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From the thin eyelid skin to the tissues of the cornea, the eyes’ complex structures are extremely delicate. In fact, even a speck of sand can cause eyes to water, turn red, and provoke pain and discomfort that may require the assistance of an eye doctor. At Wing Eyecare in Cincinnati, OH, the experienced professionals understand how carefully humans need to treat these sensitive organs. To maintain optimal eye health, you may want to learn more about how the eyes respond to irritants.

Eye Doctors Explain How Your Eyes React to Irritants

Common Irritants  

Dust and pollen tend to cause the highest levels of eye irritation, especially during peak allergy season. When these tiny particles contact the eye, the body releases histamine, which signals the response of inflammation, swelling, and itchiness. The physical presence of these specks, no matter how small, can also perturb the fragile layer of the cornea.

Eye doctors also note that looking at a digital screen for a long period of time can also lead to irritation. People don’t tend to blink as often when staring at a screen, which can lead to dryness and discomfort.

Defense Mechanisms

eye doctorThe body often responds to eye irritation with tears to fend off the contaminants. A stream of tears can help flush the offending particles away, thereby protecting the eyes from future harm. If the tears don’t remove the particle, then the body’s inflammatory response will kick in, which leads to redness and itchiness. The blood vessels swell to allow nutrients easier access to the irritation site and promote healing.

If your body’s natural defense mechanisms don’t successfully alleviate eye irritation, over-the-counter eye drops, allergy medicine, and cool compresses may help. Taking breaks from screen time and wearing sunglasses outdoors can also help alleviate symptoms. If you suffer from irritation that persists for over 24 hours, you should always visit an expert.

If you’re seeking relief from eye irritation or discomfort, consult experienced eye doctors who can help. For over 100 years, Wing Eyecare has been providing the highest standard of care across Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Whether you need an eye exam or emergency support, the experts will be there to help. To learn more about the eye practice, visit the website. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call today at (888) 274-9464.

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