There are times when our eyes suddenly gets itchy; and worse is when they turn red and watery, too. And we can’t help, but rub them instinctively, sometimes frantically, too. Right?
Well, DON”T! It is highly discouraged!
The reason is that as we rub our itchy eyes, we tend to release more and more HISTAMINES (a chemical found in some of the body’s cells) which then acts on our eyes and cause allergy symptoms. Likewise, rubbing our eyes could damage, scratch or cause other trauma to the surface of our eyes; so we better beware. After consulting our doctor, we are instructed to take ‘antihistamine’ medications which are intended to help fight the symptoms caused by the release of histamine during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines block the release of histamines, which causes the itchy eyes. (Now you know why its called ‘antihistamines!)
* But why do we get itchy eyes in the first place?
You see, when we are allergic to certain substances like some kinds of food, dust or other particles, our immune system mistakenly believes this usually harmless substance to be actually harmful to us and it automatically attempts to protect our body. Our immune system then starts a chain reaction which prompts some of our body’s cells to release histamine and other chemicals into our bloodstream. As a result, the histamine may then act on our eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract, and thereby cause allergy symptoms which we find so discomforting and irritating.
Allergic reactions usually occur when the surface of our eye is suddenly exposed to allergens (referring to any substance that can cause an allergy). More often than not, itchy eyes are often a symptom of allergies or what is otherwise known as Allergic Conjunctivitis, which have two types:
- Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis, which is more common during the spring and fall and is due to the exposure of certain allergens like weeds, trees, grass, and pollen.
- Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis which may occur all year long and may mostly be possible due to exposure to household allergens such as dust, mold, pet hair and pet dander.