Eye Irritation

The working of our eyes is a complex mechanism. It is our eyes that allow us to take in all sights and understand most of what is happening around us. This small organ of our body is also very delicate and as it is more exposed than other organs, hence more prone to damage or irritation. At some time, we have all experienced eye irritation. Irritated eyes due to various reason is not uncommon, however, one should not be lax about its treatment and care.

Causes of Eye Irritation

The eye, both the parts that are visible and those that aren't can get irritated due to a number of factors. From a simple passage of dust to an infection within the orbit can cause irritation in eyes. Based on its cause is the treatment, hence it is important to understand the different causes. Following are a few of them:

• Stye: A very common infection, generally occurring around the eyelid close to the eyelashes. A stye is an infection of oil glands in the eyelid. When dirt gets trapped in the glands, it results in an inflammation and eyelid irritation. It tends to be contagious, infecting more areas around the eyes.
• Blepharitis: This too is an infection of the eyelids. It occurs due to excess growth in lash follicles of bacteria present on the skin. This chronic problem causes the inflammation of the eyelash follicles.
• Ocular Rosacea: A skin condition, rosacea, when it occurs near the eyes can cause irritation. It manifests itself through a swollen eyelid with a persistent burning feeling in the eyes.
• Dry Eyes: Dry eye irritation occurs as a result of dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva. A deficient or abnormal tear production or composition causes dry eyes. As there is insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye, it leads to irritation.
• Keratitis: Keratitis refers to a wide range of infections or inflammation of the cornea. It is an erosion or (sometimes) a open sore in the outer layer of the cornea. Treatment is an absolute must to inhibit further deterioration of the cornea.
• Other causes: Other causes include iritis, an inflammation of the iris, pink eye, hurt, accumulation of dust, infected contact lenses, tired eyes, or the use of bad quality or prolonged use of eye make up.

Associated Symptoms

Symptoms of this problem completely depend upon the cause. Most of the symptoms associated with irritation in eyes are burning, itching, eyelid irritation, red eyes, watery eyes, inflamed eyes or eyelid, flaky skin or dandruff on the eyelids, sensitivity to light, pus infection in case of a sty, bumps on the eyelids, spots on the cornea, severe eye pain, blurry vision, bloodshot eyes, falling out of eyelashes and/or inflamed eyelid margins.

Eye irritation treatment completely depends upon the causes and symptoms. Treatment involves prescription medication anti-inflammatory and antibiotic treatment drops or ointments and some specific to problem non-invasive surgery. Besides treatment, home remedies using cold or warm compress, exposure to eye pollutants, avoiding the use of contact lenses until infection is clear, reduced use of eye make up or none at all or the use of artificial eye drops. Ocular hygiene or eye care is very essential to keep eye inflections at bay.