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Itchy Eyes In Summer? Here’s The Reason And What To Do

Worsening eyesight

You’re all excited to go out and enjoy summer’s warm, sunny days, but why are your eyes itching? You don’t want to walk around with red, itchy eyes outside. We’ll talk about this and what remedies to use to relieve your eyes of this discomfort.

What Causes Itchy Eyes in The Summer?

In summer, we expose our eyes to many things compared to other times of the year. Itchy eyes could be caused by sweat, air conditioning, swimming, or dehydration. 

Sweat

It’s summer, so you can’t do without sweating, and several factors can cause itchy eyes. Hot weather and increased activity levels can lead to excessive sweating, irritating your eyes. Sweat’s acidity and salt content can be incredibly bothersome, and the more dehydrated you are, the saltier and more irritating your sweat becomes. If you’re wearing sunscreen, makeup, or lotion, these can mix with sweat and further aggravate your eyes, making the irritation even worse.

Air Conditioning

If your eyes feel dry, gritty, or sandy, they might suffer from dryness. Air conditioning strips moisture from the air, leaving your eyes parched, primarily if the airflow is directed right at them. Even if the air isn’t blowing directly on your eyes, being in an air-conditioned space can lead to dryness. When your eyes are dry and irritated, you might be tempted to rub them, but finding a different way to soothe the discomfort is best.

Swimming

Swimming in a chlorinated pool without goggles can irritate your eyes. When sweat and urine mix with chlorine, they create chloramine, which is particularly harsh on the ocular tissues and contributes to that characteristic pool smell. Chloramine, a byproduct of ammonia, is responsible for the pungent odour many people associate with pools.

Silt, sediment, and other contaminants in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and oceans can also cause eye irritation. No matter where you’re swimming, always remove your contact lenses before diving in to avoid additional discomfort.

Dehydration

Everybody knows hydration is important for every body part, including the eyes, especially since we’re mostly made of water!

Health experts often suggest drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, though individual needs may vary based on age, sex, pregnancy, breastfeeding, climate, and activity levels. Not drinking enough water can dry out your eyes and disrupt tear production, and the combination of dehydration with air conditioning can make this even more challenging. Hence leading to itchy eyes.

Allergy

Allergies are the leading cause of itchy eyes during the summer. If your eyes are itchy and your nose runs in the warm months, allergies are likely the culprit. Some people may only experience dry, itchy eyes without other symptoms. 

Summer brings a surge in allergens like blooming flowers and high pollen counts, which trigger histamine release and lead to a range of allergic reactions. Itchy eyes can be especially bothersome during this time of year.

How Do You Treat Itchy Eyes In Summer

  1. Use Antihistamine Eye Drops: Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can quickly relieve allergy-induced itching. They work by blocking histamines that trigger the allergic reaction.
  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Proper hydration helps maintain the tear film and reduces dryness.
  1. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Doing this can worsen the irritation and spread allergens. Instead, gently tap or blink to ease discomfort.
  1. Use Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can help flush out allergens and moisten your eyes, especially if they are dry.
  1. Keep Your Environment Clean: Minimise exposure to allergens by keeping windows closed on high pollen days, using air purifiers, and regularly cleaning surfaces.
  1. Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses can protect your eyes from pollen, dust, and other irritants outdoors.
  1. Avoid Allergens: If you know what triggers your allergies, try to avoid those specific allergens as much as possible.
  1. Consult a Doctor: If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek advice from your optometrist. They may recommend prescription treatments or identify underlying conditions.

Itchy eyes are common in the summer, and although the causes are unavoidable, they can be managed to minimise discomfort. Contact Oakes Opticians for the best eyecare in Huddersfield.

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