What should you know about sore and itchy eyes?

Allergic conjunctivitis can cause itching, redness, watering and puffy eyelids, often affecting both eyes. Allergic rhinitis may add sneezing or a runny nose. Dust mites, pets, pollen, smoke, cosmetics and contact lenses can irritate the eye surface. Itching is especially suggestive of allergy, but soreness, discharge, light sensitivity or a change in vision can point to another problem. Symptoms alone cannot identify the cause with certainty.

Do not rub your eyes, because rubbing can increase swelling and irritate the surface. Wash your hands, remove contact lenses, and use a cool clean compress. Keep windows closed during high-pollen periods, wash bedding regularly if dust mites are a trigger, and keep pets away from the bedroom if needed. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether allergy medication or lubricating drops are suitable. Avoid sharing eye products and discard makeup that may be contaminated.

Seek urgent eye care for severe pain, sudden vision change, marked light sensitivity, an injury, chemical exposure, or a red eye with nausea. Prompt assessment is also sensible for one-sided symptoms with thick discharge, symptoms in a contact-lens wearer, or worsening swelling around the eye. Do not assume intense soreness is an allergy symptom.

Ask which triggers fit your pattern, whether allergy medication or drops are appropriate, how long to stop contact lenses, and which changes should prompt an eye examination.