- Allergens such as food items, cleaning products and animal dander
- Use of certain cosmetics (especially eye makeup), lenses and lens solution
- Conditions like blepharitis and dry eye syndrome
- Inflammation of the eyes, like Conjunctivitis (sore eyes) or the pink eye
- Foreign bodies like dust entering the eye
There are several home remedies that are also quite effective in alleviating eye irritation and itchiness. Given below are some of the most effective home remedies for immediate relief from minor eye problems:
- Cold Compresses: Ice helps reduce inflammation in almost any part of the body, but it cannot be applied directly to the eyes. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel and place it on your eyes for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This reduces not just the itching, but also soreness and redness in the eyes, if any.
- Teabags: The antibacterial properties of herbal tea can get rid of any infection-causing bacteria and reduce the uncomfortable symptoms. Dip a fresh teabag in some clean water for a few minutes and wring out the excessive water. Refrigerate this teabag for a couple of hours before applying it on to your eye. For best results, use chamomile tea.
- Cucumbers: Many commercial creams and lotions for the eyes contain cucumber, because it has a soothing effect on the eyes. This remedy also helps relieve puffiness and swelling in the area. Take a cold cucumber and cut it into thick slices. Apply one slice of chilled cucumber over each eye for at least 15 to 30 minutes
- Potatoes: You can alleviate puffiness, dark skin, irritation, redness and soreness around the eyes with the help of cold, raw potato. Take two small baby potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Grate the potatoes with their skin and leave them in a refrigerator for an hour or so. Apply the cold potato on to the eyes and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, before rinsing your eye with some cool water.
While these remedies are safe if used correctly, check with a doctor before trying any of them.
References
- http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Eye_injuries_foreign_body_in_the_eye
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0003525/
answered by A S