WHAT'S MAKING YOUR EYES IRRITATED?

If your peepers are feeling itchy or prickly, this handy primer can help you quell the discomfort.

- BY KATE ROCKWOOD

Itchy eyes can be uncomfortable, even crazy-making, and many of us experience them at one time or another. If you're currently rubbing away, figuring out what's bugging your eyeballs is key to addressing it fast. Below, a few big reasons and how to deal with them.

CAUSE #1:

ALLERGIES OR ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

We're looking at you, Fluffy. “The most common reason for itchy eyes is allergies to environmental things like pet dander and pollen that can cause a condition called allergic conjunctivitis, which involves mild redness, burning, and watering of the eyes,” says Nicholas Green, O.D., an assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University Florida's College of Optometry.

If you're scratching your head right now (along with your eyes) because you don't have a pet, know this: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says pet dander can linger anywhere an animal has been and even in places they haven't been, as dander clings to our clothing. Just working alongside a pet owner can be enough to cause a reaction. (Cat dander is especially “sticky,” lingering longer than dog dander, the AAFA reports.) Likewise, allergic reactions to the environment can be set off by subtle triggers—if you're visiting a new region, the vegetation may cause irritation, or if you've recently acquired a new plant, just having it in your house can do it. Certain ferns and species of ivy, for example, are common culprits.

WHAT TO DO:

Avoid, avoid, avoid: That's the name of the game when it comes to allergens. “For example, if you know animal dander causes your eyes to get itchy, try to avoid those animals as much as possible,” says Green. “If this isn’t practical, the next step is to pick up some over-the-counter anti-allergy eye drops, which can be very effective.”

CAUSE #2:

DRY EYES