What should you know about extremely itchy eyes?

Allergic conjunctivitis can cause itching, watering, redness and puffy eyelids, often in both eyes. Allergic rhinitis may add sneezing, a runny nose or nasal blockage. Dust mites, pets, pollen, smoke, cosmetics and contact-lens products can irritate the eye surface. Sticky discharge, significant pain or light sensitivity is less typical of simple allergy and may suggest another eye problem. Avoid rubbing: it can worsen inflammation and damage the delicate surface.

Rinse the face and eyelids with clean water, use a cool compress and pause eye makeup and contact lenses until comfortable. Wash hands before touching your eyes, and reduce exposure to a suspected trigger. A pharmacist can explain whether an appropriate allergy medication or lubricating drop suits you; do not share drops or use someone else’s prescription. If symptoms keep returning, record the setting, season and exposures.

Get urgent help for sudden vision change, severe eye pain, a chemical splash, marked light sensitivity, an injury, or swelling that affects breathing. Arrange prompt assessment for one very red painful eye, pus-like discharge, or symptoms while wearing contact lenses. A clinician or optometrist can check the eye surface and identify treatment safely.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy, irritation or infection, whether your contact lenses or drops should be stopped, and which warning signs mean you should attend urgently. Bring a list of products used near the eyes.