ointments may be necessary for flare-ups or more severe cases. Remember to remove all mascara before going to bed.

The dry eye syndrome which can be treated with non-preserved artificial tears, as often as 4 times a day or more. Another ocular treatment is a home humidifier which may also add valuable moisture to the air. If these treatments for the symptoms of ocular rosacea are not sufficient, more drastic treatments may be needed. One such ocular treatment involves closure of the tear drainage ducts which is accomplished with silicone plugs, which are reversible, or punctal cautery (a burning of the tear duct openings), which is a relatively permanent ocular treatment.

Keratitis is among the more serious conditions of the eye . Keratitis covers a range of ocular conditions where there is infection or inflammation of the cornea. This condition may result in severe eye pain, blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Medical evaluation and treatment of keratitis is absolutely essential. Minor corneal infections are commonly treated with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal eye drops. If the problem is more severe, a person may receive more intensive antibiotic treatment to eliminate the infection and may even require steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation.

Iritis is defined as an inflammation of the iris, a part of the eye. Symptoms include eye pain, sensitivity to light, and/or blurry vision. The symptoms of this may resemble conjunctivitis (also known as "pink eye").

Sties can also occur in the eyes. The best method of treatment for a stye is a warm compress. Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your lids for 5 minutes, four times a day. Following this treatment, within a few days the infection will either die down or come to a head and drain.

Chalazia, or bumps on eyelids can also occur. Hot packs are the best treatment for these infections. However, if the bump fails to go away in a month it may be necessary to drain it. This treatment is done in your Ophthalmologist's office.

The skin condition rosacea can also affect the eyes. Ocular rosacea is defined as an inflammatory eye condition often associated with acne rosacea. Ocular rosacea can cause a persistent burning or gritty feeling in the eyes. For others, ocular rosacea manifests itself as inflamed and swollen eyelids with small inflamed bumps, eye lashes that may fall out, compounded by bloodshot eyes (Dr. Thiboutot). The ophthalmic signs of ocular rosacea can vary widely, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, hypopyoniritis, and even keratitis. The term ophthalmic or ocular rosacea covers all these signs. The most frequent signs, which may never progress to a more severe condition, are chronically inflamed margins of the eyelids with scales and crusts, quite similar to seborrheic dermatitis, with which ocular rosacea is often confused. Pain and photophobia (abnormal sensitivity to light) may be present. The ocular complications are independent of the severity of facial rosacea (Drs. Gerd Plewig & Albert M. Kligman). It is reported that 50 to 60% of all rosacea sufferers also have ocular rosacea. In one study (Starr, McDonald 1969) it was found that ocular rosacea symptoms occurred in 58% of patients. Ocular rosacea patients generally have chronically "bloodshot" eyes, dry eyes, and blepharitis (inflammation and debris of the eyelid margins). In severe ocular rosacea, there may be corneal ulceration (infection) which, if untreated, may even lead to perforation of the eye. This can be a potentially blinding complication.