Itchy eyes, what should I do?

by Prof. Prapassorn Phatikulsila, M.D.

At least there will be times when you or your acquaintances will say, “What is it?….Really itchy eyes. Itchy eyes are a common symptom. This may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as burning, irritating, red eyes, and sometimes clear or thick mucus or discharge.

These symptoms may be fleeting and disappear, or they may be recurring and chronic. It can be dangerous to the point of blindness.

 

What are the causes of itchy eyes?

Itchy eyes It is a symptom of an allergy to one or more substances.
The sclera is a sensitive tissue. And there will be inflammation, redness and itching of the eyes.

Things that trigger allergic reactions include:

1. Dust, pollen, smoke
2. Certain types of food such as seafood, meat, eggs
3. Various medications, including eye drops, oral medications, and injections
4. Chemicals, cosmetics
5. Pathogens such as bacteria, fungi

Some patients may experience allergic reactions on the conjunctiva. together with allergic diseases of other organs such as rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, etc.

 

Diagnosis

An ophthalmologist can make a diagnosis by taking a history, symptoms, and examination. Patients can tell their doctor what they are allergic to. because when receiving something allergic, it will cause more symptoms

 

Treatment

You should avoid things that make you allergic. by wearing dust-proof sunglasses on a regular basis
Do not rub your eyes, as this will increase the itching. and may be re-infected from dirty hands
Do not use cosmetics, refrain from smoking, refrain from food that causes allergies.
Allergic immunity building By injecting allergic substances into the body to stimulate the body to build immunity not yet popular because of high cost and still not as effective as it should be

 

Drug treatment

Oral medication to cure itching, anti-allergy as prescribed by a doctor
Eye drops can help relieve symptoms, but they won't completely cure them. As long as the body is still stimulated by the allergen. There are several types of eye drops. Each has both you and your blame. Some types bought for their own use. Side effects may include glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness. There are several groups of eye drops that treat allergies, including:

1. Antihistamine drug There are both non-specific, inexpensive and specific types, which are new drugs. about two hundred baht per bottle
2. Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs Often alleviates symptoms well But there may be side effects such as glaucoma and cataracts.
3. Drugs that prevent cell proliferation Mechanism of action to prevent the secretion of substances that cause itching, redness, swelling of tissues May need to be used regularly to be effective.
4. Non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs not very popular The price is still quite high. But they do not cause the dangerous side effects of corticosteroids.
5. A drug that works in many mechanisms is a new drug that is very popular in foreign countries, the price is a few hundred baht per bottle.

However Drug use is only a treatment at the end of the cause. If you know how to protect yourself from the stimuli that cause allergies will be able to control symptoms well and purchasing eye drops for self-use without medical advice can cause more harm than the existing disease for your precious eyes Please consult a doctor before using the drug……