What Is Eye Pruritus?
Eye pruritus, commonly known as itchy eyes, is a common ocular issue. It is a persistent itching in or around the eyes and is often linked to various causes, including allergies, dry eye syndrome, infections, or exposure to irritants. Symptoms may include redness, excessive tearing, and a burning or gritty sensation. Scratching itchy eyes may worsen the issue. You can manage the issue by getting to its root cause. This may include using antihistamine eye drops for allergy-related itching, lubricating eye drops for dry eyes, or prescription medications for severe cases. Preventative measures include avoiding allergens and irritants, maintaining good eye hygiene, and safeguarding against environmental factors like dust and pollen. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult an eye care specialist for a precise diagnosis and suitable treatment. Know about the causes and risk factors for itchy eyes in more detail in the next section.
Causes And Risk Factors For Itchy Eyes
This condition is also known as ocular pruritus (1). It can be caused by various factors, like allergies, infections, and a few underlying medical conditions. The common causes of itchy eyes are:
Dry Eye Syndrome: Occurs due to lack of hydration and lubrication in the eyes (2).
According to a study published in the Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics journal, it is a fairly common eye condition, with a global prevalence of 11.59% (9.5% in women and 6.8% in men), and the prevalence increasing with age. That means this condition affects around one in 11 people worldwide. It is the least prevalent in North America (4.6%) and the most prevalent in Africa (47.9%).
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelids and secrete oil. Clogging or abnormal development of these glands may result in an insufficient amount of oil in tears. This may cause the tears to evaporate quickly and result in dry eyes and irritation (3). Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the eyelids. This condition is caused by staphylococcal bacteria or eyelid mites (4). Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: This is an allergic reaction caused by contact lenses that results in itching (5). Contact Dermatitis: This is an inflammatory skin condition caused due to environmental conditions (6). Infectious Conjunctivitis: Infectious conjunctivitis is caused when eyes are infected by viral and bacterial infections.
The factors that can increase your risk of developing itchy eyes are:
Dust, pollen, and animal dander Spending long periods in front of the computer without rest Advancing age Menopause Environmental conditions like dry air, air conditioning, and smoking Medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
The condition is characterized by the following signs and symptoms.
Symptoms Of Itchy Eyes
Itchy eyes Constant watering or dry eyes Swelling of the eyes Redness Sensitivity to light A burning sensation in the eyes
Itchy eyes may interfere with the day-to-day activities and need to be treated at the earliest. Here is a list of natural remedies that may help relieve the condition.
Home Remedies To Relieve Itchy Eyes
1. Cucumber Slices
Cucumber contains antioxidants (7). It has a soothing effect on skin irritations and reduces swelling (8). The cooling effect of cucumber may help ease the itching in your eyes. A cucumber Do this 1-2 times daily.
2. Cold Compress
The topical use of ice compress helps in the delivery of oil from the meibomian glands (9). It can also help soothe itching and irritation in the eyes. An ice pack Do this multiple times a day.
3. Tea Bags
The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) present in green tea improves surface inflammation in dry eyes (10). Hence, the topical application of green tea bags may provide relief from itchy and dry eyes. Used green tea bags Do this whenever your eyes start itching. Note: You can use herbal teas of chamomile, calendula, and eyebright as a cold compress to relieve itchy eyes.
4. Cold Milk
Anecdotal reports suggest that cold milk acts as a cold compress. Thus, the topical application of cold milk may relieve itchiness and swelling in the eyes.
1 tablespoon of cold milk Cotton pads
Do this 2-3 times a day.
5. Water
Water cleanses the eyes and may soothe the irritation instantly. Water Wash your eyes with purified running water whenever they feel itchy. Do this 2-3 times a day.
Cayla Wood, a YouTuber, experiences itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies, and so she shared her go-to method to instantly get rid of the irritation, stating, “All right, now you’re going to take the face cloth or washcloth and fold it in half…you want it to be in a nice neat square. Now you’re going to run it under some cold water. Now you don’t want the cloth to be soaking wet…. Alright, now you’re going to take the face cloth and dab it on your eyes, one at a time, until the itching stops. Now this should work pretty fast and effectively (i).”
6. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis) possesses natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties (11). Hence, it may help in alleviating itchiness and inflammation in the eyes.
Witch hazel extract Cotton pads
Do this 2 times a day.
7. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera helps in soothing eye inflammation (12). Its topical application may help relieve symptoms associated with itchy eyes.
Aloe vera juice Cotton balls
Do this multiple times a day.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil has a lubricant effect on the eyes (13). Hence, it may be a good option for treating itchy eyes.
Organic castor oil Cotton balls
Do this 1 to 2- times a day.
9. Potato
Anti-inflammatory therapies can help in treating dry and itchy eyes (14). The glycoalkaloids present in potatoes exhibit such anti-inflammatory properties (15). Hence, the topical application of potatoes may help in reducing itchiness and swelling in the eyes. Potato contains omega-3 fatty acids that improve the functioning of the meibomian glands and produce oily tears. A raw potato Do this 2-3 times a day.
10. Rose Water
Rose water has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that can improve dry and inflamed eye conditions (16). Rose water may be used as an effective eyewash.
Rosewater Cotton balls
Do this 2-3 times a day.
11. Honey
Honey possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties (17). It is considered a therapeutic agent and used for treating eye diseases (18). 1 teaspoon of organic honey Do this 2 times a day.
12. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (19). These properties may help soothe itchy and inflamed eyes.
4 drops of lavender oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (Carrier oil)
Do this 1-2 times a day.
b. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (20). These properties may offer immediate relief from itchy eyes.
3-4 drops of tea tree oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (Carrier oil)
Do this 2 times a day.
13. Vitamins
The deficiency of a few nutrients may aggravate the symptoms of itchy eyes. Vitamins A, C, and E are important for the proper functioning of your eyes. Individuals with itchy eyes usually have a vitamin A deficiency (21). Vitamins C and E are beneficial for the overall health of the eyes and may be used to reverse many eye infections (22), (23). Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, carrots, turnips, kale, mangoes, and cheese. Consume these vitamin-rich foods. Consume these foods often. While these remedies help reduce itching in your eyes, there are high chances of its recurrence if you do not follow these prevention tips.
Prevention Tips
Protect your eyes from direct sunlight and allergens by always wearing a pair of sunglasses. Do not wear contact lenses for long durations. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Flush your eyes with cold water every now and then.
Moreover, itchy eyes tend to turn red. So, in case you notice any redness and puffiness you may try home remedies for red eyes as they may soothe the redness and irritation and relieve any other discomfort.
When To Seek Medical Attention
While home remedies may offer relief for itchy eyes, it is important to know when a professional’s care is necessary. If you notice symptoms such as sudden or partial vision loss, intense or prolonged eye pain, persistent redness that does not subside, or unusual discharge, you need to see a doctor immediately. These signs may indicate a more serious underlying issue that home treatments can not resolve. When to see a doctor for itchy eyes? You must see a doctor if you experience:
Sudden eye pain Vision loss Pain Visual changes Bulging eyes Signs of infection Too much of tearing
What are the best eye drops for itchy eyes? Itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies, and in such cases, medications like antihistamine eye drops can help. However, consult a doctor and take medicines only written in the prescription. How long does it take for an eye irritation to go away? Normal itching in the eyes usually fades after a good night’s sleep. However, if the itching is due to an underlying infection, it may take one to two weeks to notice an improvement in your condition. What happens if you rub your eyes too much? Rubbing your eyes too much can cause micro-scratches on the cornea of your eye and damage it. In the short term, you may experience sensitivity to light, watery eyes, and redness from rubbing your eyes too much. In the long run, the cornea may get infected or develop scar tissue and seriously impact your vision.
