What Causes Sore and Itchy Eyes?

There are multiple causes for itchy and sore eyes.

Are you suffering from red, itchy eyes? Statistics reveal that millions of people suffer from itchy eye problems, all around the world. Read on to know the prime causes for itchy eyes.

Eyes are among the most sensitive organs in the human body. This sensitive organ is prone to various allergies and infections, resulting in itchy eyes. Itchy eyes are an uncomfortable and irritating sensation in the eyes that can be accompanied by dryness,  wateriness and reddishness. 

Causes of dry itchy eyes

The dryness and itchiness of the eyes can be caused due to various factors affecting them like allergies, aging and medication side effects. Some of the commonly prevalent reasons for this infection are:

Age factor

People over the age of 45 experience a common problem of decrease in tear production. Their eyes tend to reduce the moisture content, lipid production and lubrication after a certain age. The inadequate moisture content can cause irritation and soreness.

Allergies

Itchy eyes are mostly a symptom of allergy or conjunctivitis. There are two kinds of allergic conjunctivitis; Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis, which generally prevails during the fall and the spring, due to the presence of allergens like grass, pollen and weeds in the atmosphere. The other variety is Perennial Allergic conjunctivitis that is prevalent all round the year and is mainly caused due to exposure to household allergens like dust, mold and pet hair.

When your eyes are exposed to the allergen, the production of histamines is triggered. These histamines result in inflammation, dry eyes and itching.

Medication side effects

Some drugs like antihistamines, antidepressants, sleeping pills, diuretics and birth control pills cause side effects like reduction in tear production, dryness, itchiness and reddishness.

Immune system ailments

Certain disorders related to the human immune system can also lead to red, dry and itchy eyes. Such a problem occurs when the body's white blood cells mistakenly attack the moisture producing glands, resulting in inflammation and reduction of tear production.