Eyes are very dry and itchy, always feeling the urge to rub them
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Dry and itchy eyes with a constant urge to rub them may be caused by eye strain, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, trachoma, or dry eye syndrome. Treatment options include reducing eye use, using medications as prescribed—such as epinastine fumarate ophthalmic solution, prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension, erythromycin eye ointment, sodium carboxymethylcellulose eye drops, or compound dextran 70 eye drops—or undergoing procedures like punctal plug insertion.
Dry and itchy eyes with a constant urge to rub them may be caused by eye strain, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, trachoma, dry eye syndrome, etc. Different management approaches can be adopted depending on the underlying cause.
1. Eye Strain
Prolonged熬夜, or excessive use of electronic devices such as smartphones and computers, may lead to dry, itchy eyes and a frequent urge to rub them. Symptoms usually improve by reducing screen time, ensuring adequate sleep, or applying warm compresses to the eyes.
2. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Continuous irritation from allergens such as pollen or dust mites can easily cause the above symptoms, possibly accompanied by redness and swelling of the eyes. Medications such as emedastine difumarate ophthalmic solution, tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic solution, or olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution may be used under medical guidance.
3. Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea can stimulate ocular sensory nerves, causing the aforementioned symptoms, sometimes accompanied by decreased vision. Follow medical advice to use medications such as tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic solution, prednisolone acetate ophthalmic solution, or fluorometholone ophthalmic solution to reduce infection.
4. Trachoma
Accumulation of secretions on the eye surface can irritate the eye, leading to the above symptoms, possibly accompanied by a foreign body sensation. Treatment may include tetracycline hydrocortisone eye ointment, erythromycin eye ointment, or doxycycline hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Dry Eye Syndrome
Insufficient tear production or excessive evaporation leading to overly dry eyes may also cause these symptoms, along with sensations of dryness. Treatments may include sodium hyaluronate eye drops, carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops, or polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol ophthalmic solution under medical supervision. In severe cases, surgical options such as eyelid surgery or punctal plug insertion may be recommended by a doctor.
It is advised to seek timely medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment under professional guidance. Maintaining good eye hygiene is also important to prevent eye infections.
