Itchy eyes are a troublesome condition in which your eyes start itching, forcing you to rub your eyes now and then. Initially, it will be like slow-building itchiness, but gradually the itchiness picks up pace, worsens, and makes life miserable. In no time, your eyes start paining and watering. Also, eyes become swollen and red, giving out a sticky, glue-like discharge. The other symptoms associated with itchy eyes include a burning sensation, puffy eyes, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and sensitivity to light. Pruritus is the medical term used to describe the condition of itchy eyes. [1]
Itchy eyes causes
Reasons for itchy eyes may be categorized into two broad categories: ophthalmologic conditions and dermatologic conditions. [1]
To answer the question ‘Why are my eyes itchy,’ you need to run a glance at the table given below:
| Ophthalmologic Conditions | Dermatologic Conditions |
|---|---|
| Dry eyes syndrome [1] | Atopic dermatitis [1] |
| Blepharitis [1] | Allergic contact dermatitis [1] |
| Ocular surface disease [2] | Irritant contact dermatitis [1] |
| Mechanical lid anomalies [2] | |
| Meibomian gland dysfunction | |
| Infectious conjunctivitis | |
| Giant papillary conjunctivitis | |
| Allergic conjunctivitis |
Apart from the above mentioned reasons, there are other causes or triggers of itchy eyes. Therefore, to answer the question, what causes itchy eyes, we’ll list out the possible triggers:
- Eye strain
- Contact lens
- Medications like prostaglandin analogs, antibiotics [1], birth control pills, antidepressants, beta blockers, antihistamines, analgesics
- Exposure to smoke and dry air
- Incomplete eye closing
- Computer use
- Menopause
Home remedies for itchy eyes
1. Try a cold compress
A cold compress may be applied to the eyes to soothe pain, irritation, and itchiness. A cold compress can reduce the tendency to rub the eyes again and again. You can use an ice pack or a washcloth soaked in cold water to apply the compress. [3]
2. Use tea bags to get relief
Eyes red and itchy? Black and Green tea bags come with anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat itchy, red eyes. Refrigerate the tea bags and place them on your eyes. The cold, frozen tea bags can soothe your burning eyes and bring you relief. [4]
3. Use sandalwood as a cure
The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of sandalwood can bring relief from eye itchiness. A decoction made out of sandalwood can be used as natural eye wash twice or thrice a day.
4. Apply the magic paste of Hogweed
Make a smooth paste out of the leaves of Hogweed (Punarnava) and apply it topically on the closed eyes. Its cooling impact brings relief from irritation and itchiness. The juice of the leaves may also be used as natural eyewash. [6]
5. Treat with coconut oil
Coconut oil can soothe itchy eyes. It is a great remedy for eye rewetting as it collects over the physiological tear film levels and acts as a top shield.
6. Try frequent eyewashes
Using homemade saline eyewashes frequently is the simplest itchy eyes home remedy. Salt in the water can destroy eye infections and also clean your eyes of excessive sticky mucus. [5]
7. Heal with Clitoria leaves
Clitoria (Aparajita) flowers may be used in the form of a paste over your closed eyes. The anti-inflammatory properties of these flowers can relieve eye soreness and itchiness.
8. Use juiced radish greens
Radish (Muli) greens may be used to make juice, and by consuming that juice, one can get relief from eye soreness and itchiness. The juice can also make one of the best eye drops for itchy eyes.
9. Use the nutritional human milk
Using human milk for itchy eyes is a practice in many cultures. This itchy eyes home remedy is used mainly for infants as a first-line itchy eyes home treatment.[7]
10. Use Castor oil to alleviate the itch
Castor oil is one of the best eye drops for itchy eyes. Castor oil is an effective natural plant-derived oil that can lubricate your eyes. The ricinoleic acid present in Castor oil can relieve eye itchiness caused due to dry eyes syndrome and Blepharitis. That compound can treat the deficiency of tear film lipids. [8]
FAQs about Itchy Eyes
1. Do itchy eyes heal?
In most cases, itchy eyes do not stay long and might even heal without treatment, remedies, or medications. To be on the safe side, you must consult a doctor if you feel something is stuck in your eyes.
2. What does Ayurveda say about the issue of itchy eyes?
According to Ayurveda, all three doshas, i.e., Kapha, Pitta, and Vata, take part in an allergic reaction affecting the eye. Allergy is a generalized body response whose result is seen in the eyes. Hence, generalized remedial modalities help calm down the overall response of your immune system. Treating eye itchiness through Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies free from harmful side effects can relieve you. Kandu (itching) is often associated with other issues like Sangharsha (foreign body sensation), Toda (Pricking pain), Achchasruta (watering), Alpa Dushika (discharge), and Parushya (dryness). As a remedial measure, one can use the following curative ingredients: Mahatriphaladya Ghrita, Haridrakhand, Rasayanadi Yoga as the internal healing potion and the Shigruharidradi eye drop, Bilvadi Ashchyotana, and the Triphala Ashchyotana. By applying these curative measures, you can get relief from itchy eyes. [9]
3. Are itchy eyes a serious problem?
No, an itchy eye problem is not a serious problem. Seasonal allergies can trigger itchy eyes. If the problem lingers and does not subside on its own, you can opt for the Ayurvedic Netradhara itchy eyes treatment to get quick relief. To offer the therapy, the therapist will tell you to lie down flat on your back. You’ll be asked to close your eyes initially while the therapist pours herbal decoction over your eyes. You’ll be asked to blink several times when the procedure is being carried out. That way, the decoction enters your eyes and flushes out all dirt, germs, and impurities from your eyes, giving you a crystal-clear vision.
