9 Common Causes of Eye Irritation

1. Eye Allergies

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, are a common cause of eye irritation including watery and itching eyes. Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, refers to a condition in which the eyes become irritated and inflamed due to exposure to allergens or environmental irritants such as animal dander, pollen or grass. There are two main types of eye allergies; seasonal allergies and perennial allergies. Seasonal allergies occur during a specific season, usually spring or summer, and are often caused by the release of pollen from plants and grass. According to Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, perennial allergies last all year round and are often caused by dust, mould and animal dander.

When the eyes, specifically the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the whites of the eyes and inner eyelids, come in contact with an allergen, the body releases a chemical called histamine to try and expel the allergen. Eye irritation is part of the body’s histamine response to these allergens. Eye irritation from allergic conjunctivitis or eye allergies can include red eyes, itchy eyes and watery eyes. Additional symptoms of eye allergies include swollen eyes and a burning feeling in the eyes. Treatment for eye allergies includes antihistamines such as oral tablets and eye drops.

2. Dry Eye

Dry eye is one of the top causes of eye irritation, including itching and stinging in the eye. Dry eyes refer to a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears to lubricate the surface of the eye, leading to dryness. Tears are made up of three layers known collectively as the tear film. The tear film is what covers the surface of the eye and includes an oily outer layer, watery middle layer and mucous-like inner layer, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. If a person has dry eyes, there is a problem with one, or all of these layers, which leads to a lack of lubrication and dry eyes. Dry eyes are a common cause of eye irritation as the lack of lubrication in the eye can cause itchiness, redness and burning or stinging in the eye. Additional symptoms of dry eyes can include mucous secretion around the eyes and a heavy, tired feeling in the eyes, according to the Better Health Channel. Dry eyes may also cause excessive tearing.

Dry eyes are caused by factors such as ageing and certain medications. According to Health Direct, Australia’s virtual public health information service, females, people who wear contact lenses and those on digital screens for long periods of time are at a higher risk of developing dry eye. According to the Better Health Channel, dry eyes can not be cured, but specific treatments may be used to help improve the symptoms of the condition. The most common treatment for dry eye includes eye drops such as artificial tears, that help bring lubrication to the eye, as well as eye ointment and eye gels that try to achieve the same outcome.

3. Eye Infections

Eye infections are a common cause of eye irritation, including itching, swelling and watery eyes. Eye infections refer to an infection that is caused by a type of microorganism. Microorganisms that cause eye infections include bacteria, viruses or fungi. Eye infections are a common cause of eye irritation as they infect the structures of the eye, leading to inflammation and swelling. Keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the part of the eye that lets light in, for example. Keratitis infections include eye herpes or herpes simplex keratitis. Eye herpes causes eye irritation due to the virus, most commonly HSV-1, infecting the cornea, leading to inflammation, eye redness, itchy eyes, watery eyes or a gritty feeling in the eye. Other symptoms of eye infections will depend on the type of eye infection a person has but may include red eyes, swollen eyes and mild pain in the eye.

Types of eye infections include conjunctivitis, endophthalmitis, uveitis, cellulitis, eye herpes, blepharitis, styes and keratitis. The treatment for an eye infection will depend on which type a person has. Eye infections caused by bacteria, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, may be treated with antibiotics. Viral infections such as eye herpes may be treated with oral or topical antiviral medications. Treatment for eye infections can also include methods that help reduce eye irritation, such as artificial tears to help lubricate dry eyes.

4. Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain, sometimes known as computer vision syndrome, may cause eye irritation such as dry, itchy or sore eyes. Digital eye strain refers to a feeling of strain, tiredness or soreness in the eyes, after having focused on a digital screen for an extended period of time. A digital screen can include computers, laptops, tablets or mobile phones. Digital eye strain can also lead to eye irritation such as itchy eyes, dry eyes, a burning feeling in the eyes, as well as eye soreness. Other symptoms of digital eye strain include eye strain headaches and blurry vision.

It is important to seek attention from a healthcare professional if you have blurred vision, as this can be a sign of additional medical or eye issues.

According to Cedars-Sinai, a California healthcare organisation, digital eye strain can be caused by a variety of factors when using digital devices, including a lack of blinking, poor posture, screen glare and uncorrected vision issues. Blue light, the type of artificial light used in digital screens, has also been theorised to have negative effects on the eyes, however, not all research on this is conclusive. Treatment for digital eye strain includes prescription glasses for close work if necessary and computer glasses, which may help to relieve some eye strain when looking at screens. Additional methods to reduce digital eye strain include taking frequent breaks from looking at a digital screen. The Cleveland Clinic suggests the 20-20-20 rule, in which a person takes a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away, or 6 metres, to lessen the strain on the eye. Setting your desk and computer up in a more ergonomic way, including increasing the font size on the screen and making sure the screen is in front of your face, an arm’s length away may also help to reduce eye strain, according to Queensland Health.

5. Eye Irritants

Eye irritants are a common cause of irritation in the eye, including itchiness, watery eyes and a burning sensation in the eye. Eye irritants describe a substance or object that causes eye irritation. According to The Cleveland Clinic, eye irritants include chlorinated pool water, dry weather, wind, cigarette smoke and smog. The medical condition eczema may also irritate the eyes and their surrounding areas. Some eye irritants may cause an allergic reaction in certain people, called allergic conjunctivitis, whereas others may find that these factors simply irritate the eye for a short period of time.

The symptoms that eye irritants cause in the eye will be dependent upon the type of irritants, for instance, those who have been exposed to chlorinated pool water may find that their eyes are irritated, with symptoms possibly including stinging in the eye and red eyes. The treatment for any symptoms caused by eye irritants is dependent upon what that irritant is. The treatment for someone who has eye irritation as the result of dry weather may be artificial tears, to bring some moisture back into the eye.

6. Foreign Objects in the Eyes

A foreign object in the eye can cause eye irritation, but can also be a serious eye injury. It is important to seek medical attention if you have a foreign object in the eyes and have symptoms such as pain, bleeding, blurriness or if your vision is affected.

Foreign objects in the eye may cause eye irritation such as watery eyes, red eyes, itching eyes, and a feeling of something in the eye. A foreign object in the eyes refers to an object that is in the eye, on the surface of the eye, or under the eyelid, that should typically not be there. According to the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel, a foreign object in the eye can include dust, a small piece of glass or metal, grass clippings or wood chips. Additional foreign objects that may possibly enter the eye are sawdust and dirt. According to Queensland Health’s Clinical Excellence Division, symptoms of foreign bodies in the eye include sharp pain, followed by a burning or itching sensation in the eye. Symptoms of a foreign body in the eye that require medical attention include sensitivity to bright light, pain, blurry vision or vision changes, and fluid from the eye.

The causes of foreign objects in the eye depend on what object has entered the eyes. According to the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel, there are certain people most at risk of getting foreign objects in the eyes such as labourers, who are frequently working with materials that may enter the eye like metal shavings or wood chips. Treatments for foreign objects in the eye should be advised by a medical professional and can include eye drops, eye ointments, eye patches and pain medication.

7. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be a cause of eye irritation for those who wear the corrective devices, with irritation including dry eyes, itchy eyes and watery eyes. Contact lenses are thin lenses that are placed on the surface of the eye to help a person see better, using the same corrective method that prescription glasses do. Contact lenses may cause eye irritation due to a variety of factors such as poorly fitting lenses, old contact lenses or poor contact lens hygiene. Eye irritation caused by poor contact lens usage includes itching, burning eyes, watery eyes, dry eyes and a sensation that something is in the eye.

Contact lenses can also cause a type of condition called contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC) in which the lining of the upper eyelid becomes inflamed. According to the paper General and local contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC) by Skotnitsky C, Sankaridurg PR, Sweeney DF, Holden BA, the exact cause of CLPC has not been concluded, but it is theorised that long-term wear of reusable contact lenses and an immunological response to tear film fat deposits on the lens may cause the condition. Contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC) may cause eye irritation such as itchy eyes and a sensation that something is in the eyes and eye discharge. Contact lens wear increases the chance of infectious keratitis, an infection of the cornea part of the eye. This can be due to the bacteria that may collect on the lenses if they are not taken care of appropriately.

Treatment for eye irritation from contact lenses is dependent upon what exactly has caused the irritation and what the symptoms are. A person can prevent eye irritation from contact lenses by practising good hygiene when handling contact lenses. An optometrist may also advise a change in how frequently a person is wearing lenses and what material the lenses are.

Oscar Wylee does not sell contact lenses or provide prescriptions for contact lenses.

8. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common cause of eye irritation, with symptoms including itchy eyes, a burning sensation in the eyes and eye discharge. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the inner eyelid and the whites of the eyes. The infection or inflammation that affects the eye during a case of conjunctivitis often causes eye irritation such as itching eyes, a gritty feeling in the eye, a burning sensation in the eye, watery eyes and eye discharge.

There are three main types of conjunctivitis each with a different cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by viruses. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by a reaction to certain irritants or allergens such as pollen, dust or animal dander. The treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the type a person has. Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis may be antihistamines, to reduce inflammation and the reaction from exposure to allergens. Treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis includes antibiotics and treatment for viral conjunctivitis revolves around methods to reduce irritation symptoms, such as cold compresses and artificial tears.

9. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an eye condition that can cause eye irritation, including itching, swelling, eye redness and watery eyes. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, commonly caused by bacteria that gathers in the eyelashes or glands of the eyelid, according to Health Direct, Australia’s virtual public health information service. The inflammation that blepharitis causes around the eye can lead to eye irritation such as watery eyes, itchy eyes, dry eyes, stinging in the eyes, and burning in the eyes. Other symptoms of blepharitis include crusty eyelashes, eye redness and mild sensitivity to light.

Blepharitis is generally caused by bacteria that gather around the eye, in the eyelashes and eyelid glands, but can also be caused by fungal or viral infections, dandruff, eye drops, makeup use, blocked oil glands and dermatitis, according to Health Direct. Treatment for blepharitis includes maintaining good eye hygiene such as cleaning the eyelids. You can also use a cool compress to reduce swelling. A healthcare professional may recommend eye drops such as steroid eye drops to reduce swelling or antibiotics to help treat bacterial cases of blepharitis, according to Health Direct.

It is important to seek medical attention if you have blepharitis symptoms to get the appropriate treatment.

1. Rest the Eyes

Resting the eyes may be a treatment option for irritated eyes, including dry eyes or sore eyes if the eye irritation is related to digital eye strain. Digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome describes strain in the eye that is caused by prolonged periods of time looking at digital screens. Irritation caused by digital eye strain includes sore eyes, itchy eyes, burning eyes or dry eyes. To treat digital eye strain at home, a person can try and rest the eyes by limiting the amount of time spent looking at digital screens. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that those who need to look at digital screens for extended periods, such as at work, try the 20-20-20 rule, in which you take a 20-second break from the screen every 20 minutes, by looking at an object 20 feet away, or 6 metres, to lessen the strain on the eye.

2. Apply a Cool Compress to the Eyes

Applying a cool compress to the eyes is a possible at-home treatment for eye irritation, such as swollen or itchy eyes, that may be caused by conditions like eye herpes and conjunctivitis. A cool compress refers to a material such as a washcloth soaked in cold water. A compress may also refer to an ice pack or cold pack. A cool compress may be applied to closed eyelids to help relieve eye irritation such as swollen eyes and itchy eyes.

3. Use Over-The-Counter Eye Drops or Ointments

Using over-the-counter eye drops or ointments may be a treatment option for irritated eyes, including dry eyes, itchy eyes and sore eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops refer to a type of liquid that is applied to the eye via an eye dropper. Eye drops can be medicated, such as antiviral or steroid eye drops, or can be unmedicated, such as artificial tears, which help with bringing moisture to the eye. Eye drops such as artificial tears, can help relieve eye irritation including dry eyes and itchy eyes. Over-the-counter eye ointments are a thick, gel-like substance. Eye ointment can help to treat eye irritation, such as dry and itchy eyes.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any over-the-counter eye drops or ointments for eye irritation.

4. Wash the Eyelids Lightly

Washing the eyelids lightly may help to treat eye irritation, such as eye discharge that can make the eye feel sticky or itchy. Washing the eyelids lightly refers to using a clean cloth, cotton swab or cotton pad to gently clean the eyelids. Washing the eyelids lightly may help to treat eye irritation such as eye discharge that can make the eyes feel sticky or itchy. Eye discharge can be caused by conditions such as eye herpes and conjunctivitis.

5. Call an Eye Doctor or Healthcare Professional If Needed

It is important to call an eye doctor or seek medical assistance from a healthcare professional if you have eye irritation. An eye doctor includes two main eye care professionals; optometrists and ophthalmologists. A healthcare professional can include doctors, nurses or emergency staff.

If your eye irritation is causing discomfort or distress, it is important to seek medical attention.

Why are my Eyes Burning and Watery?

Eyes that are burning or watery, can be a symptom of several eye conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and eye herpes. It is important to seek medical advice for burning and watery eyes.

Why is my Eye Itchy and Red?

Eyes that are itchy, red or bloodshot, can be a symptom of several eye conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis and digital eye strain. It is important to seek medical advice for itchy and red eyes.