Itchy eyes occur for a number of reasons, including eye infections, dry eyes or allergies. Other symptoms often accompany these conditions such as eye pain and tearing, but you may also experience inflammation of the eyelids, as well as inflammation on the surface of your eyes, which causes discomfort. Treatment will typically improve itching and other symptoms. Herbal supplements such as flax seed do not help itchy eyes, but flax seed may prove useful in helping any inflammation, including when it affects the eyes.
Flax Seed
Flax seed, a product of the flax plant, may have qualities beneficial to your health, and this stems from the omega-3 content in the flax seed. This fatty acid could help reduce cholesterol levels and aid in treating or preventing other health conditions. Omega-3 also may help to reduce inflammation such as that associated with certain eye conditions such as dry eye that cause itchy eyes.
How to Use
Your doctor will not typically recommend flax seed simply for itching. However, if you have inflammation or a condition that your doctor believes flax seed may help, she may recommend that you use the supplement. Flax seed comes in whole or crushed seeds that you can sprinkle on oatmeal, salads or other food. Your doctor may also recommend flax seed oil, which you take by the spoonful or in capsules. If your doctor does recommend flax seed to help your symptoms she will inform you how much to take based on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health.
Other Treatment
If you only have eye itching and no other symptoms, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter eye drop such as artificial tears to soothe the eye's surface. Keep the drops in the refrigerator, since instilling chilled drops often relieves itching for a brief time. If these drops do not help, you may need to take a prescription eye drop such as an antibiotic to treat the source of the itching.
Considerations
Talk to your eye doctor or physician prior to using flax seed or other omega-3 sources since this nutrient could increase your risk of bleeding problems if you take blood thinners or have a blood disorder. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor will also help you determine the appropriate treatment, and this may prevent worsening of your symptoms.
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