Our doctors can help with itchy eyes. Book your appointment now and speak with a doctor in minutes.
Alternatively you can refer yourself to a specialist Doctor without seeing a GP first.
Our doctors can help with itchy eyes. Book your appointment now and speak with a doctor in minutes.
Alternatively you can refer yourself to a specialist Doctor without seeing a GP first.
Written by Medical Professional
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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:
In addition to allergies, itchy eyes can sometimes be due to a wider health problem. Some conditions that may cause itchy eyes include:
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
Medications for itchy eyes
Anti-inflammatory eye drops —can reduce eye irritation. Some also contain antihistamines.
See a doctor if:
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.
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)