My eyes are very itchy and irritated: what should I know?

Itching in both eyes, watering, redness and sneezing can occur with allergic conjunctivitis. Triggers may include pollen, dust mites or animal dander. Burning can also follow smoke, dry air, long screen use or a cosmetic product. Sticky discharge, one-sided symptoms or a sensation that something is stuck may point to another eye problem, so the pattern matters more than itching alone.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, remove contact lenses, wash your hands and use a cool clean compress. Reduce exposure to a suspected trigger and keep bedding and surfaces clean if dust is a concern. Preservative-free lubricating drops may soothe irritation. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an allergy medicine is suitable, especially if you have other conditions or take regular medicines.

Seek urgent care for severe eye pain, a sudden change in vision, light sensitivity, an eye injury, chemical exposure, or swelling that affects breathing. Arrange an eye or medical assessment when symptoms persist, worsen, affect one eye markedly, or come with thick discharge. Contact-lens wearers should seek advice promptly for a painful or very red eye.

Could this be an allergy, dry-eye irritation or an infection? Should I stop contact lenses or any eye product? Which drops are appropriate, and what changes would mean I need an urgent review?