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Irritated eyes:
Irritated eyes:
Causes, Tips, and What Helps
Irritated eyes may itch, burn, appear red, or water. They often feel tired, strained, or dry. Common triggers include prolonged screen time, dry indoor air, dust, smoke, wind, sunlight, or pollen.
Even if your eyes itch badly, you should avoid rubbing them if possible. Rubbing can further irritate the already irritated surface of the eye and introduce germs into the eye. It’s better to give your eyes a rest, blink deliberately, go out into the fresh air, or use moisturizing eye drops.
Common Signs of Irritated Eyes
Irritated eyes can manifest in various ways. Common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Redness
- Tears
- Feeling of dryness
- Foreign body sensation
- tired or heavy eyes
- increased sensitivity to light
- faster exposure
- a frequent urge to rub one's eyes
These symptoms may occur individually or in combination. They are particularly common after prolonged computer use, in dry air, or after exposure to environmental irritants.
Why shouldn't you rub your eyes when they're irritated?
Rubbing your eyes may provide temporary relief, but it's usually not a good idea. Rubbing can cause germs to enter the eye. It can also put additional strain on the irritated surface of the eye.
Especially when your eyes are already dry, red, or sensitive, rubbing them can make the discomfort worse. It’s better to moisturize your eyes, reduce eye strain, and give them a rest.
Common Causes of Eye Irritation
Irritated eyes are often caused by external factors or overexertion. The most common triggers include:
- long hours working at the computer
- dry air from heating or air conditioning systems
- Dust, smoke, or exhaust fumes
- Wind and Drafts
- Pollen and air containing allergens
- glaring sunlight
- Contact Lenses
- not blinking enough
- Exhaustion
- Stress and Tension
- insufficient fluid intake
When working at a screen for long periods, people often blink less frequently. As a result, the tear film does not spread as well across the surface of the eye. The eyes may become dry, burn, or itch.
Do you have irritated or dry eyes?
Irritated and dry eyes are often closely related. If the tear film becomes too thin or is not evenly distributed across the surface of the eye, the eyes may burn, itch, or water.
Dry eyes are often caused by insufficient tear production or an imbalance in the composition of the tear film. Irritated eyes, on the other hand, are often a reaction to external factors such as wind, smoke, dust, sunlight, pollen, or working at a computer screen.
In practice, these two sets of symptoms often occur together.
What helps with irritated eyes?
For irritated eyes, relief, moisture, and protection from irritants are especially helpful.
- Fresh air and intentional breaks
A short walk or a moment by an open window can help relax your eyes. Fresh air, movement, and looking into the distance relieve eye strain after concentrated close-up work. Anyone who spends a lot of time working at a computer screen should take short breaks regularly. Even just one or two minutes can help relax your eyes and reduce tension.
- Don't forget to blink
When reading, working on a computer, or focusing intently on something, we often don’t blink enough. As a result, the surface of the eye isn’t sufficiently moistened. Consciously blinking helps distribute the tear film more evenly. Here’s a simple tip: Look away from the screen briefly several times an hour, blink a few times deliberately, and focus your gaze on something in the distance.
- A View into the Distance
When working at a computer or reading, your eyes focus on the same distance for long periods of time. This can contribute to eye strain, a burning sensation, headaches, or difficulty concentrating. Every now and then, focus your gaze on a point in the distance. This allows your eye muscles to relax.
Palmieren: Darkness for the Eyes
Palm therapy is a simple relaxation exercise for tired and irritated eyes. It involves shielding your closed eyes with your cupped palms without applying pressure to your eyelids.
Here's how it works:
- Rest your elbows comfortably
- Close your eyes
- Place your palms loosely in front of your eyes
- do not apply pressure to the eyes
- Breathe calmly for one to two minutes
- Slowly remove your hands and let your eyes adjust to the light again
This short exercise can help soothe your eyes and give them a break.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Dry air can make irritated eyes worse. Air from heating and air conditioning systems, in particular, can irritate the surface of the eyes.
The following are helpful:
- Regular ventilation
- adequate humidity
- Avoiding Drafts
- drink enough
- Avoid smoke and heavily polluted air
- get some fresh air regularly
Houseplants and humidifiers can also help create a more pleasant indoor environment.
Sun protection for the eyes
Bright sunlight, wind, and UV radiation can irritate the eyes. When outdoors, sunglasses protect against glare, wind, dust, and pollen. Good sun protection is especially important in strong sunlight, in high mountains, near water, or in snow or ice.
Gentle relaxation for the face and eyes
Tension in the face can also strain the eyes. Gentle relaxation exercises can help:
- Yawn deliberately while taking deep breaths
- Relaxing the facial muscles
- Gently massage your forehead and temples
- Relax Your Jaw
- Relax Your Shoulders
- Laugh every now and then and take a deep breath
Important: Do not press directly on your eyes, and do not rub them.
Eye Drops for Irritated Eyes
Moisturizing eye drops can help with irritated, dry, or tired eyes. They help keep the surface of the eye moist and can relieve symptoms such as a feeling of dryness, burning, or irritation.
Preservative-free eye drops are particularly suitable for sensitive eyes or when the drops are used frequently.
When should you see a doctor about irritated eyes?
Irritated eyes are often harmless and go away on their own once the eyes are given a rest. However, it is advisable to see a doctor if the symptoms appear suddenly, are severe, last for a long time, or recur frequently.
Seek medical advice if you also experience the following symptoms:
- Pain
- severe redness
- Deterioration of vision
- purulent discharge
- severe sensitivity to light
- Sense of injury
- Symptoms Following Eye Surgery
- Problems with Contact Lenses
Even in cases of known eye conditions or underlying medical conditions, recurring symptoms should be investigated.