Itchy Eyes: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Itchy Eyes

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for itchy eyes caused by allergies or dry eyes to find relief and improved quality of life. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

To relieve eye irritation, apply a cold compress, use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, and avoid rubbing your eyes.

Recommended Avoidances

Factors that may worsen eye irritation include exposure to known allergens, smoke and environmental pollutants, as well as prolonged screen time.

Prevention Tips

To support eye health, wear sunglasses when outdoors to reduce exposure to wind and sun, use artificial tears to maintain eye moisture, and avoid smoke, whether through smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, as it can worsen dry eye symptoms.

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Condition 101

The discomfort of itchy eyes can be a familiar experience for many. Often a result of various underlying conditions such as allergies or dry eyes, these can transform your day from pleasurable to tedious. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments can assist you in regaining your comfort and peace of mind.

Redness
Watering
Swelling
Sensitivity to light
Constant urge to rub your eyes
Allergies
Dry eye syndrome
Infections (bacterial, viral)
Contact lens wear
Environmental irritants
Allergy sufferers
Contact lens wearers
Individuals working long hours on screens
Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours
There is intense pain or impaired vision
Over-the-counter treatments provide no relief

A detailed clinical history
Visual acuity test
Slit-lamp examination
Allergy testing if required
Conjunctivitis
Corneal abrasions
Impaired vision
A common misconception is that rubbing eases itchy eyes. In reality, this exacerbates the irritation and can cause further complications.
Conjunctivitis
Blepharitis
Keratitis

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Itchy Eyes, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Dry eye treatments typically focus on replenishing or retaining tears in the eyes. Common over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available at your local pharmacy include:

Artificial tears: These lubricating eye drops help to alleviate the dry, scratching feeling.
Ointments: These are useful for severe cases, particularly before bedtime as they can blur your vision.

If OTC treatments aren't enough, doctors may suggest:

Prescription eye drops or ointments
Eye inserts that work like artificial tears
Tear-stimulating drugs
Punctal plugs to block tear drainage
LipiFlow, a device that unclogs blocked eyelid glands
Intense-pulsed light therapy and meibomian gland expression

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