Did you know your eye can actually be irritated by some foods? The inner corner of your eye is one of the most sensitive areas, making it a prime location for irritation. Itching in this area can happen as a result of contact lenses or contact lens solution, and also has been known to occur after eating spicy foods or during pregnancy. Here are some interesting facts and scientific explanations about why the inner corner of your eye itches!
Why Does The Inner Corner Of My Eye Itch?
The inner corner of your eye is one of the most sensitive areas, making it a prime location for irritation. Itching in this area can happen as a result of contact lenses or contact lens solution, and also has been known to occur after eating spicy foods or during pregnancy. There are many theories about why the inner corner of your eye itches when you have sensitive eyes.
What Causes An Itchy Inner Corner Of Your Eye?
Contact Lenses
When you put in your contact lenses, your eyes are at their weakest. This is because the muscles around your eyes relax and let the lenses in. The result is that you have a weak eye, which means it will be more susceptible to irritation.
Contact Lens Solution
If you have used contact lens solution, there is usually a little bit of oil left behind at the surface of your eye after removing the lens. This can irritate the sensitive skin around your eyes and cause itching or burning sensations if it comes into contact with it. This is because the oil itself can be irritating, but also because some people’s skin has an allergy to certain chemicals found in contact lens solutions. In extreme cases, this can lead to a serious condition called keratitis, which involves inflammation of the cornea (the clear part of the eye) as well as other parts of the eye such as the eyelid or inside of the eyelid (entropion). The condition can be quite painful and may also cause blurry vision.
Spicy Foods
Some foods, such as chili peppers, can be extremely irritating to the eyes. If you are eating spicy foods, it is recommended that you use a napkin to wipe your eyes after each mouthful. This way the oil from the food will not come into contact with your eye, and you will not have any irritation or burning sensations when you remove your lenses.
Contact Lens Solution Contacts Entropion
If you have contact lens solution in your eyes for a long period of time (a few weeks or longer) and then stop using them, it is possible that some of the solutions have made their way into areas around your eyes where they should not be there. These areas could include the inside of your eyelid (entropion), which is where the eyelashes rub against one another when they are closed. Entropion is an irritation of the eyelid and can cause itching and burning sensations.
Mascara
If you are using mascara, the alcohol in it can irritate your eyes if you rub or scratch them after applying it. If this happens, it is best to remove the mascara with a tissue or napkin before applying your contact lenses.
Dry Eyes
When you have dry eyes, they become more sensitive to irritation from things that touch them – such as contact lenses or food. If you have dry eyes and are wearing contact lenses, try using a drop of eye drops before putting on your contacts to help reduce any irritation caused by the lenses rubbing against your eye. It is best to use artificial tears instead of water when wearing contact lenses for long periods of time as this will prevent the lenses from drying out too much and causing any irritation.
Makeup
If you are wearing makeup and then remove it, you may need to wash your face first with a warm, damp cloth to remove any residue from the makeup that is left on your face. If you have dry skin and are wearing contact lenses, this will help keep the area around your eyes moisturized and reduce any irritation that may occur. You can also try using a drop of eye drops to moisten the area around your eyes before putting on your contact lenses.
What Are Some Ways To Prevent An Itchy Inner Corner Of Your Eye?
- Wash your hands before applying eye makeup, especially eyeliner, mascara, or eyeliner pencil.
- Apply a hot compress to the inner corner of your eyes, and hold it there for 10 minutes or so.
- Don’t put contact lenses in your eyes until they are completely dry and comfortable to wear. If you get any water in them, they can leak and you could end up with an infection.
- Avoid rubbing the skin around your eyes as this causes irritation and itching when wearing contacts or glasses that touch the skin around your eyes (eyeglasses). This can cause redness and even blisters on the corners of the eyes when worn for long periods of time, so try to be careful not to do this while wearing them if possible.
- Use a drop of eye drops to moisten the skin around your eyes before putting on your contact lenses.
- Use a moisturizer or ointment to keep the skin around your eyes, especially in the inner corners, moist and supple.
- Always use a soft, clean tissue to apply eye makeup on the area around your eyes.
- Always wash your hands before applying any makeup. If you have ever had an infection in the eye or on the eyelid, it is best to wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup, especially around your eyes.
- Avoid touching any of your contact lenses before putting them in your eyes, as this can cause irritation and itching. If you get water in your contact lenses then they may leak and so it is advisable to take them out for good.
- Use a soft, clean tissue to apply eye makeup on the area around your eyes. If you have ever had an infection in the eye or on the eyelid, it is best to wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup, especially around your eyes.
How Can I Make My Eyes Feel Better After An Itch In The Inner Corner?
- A warm compress is applied to the inner corner of the eye for 10 minutes.
- A cold compress is applied to the inner corner of the eye for 10 minutes.
- Apply a drop of an anti-itch medication such as hydrocortisone cream or vaseline on the inner corner of your eyes and leave it there for several minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Do not use this method if you have been diagnosed with an infection in your eyes or eyelids, as it can cause irritation and itching when wearing contacts or glasses that touch your eyes (eyeglasses).
- Take a small amount of some cool moisturizer or ointment (eucerin or Aquaphor) and apply it to the inner corners of your eyes and leave it there for several minutes before rinsing off with warm water, then repeat this every day until you are completely healed from any infection in your eye area.
- Use a soft, clean tissue to apply eye makeup on the area around your eyes. If you have ever had an infection in the eye or on the eyelid, it is best to wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup, especially around your eyes.
Conclusion
In order to keep your eyes healthy, it is important to know how to prevent the itchy inner corner of your eye. Some good ways include daily eye drops, regularly washing your hands before touching your eyes, and using a humidifier in the air for your room. Another way to make your eyes feel better is to put a cold flannel or cloth on the itchy area or use a cucumber slice.