Itchy eyes can happen due to allergies triggered by dust, smoke, pollen, or pet dander, and they can also be linked to contact lens use or eye strain. Itchy eyes may also occur with eye inflammation or infections such as conjunctivitis, meibomitis, styes, or ocular herpes.
Depending on the cause, itchy eyes can present with redness, swelling, burning, watery eyes, headache, increased light sensitivity, or blurred vision. Seasonal patterns often suggest allergies, while a gritty sensation and irritation are common with dry eye syndrome.
Treatment for itchy eyes can vary and may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, warm compresses, or corrective lenses if vision problems are contributing to the symptoms. It’s important to see an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist or if the itching is accompanied by severe light sensitivity, significant pain, increasing redness, or changes in vision.
Why are my eyes so itchy?
The main causes of itchy eyes include:
1. Allergies
Itchiness is most often caused by allergies, which may result from exposure to food or environmental triggers such as dust, animal fur, or smoke. This condition is commonly known as allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergies are usually easy to recognize, as eye itchiness often appears shortly after contact with a specific trigger. Other common symptoms include redness, tearing, a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, a runny or congested nose, and frequent sneezing.
Itchy eyes caused by allergies tend to be more common in the spring and summer, when airborne allergens are at their peak.
How to relieve: Once the allergen has been identified, it is important to avoid contact with triggering substances. Itchiness can be relieved with hydrating eye drops, as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
2. Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition that develops when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Tears keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable. A lack of tears can lead to symptoms including itchiness, redness, burning, a gritty or foreign-body sensation, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
Also referred to keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye syndrome is most common in older adults due to normal age-related changes. It can also occur with menopause or other health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, or blepharitis.
This eye condition can also affect people who spend long hours on computers or phones, work in dry or air-conditioned environments, use contact lenses improperly, or take certain medications such as antihistamines or birth control.
How to relieve: Keeping your eyes well-lubricated is important. You can do this by using artificial tears or eye drops prescribed by your healthcare provider. These treatments help prevent dryness and related discomfort. If your symptoms are due to spending long hours on the computer, try to blink more often to reduce irritation and dryness.
3. Ocular fatigue
Ocular fatigue happens when the eye muscles are overworked from focusing too long on screens such as computers, tablets, or phones. This strain can make the eyes feel tired and itchy.
Ocular fatigue, or asthenopia, can also cause eye heaviness, eye irritation, frequent headaches, light sensitivity, difficulty concentrating, and generalized fatigue.
How to relieve: It is important to take frequent breaks from electronic devices to rest your eyes. You should also try focusing on an object 20 ft (6 meters) away from your screen for 40 seconds, every 40 minutes. You can also use prescription glasses to reduce straining, as well as special blue light-blocking glasses.
4. Stye
A stye is an inflammation of a small gland in the eyelid, such as the gland of Zeis, Moll’s gland, or a meibomian gland. It causes a small bump on the eyelid and may be accompanied by symptoms like itching, tearing, pain, swelling, or redness.
A stye, or hordeolum, usually develops as a result of a bacterial infection, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, or chronic blepharitis. Learn more about the symptoms of a stye and what can cause one to form.
How to relieve: A stye usually disappears on its own after 3 to 5 days without any specific treatment. You can apply warm compresses to the affected eye to help relieve swelling and other symptoms.
If the stye does not improve, you should see an ophthalmologist, who may recommend treatment with antibiotic ointment or eye drops.
5. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids caused by changes in the meibomian glands. These glands help keep the eyes moist, and when they don’t function properly, they can cause crusting around the eyes, itching, redness, swelling, and tearing. Symptoms may appear suddenly, sometimes developing from one day to the next.
How to relieve: Treatment for blepharitis is managed by an ophthalmologist, who may recommend applying a warm compress to the eyes for about 3 minutes, three times a day. You should also clean your eyelids using prescription eye drops as directed.
In cases where blepharitis is recurrent, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye ointments.
6. Contact lens use
Using contact lenses can also cause itchy eyes, especially when the lenses are not properly cleaned. Lens use is associated with an increased risk for bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the eyes, which can lead to inflammation and infection, as well as symptoms like pain, redness, and crusting.
In more serious cases, contact lenses can even lead to eye ulcers or severe corneal inflammation.
How to relieve: Treatment for inflammation or infections caused by contaminated contact lenses should be managed by an ophthalmologist. The specific approach will depend on the type of infection. The doctor will also review proper lens cleaning and care practices to help prevent future issues.
7. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eyes and the inner surfaces of the eyelids. It can result from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections and often causes symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, itching, and crusting around the eyes.
This condition spreads easily through direct contact with eye discharge or contaminated objects. Conjunctivitis can also develop as an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, pet dander, or mites.
How to relieve: You should see an ophthalmologist to determine the best treatment, which will depend on the specific cause of your conjunctivitis. To avoid spreading the infection, do not touch or scratch your eyes, avoid sharing personal items, and wash your hands frequently.
8. Meibomitis
Meibomitis is a small, painful, red bump that can form on the eyelid. It often has a yellow pinpoint in the center, resembling a pimple, and may cause itchiness, pain, swelling, redness, a gritty sensation in the eye, or blurry vision.
Meibomitis is associated with inflammation or infection of the meibomian glands, located in the upper and lower eyelids. These glands are responsible for producing oil that lubricates the eyes and prevents tears from quickly evaporating.
This condition can occur with contact lens use, dry environments, hormonal changes, or rosacea.
How to relieve: Treatment for meibomitis should be guided by an ophthalmologist and will depend on the severity of symptoms. The doctor may recommend warm compresses to the affected eye, lubricating eye drops, corticosteroid or antibiotic eye drops, or, in severe cases, surgery.
9. Ocular herpes
Ocular herpes is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. It can affect one or both eyes and often produces symptoms similar to conjunctivitis, including itching, tearing, redness, swelling, irritation, blurry vision, and fluid-filled red lesions or ulcers near the eye.
Ocular herpes is contagious and can be easily spread through direct contact with herpes sores, either on the eye or around the mouth.
How to relieve: You should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, since prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications such as blindness. The doctor may prescribe antiviral or corticosteroid ointments or eye drops, along with oral antivirals or antibiotics.
10. Periocular dermatitis
Itchy eyes can also be caused by periocular dermatitis, which is a skin disorder that leads to inflammation of the skin around the eyes or eyelids. It is associated with symptoms like itchiness, redness, swelling, and burning.
Periocular dermatitis may result from allergic reactions to makeup, pollen, or certain foods. It occurs most often in people with a history of contact or atopic dermatitis, but it can also develop in those with seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, or psoriasis.
How to relieve: It’s important to identify what causes the irritation and avoid contact with it whenever possible. The doctor may recommend cold compresses to reduce swelling and redness, as well as prescribe corticosteroid ointments or pills if needed.