Eyes can easily get irritated during seasonal changes, and both adults and kids can experience this. Red, itchy eyes can make it hard to focus on daily tasks. The most common causes are bacteria, viruses, or allergens like dust or makeup. These can lead to "pink eye" (conjunctivitis), causing discomfort and blurry vision. Recently, even COVID-19 has been linked to eye irritation. 

If you wake up with red eyes, find it hard to open them, or notice sticky discharge, it could be conjunctivitis. Though it usually clears up within a week or two, here are some helpful tips to speed up recovery and prevent spreading it to others.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Keep your hands off your eyes to avoid spreading germs. Always wash your hands with soap before touching your face, especially if you touch the affected eye.

Prevent It from Spreading

If one eye is affected, take extra care not to spread it to the other. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so use separate towels, pillows, and facecloths and avoid sharing personal items with others.

Consult a Doctor

If symptoms don’t improve within a few days or you have excessive discharge, blurred vision, or prolonged discomfort, visit an eye doctor. They can prescribe the appropriate drops or medication.

To help prevent eye irritation in the future:

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes unnecessarily, and wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Regularly clean personal items like makeup tools, eyeglasses, pillowcases, and towels, and avoid sharing them with others.

By being mindful of hygiene, avoiding irritants, and seeing a doctor when needed, you can protect your eyes from discomfort and irritation. Take good care of them, give them a break when they’re tired, and maintain a balanced diet.