Itchy eye (almost all the time)

[in2uitv]

Hello there, since 1995 (I am 31 now) I have had the inner corner of my both eyes very itchy. It usually starts with a casual touch or rub and then you just can not seem to stand the itchiness. So then I have to use my first finger's tip to press against the small lump of flash in the inner merging corner of the eye. (Hope that's descriptive enough to understand).

When I went to see the doctor around that time, I was told that I have an eye allergy and that "just" happens. And that I will have to keep my eyes very clean for the rest of the time.

Another one some time back told me its because your eyes are dry and that artificial tears may help. I have tried this but it does not seem to be as that.

I would like to request an opinion as to what might be the cause or if this can be fixed. I have done a google search on "itchy eye" and usually it points towards dry eyes.

Just a note: my vision is perfect and there are no other problems other than losing the bottom eye lashes due to extensive rubbing of both eyes.

Thanks for your opinions.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear in2uitv,

I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD to determine the cause of your itchiness.  It is possible you have an eye allergy although the loss of lashes, known as madarosis may commonly occur with an eye infection.  The treatment will vary depending upon the cause.  A cold compress applied to the eye may help to reduce the sensation of itch.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Remember, the most common cause of itchy eyes is allergies.  Try stopping current contact lens if you have them, try an oral antihistamine like Zyrtec, Claritin, or Clarinex, try an allergy drop like Patenol, Pataday, or Elestat, find out if you have allergies by seeing an allergist, then control any allergens that you are exposed to, see an ophthalmologist to be evaluated for possible oculare allergies, and also to be checked out for dry eyes. Good Luck.

MJK MD