If you have itchy eyes, youre not alone.

The best way to treat itchy eyes is to know what is causing them to feel itchy.

Heres a closer look at the causes of itchy eyes and treatments.

Itchy eyes

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Allergies

Allergies dont just cause symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing.

Itchiness is a prominent symptom of eye allergies.

Dry eye syndrome is very common and often goes undiagnosed by an eye doctor.

A problem with the lens itself could cause itchiness.

For instance, the lens may have torn, and thats why it feels uncomfortable in your eye.

You may also develop an allergy to the lens material or the solution you use to clean the lens.

Blepharitis

Blepharitisis a condition that affects your eyelids.

It can cause crusty dandruff-like flakes on your eyelashes.

This oil coats your eye surface and helps the water in your tears not evaporate.

When untreated, Meibomian gland dysfunction can lead to dry eye or eyelid inflammation.

This is also calledeye strain, eye fatigue, or asthenopia.

Pink eye can have different causes, including a bacterial or viral infection in the eye.

The bleeding is called asubconjunctival hemorrhage.

you’ve got the option to see the blood, and sometimes it will spread around the eye.

Uveitis

The eyes middle layer is called the uvea.

Diseases that affect the uvea are referred to asuveitis.

Uveitis can affect one or both eyes.

Without treatment, uveitis can cause vision loss or blindness.

Here is more information on treatment for itchy eyes.

The tears also may help remove allergens from the eye.

verify to follow any manufacturer recommendations on how often you’re able to use these types of drops.

If you choose to use anti-redness drops, do so only occasionally.

If you have itchy eyes that are red, painful, or have discharge, see an eye doctor.

If you have a bacterial infection, youll need to use prescription antibiotic eye drops.

A Word From Verywell

Itchy eyes can be irritating and can have many potential causes.

American Optometrists Association.Ocular allergies more than a nuisancean opportunity.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?

Cleveland Clinic.Are you allergic to your contact lenses or solution?

2017;124(11S):S20S26.

doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.05.031

Stanford Health Care.Eye strain symptoms.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.

American Optometric Association.Subconjunctival hemorrhage.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Dacryocystitis.

Cleveland Clinic.The dangers of rubbing itchy eyes.

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eye allergy.