Itchy eyes

[question everything]

My eyes tend to itch. In the spring, summer and fall it is allergic reaction so I have been using the Zaditor eye drops that contain anti histamine. (or the generic carried by COSTCO, during normal times..)

But this winter they were still itching, dry, obviously from the furnace and the fireplace. So I have just been using eye lubricants.

In an earlier issue of AARP Magazine, there was an article the "most common vision ailment" : double vision, floaters, sharp pain, and eyes feel dry with the following explanation:

"You may be soaking up too much screen time. Staring at a screen cuts your blink rate in half, so your eyes are parched uncomfortable easily. If you're experiencing dry eye daily, take frequent breaks and use preservative-free artificial tears four times a day (whether or not you think you need them."

And it helps, even two times. First thing in the morning it is the anti histamine drops. And, later, when they still itch or tear, I get the lubricant. As I am typing this, I realize really should use them often.

[SWBTATTReg]

1. Thanks for posting this. My eyes itch too, but usually it's because I'm tired and thus, need to ...

go to bed. I will get the drops out that I do have, and start using more, especially when my eyes get tired. A good and helpful post by you!

[CountAllVotes]

2. Pataday drops

I used to get this via RX for this problem.

Then it went generic which caused an allergic reaction for me (crusts formed around my eyes!), so no more of that!

However, I was recently informed by the optometrist I see that Pataday is now available OTC!

You might try looking for it as it helps me a lot. One drop a day in each eye is the RX for this.

I hope you can find some soon and forget about the generic version of Pataday as it is simply not the same!

I've been using Systane lubricant eye drops since I could not afford the brand name Pataday drops. It works fairly good but I use it a few times a day or more, so Pataday drops are a better choice for me.

Best of luck!

[42bambi]

3. Maybe one of those smaller humidifiers for dry eyes would work for you. Good luck.

[murielm99]

4. I went to the ophthalmologist twice

with this complaint. I have had cataract surgery, both eyes.

The doc told me the same thing. Less screen time, less time reading, and the use of preservative-free artificial tears will help.

My eyes are healthy.

Thanks for posting this. I hope it helps someone else here.

[abqtommy]

5. I'm in favor of using eye drops. I also use an eye cream called Stye on occasion. My Mom got it

for me when I was a kid due to heavy eye encrustation while sleeping. Works good for any number of eye complaints.