How to Avoid Eye Aggravation

Eye aggravation may be caused by allergies or such things as exposure to smoke. Eye aggravation can also be caused by infection from viruses or bacteria. Some symptoms of eye irritation might include itching, burning, redness and tearing.

Things You'll Need

• Medications
• Eye drops
• Doctor
• Medication
• Soap
• Water
• Artificial tears.

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Prevent damage to your eyes by getting prompt treatment. If you have noticed symptoms such as redness in and around the eyes, eyes that are puffy and sore, itching, burning or stinging eyes, watery eyes, any discharge from the eyes or eyelids that are crusty or stuck together when you wake up, see an eye doctor.If these symptoms appear, it is important for an eye doctor to diagnose your eye aggravation. Your eye doctor will ask about your symptoms, any medication you take and any illness or medical conditions you may have. The doctor will also check your eyes with a hand-held light and a special microscope called the slit lamp. The doctor will determine if the eye aggravation is caused by irritation or infection.

• 2

  Avoid eye irritation by learning what causes your allergies. Allergies can be caused by grass, pollen, dust, mold and animals. They make the eyes, red, watery and itchy. Usually both eyes are affected.

• 3

  Treat the eye aggravation. The best way to control an allergy is to avoid its source. Cool compresses and eye drops can help reduce the swelling. They can also help relieve redness and itching. If your allergy is severe, your doctor may prescribe eye drops or oral medication. Symptoms may take several weeks to clear up.

• 4

  Beware of other irritants that can cause eye aggravation. Pollution, smoke, contact lenses and makeup can irritate the eyes. The eyes get red, sore, puffy and watery. One or both eyes may become irritated. Treat the eye aggravation by avoiding the irritant. Artificial tears can help flush out the eye and lubricate the surface. Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops to reduce swelling and relieve redness. In some cases, you may have to stop wearing contact lenses or eye makeup.

• 5

  Avoid eye aggravation by avoiding infection. Infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. Treatment includes keeping your eyes and hands clean. The doctor may prescribe eye drops and tell you to stay home from work or school if you are contagious. Untreated infections can be serious, so it's important that the doctor examines you.Viral infections from a cold, flu or other virus can spread to the eyes. This causes a watery discharge. The eyes may burn or itch and get red. The eyelids may also be puffy and sore.

• 6

  Treat the eye aggravation. Most viral infections go away on their own. Artificial tears and warm compresses can relieve symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops. A viral infection can be very contagious and spread quickly. Don't touch your eyes, bedding or towels.Bacterial infections on the other hand, occur in one eye. There may be a watery or a thick discharge from the eye. These infections can cause serious damage to the eye is not treated promptly. When treating the bacterial infection your doctor may prescribe eye drops or ointment to kill the bacteria. Be sure to finish all medications has directed. Warm compresses can help keep the eyelid clean. To keep the bacteria from spreading, wash your hands often. Use a separate tissue to clean each eye. Don't touch your eyes or share bedding or towels.