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Eye irritation is a general term used to describe the sensation one experiences when something bothers the eyes or the surrounding area. The eyes are the mirror of the soul, but when irritation sets in, the causes can be many and varied. Read on to discover some of the most common causes of eye irritation, their symptoms and possible treatments.
What are the common symptoms of eye irritation?
In this eyelash extensions course, we note that the ocular manifestations of your irritation vary depending on the origin of the irritation. However, the most common symptoms of eye irritation are
- itchy eyes during the day or night
- Tearing or watering of the eyes
- Redness of the eyes
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
Irritated eyes? Discover the most common culprits
- Allergies
Eye allergies occur when a substance you are allergic to, called an allergen, disrupts the membranes of your eye. Many things can cause eye allergies, including pollen, dust mites, molds and pet dander.
Treatment for eye allergies focuses on relieving symptoms. Over-the-counter tablets or eye drops may be helpful. However, your doctor may recommend prescription medications or allergy shots if your symptoms are persistent or long-lasting.
- Irritants
Accidental exposure to things like smoke, dust particles or chemical fumes can also cause eye irritation.
In addition to being red or watery after exposure, your eyes may also feel gritty.
In many cases, carefully rinsing the affected eye(s) with room temperature water for 15-20 minutes can relieve symptoms.
- Foreign Objects
Foreign objects can enter the eye and cause irritation. These can be small objects, such as a stray eyelash, or larger objects, such as a piece of glass. Some objects can damage the eye.
The treatment is to remove the foreign object. Depending on the object that was in your eye, your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic treatment to prevent infection.
Other medical conditions can also cause eye irritation
- Blepharitis : This condition is characterized by inflammation of the eyelids, usually due to bacteria or problems with oil production near the eye. It can recur frequently, making it difficult to treat.
- Ocular rosacea : People with a chronic skin condition called rosacea can develop this condition, which results in dry, itchy, red eyes.
- Glaucoma : Glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve of the eye. People with glaucoma often experience dry eyes because of the side effects of medications, which cause irritation of the eye.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) : This chronic inflammatory disease can occasionally affect other parts of the body. Dry eyes are a common symptom of RA. In addition, the white part of the eye (sclera) can also become inflamed and painful.
How to avoid eye irritation during makeup?
Several tips and tricks exist to help you avoid eye irritations during makeup. Here are some of them:
- Use high-quality makeup products, preferably hypoallergenic.
- Avoid sharing your makeup with others to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Clean your makeup brushes and sponges regularly to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes while applying makeup.
- Apply a small amount of product and avoid applying it directly to the eyes or eyelids.
- Avoid using products that have expired or have been exposed to heat or moisture.
- If you wear contact lenses, put them in first before applying makeup and remove them before taking off your makeup.