What should you know about dryness and itching in eyes?

The eye surface and eyelid skin can become uncomfortable after exposure to smoke, dust, wind, screens, cosmetics or contact-lens solutions. Allergy may cause itching and watering, while eyelid inflammation can produce flakes or crust near the lashes. A rash around the eyes may occur with Contact Dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis or other inflammatory conditions; conditions such as Hives, Scabies, Lichen Planus or a Skin Yeast Infection need different assessment. Eye symptoms are not diagnosed by itch alone.

Do not rub the eyes, and wash hands before touching the area. Pause new eye makeup, creams and lenses while symptoms are active. Use a clean cool compress on closed lids and ask a pharmacist or eye clinician whether lubricating drops are suitable. Do not share eye products, use someone else’s prescription drops, or apply steroid cream near the eye without medical direction. Arrange an eye examination if symptoms keep returning or interfere with reading, work or sleep.

Seek urgent eye care for new vision loss or blur, significant eye pain, light sensitivity, a chemical splash, an injury, severe redness, pus, or swelling that affects opening the eye. Facial swelling with breathing difficulty is an emergency. Prompt assessment is also appropriate when a contact-lens wearer has a painful red eye. Avoid driving if vision is affected.

Ask whether the problem is on the eye surface, eyelid margin or surrounding skin, which drops or compresses are appropriate, and whether lenses or cosmetics should be stopped. Mention discharge, crusting, rash elsewhere, recent products, seasonal exposure, contact-lens use and any change in vision.