Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Most Common Causes of Itchy Eyes?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

There are many things capable of causing itchy eyes. Among the most common are allergies and a condition called conjunctivitis. Some people may also develop itchiness when they have a common cold. Since these conditions can be similar in some ways, determining the cause of the itching can be confusing. The other symptoms common to these conditions often help to distinguish them.

Allergies are among the most common causes of itching in the eyes. When a person has an allergy, his eyes may become red, watery, and itchy. A person with allergies may develop other symptoms as well, such as sneezing; a stuffy or runny nose; coughing; an itchy rash; and itching in the throat or ears. Allergies are not contagious.

Anatomy of the human eye.
Anatomy of the human eye.

Many people develop itchy eyes because of seasonal allergies, but other types of allergies cause this problem as well. For example, a person may have itchy eyes because of an allergy to pollen, pollution, or pets. Some people are allergic to dust and mold as well. A person may even develop itching eyes in relation to a food allergy.

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of itchy eyes. Marked by red, itchy, irritated eyes, this infection is often caused by a bacterium or virus. It is sometimes associated with allergies and exposure to irritating substances as well. In addition to the itching and general irritation that are similar to the symptoms of an allergy, conjunctivitis may also cause such symptoms as tearing, yellow discharge from the eyes, burning sensations, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Additionally, conjunctivitis that is caused by a virus or bacterium is usually contagious.

Allergies may cause itchy eyes.
Allergies may cause itchy eyes.

The common cold can also cause itchy eyes in some cases, and this fact can make a cold difficult to distinguish from an allergy. The two conditions are very different, however. A cold is caused by a virus and can be passed from person to person while an allergy is not contagious. Likewise, a person may develop a fever and aches and pains when he has a cold but is unlikely to do so in relation to an allergy.

Routine cleaning may help reduce allergen exposure.
Routine cleaning may help reduce allergen exposure.

Colds and allergies differ in terms of their duration as well. A cold often sticks around for about a week or so, but an allergy can last for an entire season or affect a person through all four seasons. In some cases, however, an allergy may only produce symptoms when the person is exposed to an allergen, such as a cat and its dander. A cold, on the other hand, will likely produce symptoms even after the person is no longer around the cat or its dander.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

RocketLanch8

I had really sore itchy eyes a few years ago, and nothing I tried would help them feel better. I didn't have a cold at the time, and I'm not usually allergic to anything outdoors. I finally went to the emergency room and the doctor said it was a blocked tear duct that was causing all of the soreness and itching. Ordinarily, tears drain out of the bottom corner of an eye through a small duct. Apparently when that duct becomes inflamed or blocked, the eyes can get really dry and sore, almost like conjunctivitis.

mrwormy

We have some trees in our yard that I am sure I'm allergic to. They drop long ropes of pollen-filled seed pods on the ground every Spring, and if I stay out more than ten minutes, I will get red itchy eyes. I practically live on eye drops during April and May. The only other plant that would trigger such a reaction was milkweed, and it doesn't grow in this area.

I hate having itchy dry eyes due to allergies every year. I tried to wear contact lenses one year, but I ended up with sore itchy eyes because of the pollen.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Anatomy of the human eye.
      Anatomy of the human eye.
    • Allergies may cause itchy eyes.
      By: Sylvie Bouchard
      Allergies may cause itchy eyes.
    • Routine cleaning may help reduce allergen exposure.
      By: auremar
      Routine cleaning may help reduce allergen exposure.
    • The common cold can lead to itchy eyes.
      By: nebari
      The common cold can lead to itchy eyes.
    • An allergy may only produce symptoms when the person is exposed to an allergen, such as a cat and its dander.
      By: Evgenia Tiplyashina
      An allergy may only produce symptoms when the person is exposed to an allergen, such as a cat and its dander.
    • Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of itchy eyes.
      By: Stacy Barnett
      Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of itchy eyes.