If that story sounds like a familiar one, you know the unique frustration of ruined makeup, constantly rubbing your eyes when you know you should just leave them alone, and the never-ending struggle to get to the bottom of exactly why your eyes are itching. So if you’re asking yourself more often than not, “why are my eyes itchy?” As it turns out, there are many different reasons for red, itchy eyes—here are 10 of the most common ones, according to health experts.
Why are my eyes itchy?
Allergies
Symptoms: Burning, itching, puffy, red and watery eyes. Allergies are your immune system’s response to a substance it views as a harmful “invader,” says Alexandra Williamson, OD, an optometrist at Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Substances that cause these allergic reactions are called allergens. Eye allergies can be either seasonal or perennial. If you tend to get itchy eyes around the same time every year, you may be suffering from seasonal allergies. “Exposure to an outdoor allergen—such as tree, grass, or ragweed pollen—causes the release of compounds called histamines, which can lead to red, swollen and itchy eyes,” Dr. Tania Elliot, allergist-immunologist at NYU Langone Health, explains. Other common symptoms include burning or tearing of the eyes and sensitivity to light, Elliot adds. Seasonal allergies are most common in the spring, summer, and fall when the pollen count is higher and because you tend to spend more time outdoors. Perennial allergies, on the other hand, can occur at any time of the year or last all year long. Common triggers include pet dander and dust mites. While avoiding exposure to allergens is the best way to minimize symptoms, this isn’t always possible. For both seasonal and year-round allergies, prescription and over-the-counter eye drops are effective treatment options.
Eyelid inflammation (Blepharitis)
Symptoms: Crusting around your eyes or eyelids, excessive blinking, itching, redness and swollen eyelids. Blepharitis, often called eyelid inflammation, occurs when the openings of the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become plugged. This can result in inflammation and infection, according to Dr. Williamson. To relieve symptoms at home, Avoid eye make up, use a warm compress and clean your eyelids regularly. If your symptoms don’t clear after several days, Dr. Williamson recommends seeing your eye care provider.
A tear duct infection
Symptoms: Puffy eyelid, discharge, tearing. Margaret Liu, MD and Founder of the SF Eye Institute with the Pacific Vision Foundation, says there are numerous symptoms when a tear duct is infected. “Along with a puffy eyelid and discharge, you’ll notice the bridge of the nose may be red and tender." This type of infection occurs when the tear drainage system is blocked and bacteria accumulates in the ducts. So, what causes the blockage? In many cases, it’s trauma to the nose or eyes, such as a broken nose. When a tear duct infection is left untreated, it can be harder to cure down the line. If your symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Contact lenses
Symptoms: Discharge,itching, light sensitivity, redness watery or painful eyes Contact lenses are like prescription “glasses” that sit directly on the surface of your eye, Williamson explains. Anytime something touches your eye, you’re introducing risks including an allergic reaction or infection. “If you practice bad habits like sleeping in your contacts, wearing your contacts past their recommended use or not properly disinfecting and storing them, bacteria can build up on your lenses,” says Dr. Williamson. If you develop an infection due to contact lenses, see your doctor. This can lead to long-term vision problems if left untreated.
Tear drainage constriction
Symptoms: Tearing, blurry vision. “Vision can be blurry because of watery eyes and skin irritation on the outer corner when there’s too much tearing,” Dr. Liu explains. “And constantly dabbing at the irritation will only make matters worse.” Also called punctal stenosis, tear drainage constriction is caused by the narrowing or obstruction of the small channels in each eyelid that drain fluid. In 45% of cases, punctual stenosis is caused by chronic blepharitis or inflammation. So, if you suffer from long-term eyelid inflammation, you run the risk of developing other eye issues.
Eye Strain
Symptoms: Itching, headaches, light sensitivity and neck/shoulder pain. Eye strain can be triggered any time you intensely focus your eyes during a task, Dr. Williamson states. Whether it’s long-distance driving, reading or using digital devices—such as cell phones, computers, tablets—all of these activities can cause stress to the eye. “Eye strain is usually treated with lifestyle changes," Dr. Williamson says. “These may include wearing glasses for certain activities, such as reading. Taking breaks from reading, writing and driving can also help reduce eye strain.”
Airborne irritants
Symptoms: Red, itchy, watery eyes, or foreign body sensation (less systemic systems) According to Dr. Liu, airborne irritants are a common cause for itchy eyes. Many people have a sensitivity to cigarette smoke, perfume, wood dust, fumes and other environmental irritants. To relieve itchy eyes here, the best solution is to avoid exposure. Applying a cool, damp cloth to the irritated area can help lessen pain. Eye drops may also help speed up the healing process.
Dry eye
Symptoms: Blurry vision,a gritty sensation, itching and redness. Your eyes depend on tears to provide moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. When you don’t produce adequate tears to lubricate your eyes, you can develop dry eyes, Dr. Williamson explains. “As we age, we are more prone to dry eye due to hormonal changes,” Dr. Williamson says. “Other causes include certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) and menopause.” If you experience symptoms for an extended length of time, try OTC lubricating eye drops and see an eye doctor.
Corneal abrasion
Symptoms: Puffy lids, blurry, red, inflamed eyes. Itchy eyes may be caused by a scratch on the cornea, Dr. Liu says. A corneal abrasion, more commonly known as an eye scratch, is one of the more painful conditions on this list. A scratch can happen from accidentally poking your eye with a fingernail, makeup brush, or other sharp objects; dirt, sawdust or other foreign particles; over wearing your contact lenses; and more. When eyes are hurting, our first instinct is to touch them, but this can make itching worse. Avoid touching the area, and use antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent further infection. Healing time will depend on the severity of the scratch.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Symptoms: Increased tearing, itching, redness stinging and thick discharge that crusts over the eyelashes. Conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye, is a common eye infection in children and adults. According to Dr. Williamson, viruses are the most common cause of pink eye. “Coronaviruses such as the common cold or COVID-19, are among the viruses that can cause conjunctivitis,” she says. “Allergies and bacteria can also cause pink eye.” If you or your child are showing signs of pink eye, Dr. Williamson recommends that you see your pediatric eye care provider. If your pink eye is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic drops, she adds. Don’t attempt to self-treat infections. Also, antibiotics cannot treat pink eye caused by a virus. Instead, you can apply a cold compress or use artificial tears throughout the day to help relieve symptoms.
Itchy Eyes: the takeaway
Many of the conditions on this list have overlapping symptoms. Dr. Williamson explains that not all symptoms listed will be noticed by each individual, and often signs (what the doctor sees) start before symptoms (what the patient feels). For instance, many patients don’t realize they have ocular allergies until they get fitted in contact lenses. Why? Dr. Williamson says it’s because the signs weren’t severe enough to cause symptoms until a contact lens is worn. This traps allergens in the tear film and increasing exposure to the allergen, which is what drives the body’s allergic response. If you’re unsure what type of doctor to see, both types of eye care providers—optometrists and ophthalmologists—are well-qualified to care for the above conditions. Next, read up on 7 common activities that may be damaging your eyes.
Sources
Alexandra Williamson, OD, optometrist at Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye InstituteTania Elliot, allergist-immunologist at NYU Langone HealthMargaret Liu, MD and Founder of the SF Eye Institute with the Pacific Vision FoundationHarvard Health: “Tear duct infection: Dacryocystitus”National Center for Biotechnology Information: “Punctal Stenosis”
