Should you worry about eye pain and itchy eyes?

Eye pain and itchy eyes can be caused by allergies, or they can indicate a serious problem. Here are some pointers to help you figure out which one you have.
Do you have itchy eyes and some eye pain? These symptoms usually occur because of seasonal allergies, eyestrain or an eye infection such as conjunctivitis. But the Canadian Association of Optometrists says that it’s still a good idea to have your eyes checked out when they’re red, itchy and painful, or if there are whitish secretions.

That’s because the early diagnosis of symptoms related to eye disease plays a key role in preventing vision loss.

Does your nose run constantly and you’re sneezing all the time? That and your itchy eyes are likely caused by seasonal allergies. When there’s ragweed pollen in the air, it can be difficult to avoid, but you can still take some precautions.

Since pollen spreads more in dry, windy weather, avoid opening the windows or hanging your clothes outside on days like that. Try to stay inside between the early morning and late afternoon. You can also take antihistamines and decongestants for temporary relief.

Eyestrain is caused by the prolonged viewing of a computer screen, a dry environment or a problem with your vision. To prevent itchy eyes and eye pain, you can:

1. Avoid exposing your eyes to drafts, such as from the hair dryer or air conditioner.
2. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind and sun, and protection goggles when working in dusty environments.
3. Follow your optometrist’s instructions about how to wear your contact lenses.
4. Sit a bit farther back from your TV or computer screen.
5. Place the computer screen at eye level and take regular breaks when you’re working.
6. Get regular vision checkups for the early detection of myopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, strabismus or eye disease.

Conjunctivitis is a contagious inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. The main symptoms are red, itchy and watery eyes. If you think you have conjunctivitis, you should see a doctor.

Several eye diseases don’t show symptoms in their early stages, so only a comprehensive eye examination can detect them. That’s why you should be sure to schedule regular checkups with your optometrist, who can treat some conditions or refer you to the right kind of medical expert.

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind says that more than one million Canadians are living with vision loss. That's why prevention is your best ally when it comes to the health of your eyes. And it’s exactly why you should talk to your eye doctor if you have both eye pain and itchy eyes at the same time.