
Several different types of medications may help relieve ocular itching, but only your doctor will know which treatment or combination of treatments is most suitable for your particular needs. For this reason, consulting with your eye doctor can be very helpful to determine the most effective remedy for itchy eyes. For example, if your symptoms are associated with a dry eye condition, an allergy drop will be less effective for you than it will be for someone whose itchy eyes are due to seasonal allergies. The most effective itchy eye treatments are those that directly address the cause. Some medications also may help you become less prone to attacks of itchy eyes in the future, especially if symptoms are due to seasonal allergies.Īpplying a clean, cold, damp washcloth over your closed eyes also may help alleviate the severity of itchy eyes. But in many cases, prescription eye drops or oral medications may be needed to provide relief. Symptoms of itchy eyes sometimes can be alleviated with over-the-counter artificial tears or allergy eye drops. SEE RELATED: Is your cat causing your eye allergies? Treatments for itchy eyes Sometimes, if you are wearing your contacts too long or don't replace them frequently enough, this too can cause itchy eyes.īecause the causes for itchy eyes are so diverse, if your symptoms are lasting, getting worse, or don't subside when allergy season winds down, make an appointment with your eye doctor. If you wear contact lenses, itchy eyes can make lens wear very uncomfortable. This is caused by bacteria and in some cases by microscopic mites that live on the eyelids. Similarly, if your eyelids are red and inflamed, you may have a condition called blepharitis. If (in addition to itching) your eyes are burning, the cause may be dry eye syndrome or meibomian gland dysfunction, not allergies. Medicated eye drops for chronic conditions like glaucomaīut allergies aren't the only cause of itchy eyes. Other products with ingredients that may cause your eyes to itch include: For example, some people develop allergies to their contact lens solutions. In some cases, a product you're using can cause allergy-related itchy eyes. Perennial allergies, on the other hand, are present all year long and are caused by things like mold and dust.


It's most common in the spring and fall and is caused by high pollen counts and exposure to outdoor allergens like grass and weeds. Seasonal allergies cause what's known as allergic conjunctivitis. In fact, it can make things worse.Įye allergies come in lots of shapes and sizes and can be seasonal or perennial.
