Itchy eyes are a common problem and, in many cases, the cause is relatively straightforward. Allergies, dry eyes and irritation can all leave you wanting to rub your eyes, and you may also notice redness, watering or a gritty sensation.
While occasional itching may settle on its own, persistent or uncomfortable symptoms shouldn’t simply be ignored. Understanding some of the common causes of itchy eyes can help you know when simple changes may be enough and when it’s time to seek professional advice.
What Causes Itchy Eyes?
There isn’t one single cause of itchy eyes. Your symptoms can be influenced by everything from the environment around you to the health of the surface of your eyes and eyelids.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Allergies and hay fever
- Dry eyes
- Blepharitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Contact lens irritation
- Environmental irritants
Because several eye conditions can produce similar symptoms, it’s important not to assume you know the cause based on itching alone.
Allergies and Hay Fever
Allergies are one of the most common reasons for itchy, red or watery eyes.
Hay fever occurs when your body reacts to pollen, with symptoms often becoming more noticeable when pollen levels are high. Alongside itchy eyes, you might experience sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and watery or red eyes.
Other allergens, including dust mites and animal dander, can also trigger symptoms.
If your symptoms appear at particular times of year or after exposure to something you’re allergic to, this may provide a clue as to what’s causing the irritation.
Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, even though it can be tempting, as this can make them feel more irritated.
Could Dry Eyes Be Making My Eyes Itchy?
It might seem surprising, but dry eyes can make your eyes feel itchy and can even cause them to water more than usual.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. As well as itching, you may notice that your eyes feel sore, gritty or red. Your vision may occasionally become blurry, and your eyes can become more sensitive to light.
A number of factors can contribute to dry eyes, including:
- Spending long periods looking at computer screens
- Wearing contact lenses
- Spending time in heated or air-conditioned environments
- Windy, dry or dusty conditions
- Certain medications
- Getting older
- Eyelid conditions such as blepharitis
If dry or uncomfortable eyes are becoming a regular problem, an eye examination can help assess your symptoms and determine whether further advice or treatment may be appropriate.
Blepharitis and Itchy Eyelids
Sometimes the itching isn’t coming from the eye itself but from the eyelids.
Blepharitis is a common condition that affects the edges of the eyelids. It can leave them feeling itchy, sore or gritty, and you may notice flakes or crusts around the eyelashes.
Maintaining good eyelid hygiene can form an important part of managing blepharitis, although persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than self-diagnosed. The NHS advises seeking professional advice if you’re concerned about an eyelid problem or symptoms aren’t improving.
Can Conjunctivitis Cause Itchy Eyes?
Yes. Conjunctivitis can cause itching alongside other symptoms.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin layer covering the front of the eye and inside of the eyelids. It can be associated with infection or allergies.
Symptoms can include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Watering
- A burning or gritty feeling
- Discharge that may make the eyelashes stick together
The exact symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Allergic conjunctivitis, for example, commonly causes red, watery and itchy eyes.
If you think you may have conjunctivitis, avoid sharing towels or pillows and try not to rub your eyes.
Can Contact Lenses Cause Itchy Eyes?
If you wear contact lenses and your eyes have started feeling itchy or uncomfortable, don’t simply put up with the irritation.
Contact lens wear can contribute to dry eyes in some people, while discomfort can also be related to the lenses themselves, their fit, your wearing routine or other problems affecting the eye.
Make sure you follow the recommended cleaning, replacement and wearing schedule for your lenses.
If your contact lenses regularly feel uncomfortable, arrange an appointment rather than trying to manage persistent symptoms yourself. Your optician can assess your eyes and discuss whether your current lenses and wearing routine remain suitable.
If you develop a painful red eye while wearing contact lenses, seek urgent professional advice because this can be a sign of an eye infection.
Could Screens Be Causing the Problem?
Spending a long time looking at a computer, tablet or smartphone doesn’t necessarily mean the screen itself is directly causing your eyes to itch.
However, prolonged screen use can contribute to dry-eye symptoms. Taking regular breaks can therefore be helpful, particularly if your eyes become dry or uncomfortable towards the end of the working day.
You may find it useful to:
- Take regular breaks from your screen
- Make a conscious effort to blink normally
- Position your screen slightly below eye level
- Avoid having air conditioning or heating blowing directly towards your face
If symptoms continue despite making changes to your working environment, consider arranging an eye examination.
Should I Rub My Eyes When They’re Itchy?
It’s best to avoid rubbing them.
Although rubbing can provide temporary relief, it may further irritate already sensitive eyes. It can also transfer dirt and bacteria from your hands to the eye area.
If allergies are causing your symptoms, reducing your exposure to the allergen where possible may help. A pharmacist can also advise on suitable treatments for allergies or dry-eye symptoms.
When Should I See an Optician About Itchy Eyes?
Occasional mild itching isn’t always a cause for concern. However, if your itchy eyes are persistent, keep returning or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s worth having them assessed.
An optometrist can examine your eyes and eyelids and consider possible causes rather than relying on symptoms alone.
You should seek professional advice if your symptoms aren’t improving, particularly if you’re experiencing ongoing dryness or eyelid problems.
Some symptoms require more urgent attention. Seek urgent medical or optometric advice if you experience eye pain, marked redness, sensitivity to light or changes to your vision. Sudden loss of vision or other severe symptoms can require emergency assessment.
Looking After Itchy and Uncomfortable Eyes
The best way to manage itchy eyes depends on what’s causing them.
For some people, reducing exposure to an allergen may make a significant difference. For others, dry eye management, changes to contact lens wear or improved eyelid hygiene may be more appropriate.
Rather than repeatedly treating the symptom without knowing the cause, an eye examination gives your optometrist an opportunity to look more closely at your eye health and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
Get Advice About Itchy Eyes from Bill Opticians
At Bill Opticians, we understand how frustrating uncomfortable eyes can be. Our experienced optometrists can assess your symptoms, examine your eye health and provide advice based on what they find.
Whether your itchy eyes are associated with dryness, allergies, your contact lenses or another cause, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and what you can do next.
If your eyes are regularly itchy, red or uncomfortable, contact your nearest Bill Opticians practice to arrange an appointment.
