Itchy Eyes: Causes, Symptoms and What You Can Do

Who hasn’t experienced it, your eyes start itching out of nowhere? This is not only uncomfortable but is often accompanied by other symptoms like red eyes, a burning sensation, or watery eyes. Sometimes, the itching can be really persistent. However, rubbing or scratching should definitely be avoided.

Here, you’ll learn what could be behind itchy eyes, what you can do about it, and when it’s worth visiting a pharmacy or an eye doctor.

What Causes Itchy Eyes?

Common causes of itching can include dry eyes, eye strain, or allergies. It could also be an early sign of an infection.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes, also known as the Sicca syndrome, can be caused by external environmental factors such as heated air, long screen times, or air conditioning. Diseases or medications can also be responsible.

In dry eyes, the tear fluid evaporates faster than it can be produced. The itching occurs because the sensitive nerve endings in the eye are irritated. The body responds by trying to make the eyelids blink more often to stimulate better eye lubrication.

Eye Strain

As a result of eye strain, such as from working long hours at a computer, tired eyes can itch and burn in the evening. Also, refractive errors or incorrectly adjusted vision aids can cause the eyes to strain too much, leading to itching or burning afterward.

Allergies

Allergies, such as those caused by pollen, pet hair, or dust mites, are common causes of itchy eyes. Sometimes, the itching affects not only the eyes but also the nose, mouth, palate, or throat. In most cases, antihistamine eye drops (antiallergic) can provide relief.

Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses can prevent the tear film from spreading evenly across the eye’s surface. This can cause tears in the film, leading to symptoms like itching, burning, or redness in the eyes. If the eyes itch suddenly while wearing contact lenses, it may be due to poor hygiene, irritation from prolonged wear, or buildup caused by improper handling of the lenses. Allergic reactions to contact lenses can also cause itching.

Infectious Conjunctivitis

Infectious conjunctivitis is most often caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the eye. It presents with redness, tearing, discharge, and light sensitivity. A doctor can prescribe the appropriate eye drops.

Keratitis (Corneal Inflammation)

Keratitis is associated with severe pain, a foreign body sensation, light sensitivity, eye redness, and discharge, in addition to itching. A decrease in vision can also be a symptom.

Keratitis can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or non-infectious causes such as eye injuries or dry eyes. When the eyes aren’t adequately lubricated with tears, the cornea dries out and can become inflamed. Keratitis can occur in combination with conjunctivitis, in which case it's referred to as keratoconjunctivitis. If you suspect keratitis, you should see an eye doctor.

Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)

Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, can also cause itchy eyes. It happens when the sebaceous gland ducts on the eyelid become clogged, leading to inflammation of the entire eyelid. Often, bacteria are involved in an eyelid infection. Accompanying symptoms of blepharitis include redness, crusted eyelashes, a foreign body sensation, and swollen, scaly eyelids.

Stye (Hordeolum)

A stye can also be a cause of itchy eyes. A stye is an infection on the eyelid that can swell pointwise and painfully. It is caused by bacteria. You should see a doctor if the stye does not improve after seven days or if it is associated with severe pain. Treatment may involve antibiotic eye drops or ointments, warm compresses, or treatment with a red light lamp.

What Other Symptoms can Occur With Itchy Eyes?

Itchy eyes are often accompanied by additional symptoms such as a foreign body sensation, dryness, a runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids, crusting, or light sensitivity.

Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, can occur alongside itchy eyes. Increased light sensitivity may be present in conditions like inflammation, infections, or eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts. Particularly in cases of conjunctivitis or corneal inflammation, heightened light sensitivity can be a symptom.

Watery Eyes

Itchy and watery eyes can be a sign of a foreign body in the eye, an infection, or an allergic reaction. The eye produces excessive tears, causing them to overflow.

Pain

Sore itchy eyes should be monitored. Discharge may also indicate an infection. Conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation are painful. If the pain is due to a foreign object that has hit or entered the eye, you should see a doctor. Also, if you experience sudden acute eye pain, you should consult a doctor.

Runny Nose and Sneezing

Itchy eyes combined with a runny nose and sneezing usually suggest an allergic reaction, such as hay fever, pollen allergies, or pet hair.

Foreign Body Sensation

A foreign body sensation can occur due to external stimuli or eye diseases. Affected individuals feel as if there is a grain of sand or an eyelash in the eye. This sensation often occurs with dry itchy eyes, conjunctivitis, or corneal inflammation. If there is indeed a foreign body in the eye, you should avoid rubbing your eye and seek medical attention.

Crusted Eyes

Crusted eyes often occur with inflammations: the most common causes are conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, or blepharitis. If you're suffering from crusted eyes during a cold, it may indicate conjunctivitis, which is often caused by viruses during cold infections.

Swollen Eyelids

Swollen eyelids may be caused by harmless factors such as insufficient sleep or crying. However, they can also indicate eyelid inflammation. In most cases, this is either blepharitis or a stye.

How to Relieve Itchy Eyes?

There are several remedies you can try to relieve itchy eyes, including cooling compresses with cold water or chamomile tea, moisturising eye drops, or a saltwater solution. If the itchiness persists, it's also important to avoid contact lenses and cosmetic products.

If the itch is caused by contact lenses, remove them and switch to glasses. If it's an allergic reaction to cosmetics, such as eye cream or mascara, discontinue the use of these products. If you have an infectious conjunctivitis, hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing and using separate towels should be followed.

Here are some additional steps to help relieve itchy eyes:

Cooling Compresses

Cold compresses can help soothe the itching. You can use cloths soaked in cold water or tea (chamomile or sage). You can also use cold packs or cherry pit pillows from the freezer. Make sure to wrap them in a cotton cloth before applying them to your eyes. Slices of cold cucumber can also be placed on the affected eyes for a cooling effect.

Saltwater Solution

A saltwater solution can help relieve eye irritation caused by allergies, such as dust or mites. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in distilled water, ideally by briefly boiling it. Once cooled, use the solution to rinse your eyes.

Eye Drops or Ointments

For itchy eyes due to dryness, moisturising eye drops or ointments can be used. These are available at the pharmacy and can help provide relief by hydrating the eyes.

When Should I See a Doctor for Itchy Eyes?

Itchy eyes are usually uncomfortable but not dangerous. However, you should consult a doctor if:

• The itching persists for a long time, and you have no explanation for it.

• You experience symptoms that indicate a lid margin, conjunctival, or corneal infection.

• You use eye drops or ointments, and your eyes begin to itch.

• The itching may be caused by a foreign object in the eye or harmful substances that have entered your eye.

• The itching is accompanied by symptoms such as vision problems, severe redness, eye pain, fever, or discharge from the eye.

How are Itchy Eyes Treated?

In addition to a homemade remedy for itchy eyes, there are some other treatments that can be prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

• For eye infections caused by bacteria, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, bacterial keratitis, or a stye, antibiotic eye drops or ointments can provide relief.

• For viral causes, antiviral eye drops or ointments are available.

• If a fungal infection is involved, the ophthalmologist may prescribe antifungal medications.

• For allergic reactions, antihistamine eye drops can help alleviate itching. There are also over-the-counter, lower-dose antihistamine eye drops available at pharmacies. For a stye, red light therapy can be helpful.