Itchy Eyes - Definitive Guide

Itchy eyes is a common problem that is often caused by an allergy or sensitivity to an innocuous, or normally harmless, substance in our environment.  

Allergies occur when the body releases a chemical called histamine in response to a perceived threat, although the substance is actually harmless. 

Histamine causes the blood vessels in the eye to dilate (widen) and irritates the nerve endings in the eye. This triggers symptoms such as itching and watering. If your eyes are red due to an allergy this is known as allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye). 

Common allergies that can cause itchy eyes include: 

• pollen —is a powdery substance that is produced by trees, plants and flowers and is a common trigger for allergies. A pollen allergy is more commonly called hay fever or, more medically, seasonal allergic rhinitis. Symptoms are often worse in late spring and summer and include sneezing and red, watery, itchy eyes; but this depends which type of pollen is causing the reaction. 
• animal dander—the skin cells, saliva and urine produced by our pets can trigger allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes
• mould —is a fungus that can grow inside and outside and thrives in damp environments. It produces fine spores that float on the air and can be easily breathed in triggering irritation and allergy symptoms including itchy eyes.
• dust mites —are tiny mites that live in carpets, curtains, mattresses, bedding and upholstery. They produce fine droppings that are a common trigger for allergies. 
• make-up —some make-up may contain substances that can trigger allergies. The allergy is normally limited to the area where the makeup was applied. Eye makeup allergies may cause symptoms like itchy, red, and puffy eyes. If you think your itchy eyes are caused by makeup, seek a medical review as this may be an early sign of a significant allergy. Further to this, you must throw away the makeup in question and speak to a pharmacist about switching to a hypoallergenic brand. 
• eye drops —eye drops are often used to treat allergy symptoms affecting the eyes and while it’s unusual to be allergic to them, it can happen. Some people may develop an allergy to prescription eye drops, such as eye drops for glaucoma. If you think your itchy eyes are caused by your eye drops talk to your GP immediately. 
• contact lens solution —it’s possible to become allergic to your contact lenses or contact lens solution even if you’ve been using them for years. Symptoms include red, painful, itchy eyes and blurred vision. If you think you may be allergic to your contact lenses or solution, stop wearing your lenses and make an appointment with a GP or ophthalmologist immediately. 

In addition to allergies, itchy eyes can sometimes be due to a wider health problem. Some conditions that may cause itchy eyes include: 

• eczema —is a type of dermatitis (skin inflammation). Symptoms include dry, itchy skin and a bumpy rash. Eczema can develop on your eyelids and around your eyes causing itching and red, swollen eyes. 
• dry eye syndrome —is a condition where the tears produced aren’t a good enough quality to stay on the eye and travel across the entire eye to lubricate the entire surface appropriately. Ironically, the tears can fall off the eye and down your face, so that it looks like you are producing too much. Other symptoms include sore and itchy eyes.  
• blepharitis —is inflammation of the eyelids that causes sore, itchy eyes and flakes or crusts around the eyelashes. It can be caused by skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, problems with the oil glands in the eyelid, or a reaction to bacteria that live on the skin. 
• an object or chemical in the eye—if you get something in your eye your eye will normally show signs of irritation and inflammation such as redness, pain, and watering. In some cases, itching may also be a symptom. Foreign objects or chemicals in your eye can cause long-term damage to your eye and may affect your sight, so if you get something in your eye, go straight to A&E or an emergency eye clinic, even if you have managed to get the object out. 
• contact lenses — in addition to allergic reactions, your contact lenses may harbour bacteria that can cause an infection in your eye. Microbial keratitis is a serious eye infection in contact lens wearers that can result in blindness in severe cases. Symptoms include pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and discharge from the eye. If you experience symptoms of an eye infection, stop wearing your contact lenses and seek immediate medical attention at an emergency eye clinic or A&E. If you wear reusable lenses, you must never wash them in tap water, as this can introduce dangerous bacteria into your eyes. 
• reaction to medication—some medications can cause an adverse reaction which may trigger itchy eyes. Other symptoms may include a rash, wheezing, swelling and shortness of breath. If you think you are experiencing a reaction to your medication, stop taking your medication and see a doctor immediately. 

Treatment for itchy eyes depends on the cause. If you are not sure what is causing your itchy eyes, make an appointment with a doctor. 

At-home treatments for itchy eyes 

• Apply a cool washcloth or ice pack to your eyes 

• Rinse your eyes with cold water
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes 
• Avoid contact with whatever is triggering your allergy where possible
• Keep doors and windows closed when the pollen count is high
• Use a dehumidifier in your home to reduce mould
• Reduce house dust mites by washing bedlinen frequently at a high temperature, vacuuming regularly, using a HEPA filter in your home, and removing carpets and curtains from your bedroom 
• Buy hypo-allergenic pillows and bedding
• Wash your hands after contact with pets 
• Shower every night to remove pollen from your skin and hair
• Care for your contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions

 

Medications for itchy eyes

• Antihistamines —  work by blocking the action of histamine and relieving allergy symptoms. You can buy antihistamines over the counter in the form of eye drops or tablets. 
• Artificial tears —can relieve symptoms of dry, scratchy eyes

Anti-inflammatory eye drops —can reduce eye irritation. Some also contain antihistamines.

See a doctor if:

• your symptoms are not getting better after home treatments
• you have discharge from your eyes
• you have changes to your vision 
• you have something in your eye
• it hurts to look at the light
• your pupils are different sizes 
• you have pain in your eyes 
• you see “haloes” above lights
• you have a foreign object in one of your eyes
• you are taking an medication/drops for glaucoma
• you wear contact lenses

A pharmacist can help with itchy eyes by recommending over-the-counter treatments such as eye drops, eye baths, antihistamines, or artificial tears. Your pharmacist can also advise you on when to see a GP. 

Find a pharmacy near you 

Itchy eyes are a common problem with a variety of possible causes. They can be bothersome and need to be reviewed to ensure there isn’t a serious cause. If you have itchy eyes and would like to talk to a doctor, make an appointment today. 

Health Direct: Itchy eyes  July 2020 (Accessed December 2nd 2022)

PubMed: Allergic conjunctivitis  2017 (Accessed December 2nd 2022)

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Why Are My Eyes Itchy? Answers From an Expert (Accessed December 2nd 2022)

Cleveland Clinic: Are you allergic to your contact lenses or solution?  December 8th 2016 (Accessed December 2nd 2022)

NHS: Blepharitis  February 8th 2022 (Accessed December 2nd 2022)

NHS: Dry eyes December 6th 2021  (Accessed December 2nd 2022)