Itchy eyes

Itchy eyes are eyes that feel as though they are tickling or stinging, and which make you want to rub them. It is a symptom that can indicate various underlying causes, ranging from mild and temporary to persistent.

The itching is caused by irritation of the surface of the eye or the eyelids. This can be due to an allergic reaction, for example to pollen, house dust mites or pets. Dry eyes, dirt, make-up, smoke, chlorinated water or prolonged screen use can also cause itching. For contact lens wearers, itching can also be caused by a dirty lens, an abnormal tear film or a reaction to an ingredient in the lens solution.

Itchy eyes are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, watery eyes, a burning sensation or swollen eyelids. Rubbing provides temporary relief, but can actually worsen the irritation and increase the risk of infection.

Possible causes

The most common causes of itchy eyes are:

• Allergies: seasonal hay fever or an allergy to house dust mites, pets or mould can cause itchy, red and watery eyes.
• Dry eyes: an insufficient or unstable tear film can make the surface of the eye sensitive.
• Irritation: smoke, wind, air conditioning, chlorine, make-up or dirt can irritate the eyes.
• Contact lenses: a dirty lens, wearing them for too long, or a reaction to an ingredient in the solution can cause itching.
• Eye strain: prolonged screen use or infrequent blinking can make the eyes drier and more irritable.

What you can do yourself

Rubbing your eyes is tempting, but it can make the problem worse and spread bacteria. Try not to touch your eyes and wash your hands regularly. If you suspect you have an allergy, it helps to avoid allergens where possible, for example by keeping windows closed during the pollen season or washing your pillows more often.

If you wear contact lenses, check that your lenses are clean, that you aren’t wearing them for too long, and that your lens solution is still within its use-by date. Sometimes it helps to switch temporarily to daily disposable lenses or a different solution. Moisturising eye drops are designed to moisturise and rinse the surface of the eye. They do not address the cause of the itching.

When to see an optician or ophthalmologist

If you are experiencing persistent itching, pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision, or if the itching is accompanied by discharge or severe redness, please have it assessed by your optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can determine the cause and recommend treatment where necessary.