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What Causes Dry, Itchy Eyes?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Dry, itchy eyes are a common and highly annoying irritation that can be caused by a variety of conditions and problems. Occasional dry, itchy eyes will affect many if not most people, but for some, the condition is a constantly uncomfortable chronic problem. Luckily, there are several cures for dry, itchy eyes, although determining the exact cause of the symptoms may take careful observation and even may require medical attention.

The eyes are delicate organs composed mostly of fats and liquids. When irritants get into the eyes, they can many different unpleasant symptoms, from vision problems and reddening to dry, itchy eyes. One of the basic ways to keep eyes from becoming irritated is to clean inner corners of debris at least once day, and avoid excessive eye makeup. This can help cut down on chronic irritation and keep eyes clean.

Frequent hand washing can help limit the spread of conjunctivitis.
Frequent hand washing can help limit the spread of conjunctivitis.

Allergies are an extremely common cause of dry, itchy eyes. When the eye is exposed to dust, floating pollen, or pet dander, particulate matter can easily irritate the eyes and cause allergic symptoms. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can help reduce overall allergies, while eye drops may help clean the eyes of any allergens. When outdoors during hay fever season, consider wearing glasses or sunglasses to give the eyes further protection.

A diagram of a human eye.
A diagram of a human eye.

For many different reasons, eyes may cease to produce enough tears to properly hydrate and clean the surfaces. This can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, prolonged contact use, or simply age. Dry, itchy eyes are often a major symptom of inadequate tear production. If tear ducts are under-productive, certain eye drops may be used to artificially hydrate the eyes. Be careful when purchasing artificial tear drops, however, as they are different than the traditional form of eye drops used to lessen redness. Some experts suggest that regular eye drops, while clearing redness, can actually contribute to dry, itchy eyes.

Wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sun and wind damage.
Wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sun and wind damage.

Dry, itchy eyes can also be a symptom of certain illnesses, such as pink eye or conjunctivitis. These eye infections are typically bacterial or viral in nature and can be treated with prescription drugs such as antibiotics or antiviral medications. People diagnosed with conjunctivitis should be very cautious during treatment, as the condition is very contagious and easy to spread. Avoid touching eyes and wash hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection.

Exposure to pet dander can cause dry, itchy eyes.
Exposure to pet dander can cause dry, itchy eyes.

In some cases, malformation of the eyes or eyelids can contribute to dry, itchy eyes and other symptoms. For minor cases, eye drops may be able to diminish symptoms in some patients. Often, cosmetic surgery is required to correct the condition and allow eyes to function normally.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

sherlock87

Another common cause for dry, itchy eyes is simply lack of sleep. If you go too long without adequate sleep, your body can become dehydrated and will generally stop being able to do things like produce tears, focus you vision and thoughts, et cetera. All of these will add to eye redness and irritation, not to mention general frustration.

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    • Frequent hand washing can help limit the spread of conjunctivitis.
      By: Lasse Kristensen
      Frequent hand washing can help limit the spread of conjunctivitis.
    • A diagram of a human eye.
      A diagram of a human eye.
    • Wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sun and wind damage.
      By: Thorsten
      Wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sun and wind damage.
    • Exposure to pet dander can cause dry, itchy eyes.
      By: fotosmile777
      Exposure to pet dander can cause dry, itchy eyes.
    • Rinses with a mild saline content can be used to flush a bloodshot eye of irritants.
      By: alco81
      Rinses with a mild saline content can be used to flush a bloodshot eye of irritants.
    • Malformation of the eyelids can cause dry, itchy eyes.
      By: Delphimages
      Malformation of the eyelids can cause dry, itchy eyes.
    • Hay fever sufferers can wear glasses when outside to help prevent dry, itchy eyes.
      By: photophonie
      Hay fever sufferers can wear glasses when outside to help prevent dry, itchy eyes.
    • Dry eyes can be caused by old age.
      By: Arpad Nagy-Bagoly
      Dry eyes can be caused by old age.
    • Dry, itchy eyes can be a sign of conjunctivitis.
      By: Stacy Barnett
      Dry, itchy eyes can be a sign of conjunctivitis.
    • Avoiding alcohol while wearing contacts may help prevent dry eyes.
      By: jillchen
      Avoiding alcohol while wearing contacts may help prevent dry eyes.