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Itchy Eyes

Is your eye itching? This is very common. Read about the main causes and symptoms, and how to treat itchy eyes.

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What is itchy eye?

Having an itchy eye is very common ‑ most people experience it from time to time. While it can be very uncomfortable, it's usually nothing serious and will pass on its own. Home remedies and medication can also help. Eye itching is most often caused by allergies, but other things can cause it too.

What are the symptoms of itchy eye?

An itchy, sore eye can be really uncomfortable. As well as the itching itself, you might get a few other symptoms too, depending on the underlying cause. Here are the main symptoms of an itchy eyeball: 

  • The main symptom is itchy eyes: often so strong you’ll want to rub them. It might be mild or really intense, and can affect the whole eye or just the corners. The itch can come and go or last for hours, sometimes sticking around for weeks. 

  • Watery eyes: Your eyes might produce more tears than usual. This might be because your body is trying to flush something out of the eye with tears. 

  • Swollen eyelids: Some people's eyelids may become slightly more swollen than usual. If you have a paler skin tone, the eyelids might appear more pink or red. On darker skin tones, there might not be an obvious colour change. 

  • Reddening of the sclera: The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white of your eye (the sclera). If your eyes are sore or itchy, this membrane can become red or pink, and the veins may appear more visible than usual. 

  • Discharge: You might also notice some discharge appearing around your eye. It might be white or pale yellow in colour. It might collect in the corner of your eye, on the eyelids or in your eyelashes. 

  • Rashes or flaky skin: For some, rashes might appear on the eyelids or skin around the eyes, causing flakiness. On paler skin tones, this tends to look red or pink. On darker skin tones, it can look purple, brown or grey.

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Do these symptoms sound familiar?

If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above it's worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

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What causes itchy eye?

Itchy eyes are often caused by allergies, but some causes may need medical care.

  1. Hey fever:

    This is the most common cause of itchy eyes. Pollen from trees, flowers or grass triggers an immune response from your body, including swelling and inflammation. It's very common ‑ about 13 million people in the UK have hay fever. 

  2. Allergies:

    Other allergies can also cause red, itchy eyes, like pet fur, dust mites or some medicines. If your eyes get itchy soon after starting something new (like birth control or antidepressants), speak to your GP.

  3. Other eye irritants:

    There are lots of things that can irritate your eyes. These include cigarette smoke, ash, dust, sand, workplace chemicals, alcohol, eye makeup and some types of contact lens solutions.

  4. Contact lenses:

    Incorrect usage of contact lenses can cause an itchy eyeball. Forgetting to properly clean your contacts, wearing them for too long, or wearing them while swimming (among other issues) can irritate your eyes and cause itching.

  5. Screen usage:

    Spending too much time looking at screens can cause dry, itchy eyes. At Specsavers, we recommend the 20‑20‑20 rule ‑ every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.

  6. Eczema:

    Eczema and other kinds of rash or dermatitis (skin irritation) that affect the skin near your eyes can cause an itchy feeling on your eyelids. They can also cause flaky, dry skin.

  7. Blepharitis:

    Blepharitis is a common eye condition that causes inflammation. It tends to be long‑term and leads to swelling, inflammation and itching along the edges of your eyelids. You might also notice your eyelids get stuck together.

  8. Conjunctivitis:

    Also known as pink eye or red eye, conjunctivitis is usually caused by an infection of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye and inner surfaces of the eyelid.

  9. Dry eye syndrome:

    This condition happens when your eyes don't make enough tears, or there's a problem with the quality of your tears, which means your eyes don't get lubricated enough. It can cause dry, itchy eyes.

  10. Rarer causes:

    Some less common conditions can cause itchy eyes too. Sjögren’s syndrome, certain types of keratoconjunctivitis and lupus can all lead to dry, itchy or irritated eyes.

How is itchy eye treated?

Having an itchy eyeball can be really bothersome. Fortunately, it can often be treated with simple home remedies and over‑the‑counter medication. However, sometimes it might need more specialised care from your GP or optometrist. They'll help you create a plan for how to relieve itchy eyes. Here are some of the main options for how to soothe itchy eyes:

  • Cold compress: Soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring it out, and place it over your eyelids. It can help calm the itch and reduce inflammation. 

  • Flush your eyes: If dust or particles are the cause, gently rinse your open eyes with cool, low‑pressure water from a tap or shower for about a minute. 

  • Antihistamines: If you can't avoid allergens like pollen, then using over‑the‑counter antihistamines is a good option. They can reduce your body's reaction to pollen and other things like pet fur and dust mites. 

  • Eye drops: Artificial tears can soothe itchiness and dryness. If it’s conjunctivitis, antimicrobial drops may help. Your optometrist can guide you on what’s best. 

  • Eyelid hygiene: Gently clean your eyelids with warm water each day. It helps with blepharitis and clears away pollen or makeup. 

  • Eczema treatment: If you have itchy eyelids caused by eczema or similar skin issues, your GP can prescribe moisturisers and corticosteroid creams to treat the condition. 

  • Removing foreign objects: If your itchy eye is caused by an object that's pierced your eye, don't try to remove it yourself. Seek medical help at A&E or a nearby optometrist.

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Can itchy eye be prevented?

If you often notice your eyes itching, then it's really valuable to try to figure out the exact cause. You can then take steps to avoid this. Here are some ways to prevent itchy eyeball symptoms. 

  • Don’t rub your eyes: It might feel good, but rubbing can cause damage and won’t fix the cause of the itch. 

  • Take screen breaks: Look away often, focus on distant objects and blink more to help stop dryness and itchiness. 

  • Avoid triggers: If pollen, pet fur, smoke or dust set off your symptoms, steering clear can really help. 

  • Keep pets out of your bedroom: If your itchy eyes are related to pet hair, try to keep animals out of your bedroom. This means you won't be as exposed to their hair and dander at night. 

  • Wraparound sunglasses: This can be really helpful if your itchy eye is caused by things getting in your eye. If you have to spend time in dusty, smoky, sandy and windy places, these sunglasses can reduce your exposure. 

  • Avoid smoking: If you smoke, then cutting back or stopping can eliminate one cause of itchy eyes. Speak to your GP for advice on ways to stop smoking ‑ there's lots of help available. 

  • Keep windows closed: During pollen season, you can reduce your exposure by keeping your windows closed. On days you have to go outside, use antihistamines. 

  • Air purifiers: Some people find that air purifiers can make a big difference to their allergies. These devices draw dust, pollen, air pollution and other fine particles out of the air inside your home. 

  • Eyelid hygiene: Clean your eyelids daily and remove makeup before bed. If you wear contacts, don’t keep them in longer than recommended.

Itchy Eye FAQs

Written by our experts for peace of mind

https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7/34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f/Ross_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg

Ross Campbell

BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret

Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre‑registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.

Related conditions

Not sure if this is what you're experiencing? Explore some related conditions:

  • Conjunctivitis (red or pink eye)

    Conjunctivitis is a common condition caused by inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye and inner surfaces of the eyelid.

    Find out more

  • Dry Eye Syndrome

    Dry eye syndrome (or dry eye disease) is a condition that happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or if the quality of your tears isn’t quite right.

    Find out more

  • Hay Fever

    A common cause of allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an adverse reaction to pollen that many people experience, particularly in the summer.

    Find out more

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Get expert eye advice

If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

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