Red and itchy eyes: what to know

Allergic conjunctivitis commonly presents with itchy, watery, red eyes, sometimes alongside sneezing or a runny nose. Triggers can include house dust mites, pet allergens, pollen, smoke, dust, or cosmetics. Irritation from contact lenses, dry air, or touching the eyes can also redden the surface. A sticky discharge, eyelids stuck together, or symptoms that begin in one eye may point to an infection and deserve medical advice. The eye appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Wash your hands before touching your face, pause contact lens use, and rinse away obvious irritants with clean water or sterile saline. A cool, clean compress over closed eyelids may calm itching. Do not share towels, eye makeup, or eye drops, and discard eye makeup used during the episode. Reduce exposure to the suspected trigger; allergy-related symptoms may be discussed alongside Allergic Conjunctivitis, Allergic Rhinitis, House Dust Mite Allergy, or Pet Allergy. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether Allergy Medication is suitable.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for eye pain, blurred or reduced vision, strong sensitivity to light, a marked swelling, injury, chemical exposure, or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye. Seek urgent help if symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or occur with severe headache, nausea, or vomiting. If redness and itching keep returning or do not settle after avoiding irritants, book an examination to check the cornea, eyelids, and tear film.

Could this be allergy, irritation, infection, or a contact-lens problem? Should I stop any drops or cosmetics? Which symptoms would mean I need same-day assessment?