Eye Irritation

Overview

Eye irritation is often used to describe the discomfort felt in the eyes or their surrounding area. Some symptoms of eye irritation include redness of the affected eye, swelling, itching, eye discharge, light sensitivity, and vision changes. There are a number of reasons which result in eye irritation. Some of the conditions include viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, irritants such as smoke or dust, foreign objects, dry eye, digital eye strain, stye, cluster headaches, closed-angle or open-angle glaucoma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, uveitis, and blepharitis. Many of these conditions which result in eye irritation can resolve on their own. Others are usually managed by treating the underlying cause. Medications used to manage eye irritation are eyedrops containing corticosteroids, antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals, and prostaglandin analogues. Some people may need lubricating eye drops, eye patches, laser surgery, or surgery to rectify underlying conditions.