Having itchy eyes is very common. While it's often extremely irritating, it’s not normally anything to be concerned about, and it often goes away by itself. Home remedies and medication can relieve the discomfort. Allergies are the most common cause, but other things contribute too.
It's very tempting to rub your itchy eyes. But it won’t fix the problem and might even cause damage. We've provided tips for how to relieve itchy eyes without rubbing.
So, why are your eyes itchy? Here's what could be happening.
Our expert optometrists frequently see patients experiencing itchy eyes. In this video, one of our optometrists explains what itchy eyes are, what causes them, and how they can be managed.
Having sore, itchy eyes can be uncomfortable. Along with the itching itself, you might also get other symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. Here are some of the common symptoms of an itchy eye.
Often so strong you’ll want to rub them. It might be mild or really intense, and can affect the whole eye or just the corners. The itch can come and go or last for hours, sometimes sticking around for weeks.
Your eyes may produce more tears than usual, and your eyes will feel watery. This could be because your body is trying to flush something out of the eye.
Learn more about watering eyes
Your eyelids may become more swollen or puffy than usual. For people with paler skin, the eyelids might appear pinker or redder than usual. On darker skin tones, there might not be such a clear change in colour.
Learn more about swollen eyelids
The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white of your eye (the sclera). If your eyes are sore or itchy, this membrane can become red or pink, and the veins may appear more visible than usual.
Learn more about red or bloodshot eyes
You might notice you get some discharge collecting around your eye. It might appear in the corner of your eye, on the eyelids or in your eyelashes.
For some, rashes might appear on the eyelids or skin around the eyes, causing flakiness. On paler skin tones, this tends to look red or pink. On darker skin tones it can look purple, brown or grey.
Book an eye testItchy eyes are most often related to allergies, but there are several other itchy eye causes. Some of them may need medical attention.
This is the most common cause of itchy eyes in Australia. Pollen from trees, flowers or grass can trigger an immune response from your body, including swelling and inflammation. It's very common ‑ about a quarter of people in Australia have hay fever.
Learn more about hay fever
like pet fur, dust mites or some medicines. If your eyes get itchy soon after starting something new (like birth control or antidepressants), speak to your doctor.
There are many things that can irritate your eyes and make them itchy. These include cigarette smoke, ash, dust, sand, workplace chemicals, alcohol, eye makeup and contact lens solutions.
Learn more about the feeling of something in your eye
If you wear contacts, incorrect usage might cause dry, itchy eyes. If you forget to properly clean your lenses, wear them for too long, or wear them while swimming (among other things), this can irritate your eyes and cause itching.
Learn more in our contact lens guide
Looking at digital screens for an extended period can cause dry, itchy eyes. At Specsavers, we recommend the 20‑20‑20 rule ‑ every 20 minutes, look at something 20 metres away, for 20 seconds.
Learn more in computer eye strain
Eczema, dermatitis (skin irritation) and rashes that affect the skin near your eyes can cause itchiness around your eyes.
This is a common eye condition that causes inflammation. You may get swelling, inflammation and itching along the edges of your eyelids. You might also notice your eyelids get stuck together.
Learn more about blepharitis
Also known as red eye or pink eye, conjunctivitis is caused by an infection of the thin membrane that covers the front of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
Learn more about conjunctivitis
This is when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears aren’t of the right quality to keep your eyes properly lubricated. It can lead to dryness and itchiness.
Learn more about dry eye syndrome
There are several less common conditions that can cause itchy eyes (among other symptoms), though these are quite rare. Sjögren's syndrome can make eyes dry and itchy, keratoconjunctivitis can cause intense itchiness, and the autoimmune disease lupus can also cause dry, itchy eyes.
Book an eye testIf your itchy, sore eye isn’t clearing up on its own, it’s a good idea to get it looked at. You can book an appointment with your optometrist, speak to your GP, or ask your local pharmacist for advice. They’ll ask questions about when your symptoms started, whether anything seems to make them better or worse, and if there have been any changes in your routine like new products, medicines or allergies.
Your optometrist may use a slit lamp to check the front of your eye in detail, including your tear film. They might use a fluorescein dye to spot dryness or damage. If dry eye or blepharitis is suspected, they’ll check your eyelids too. They may also ask about allergies. If anything more serious is suspected, they’ll refer you to your GP or a specialist.
Having itchy eyes can be very uncomfortable, especially if it's been going on for a while. The good news is that it can often be treated with simple home remedies and over‑the‑counter medication. But sometimes it might need more specialised care from your GP or optometrist. They'll advise you about how to stop itchy eyes.
Here are some of the main itchy eye treatments.
Soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring it out, and place it over your eyelids. It can help calm the itch and reduce inflammation.
If dust or particles are the cause, gently rinse your open eyes with cool, low‑pressure water from a tap or shower for about a minute.
Sometimes, it's impossible to avoid allergens. In this case, over‑the‑counter antihistamines are a good option. They can reduce your body's reaction to pollen, and other things like pet fur or dust mites.
Artificial tears can soothe itchiness and dryness. If it’s conjunctivitis, antibiotic drops may help. Your optometrist can guide you on what’s best.
Gently clean your eyelids with warm water each day. It helps with blepharitis and clears away pollen or makeup.
If your itchy eyes are caused by eczema or similar dermatological issues, your GP can prescribe ointments and corticosteroid creams to treat the condition.
If you have itchy or scratchy eyes caused by an object that's pierced your eye, don't try and remove it yourself. Seek medical help at the ED or a nearby optometrist.
Learn more about the feeling of something in your eye
Book an eye testIf you notice you often get itchy eyes, it’s important to find out the underlying cause so you can take steps to avoid it. Here are some tips for how to stop itchy eyes from happening.
It might feel good, but rubbing can cause damage and won’t fix the cause of the itch.
Look away often, focus on distant objects and blink more to help stop dryness and itchiness.
If pollen, pet fur, smoke or dust set off your symptoms, steering clear can really help.
If your itchy eyes are related to pet hair, try to keep animals out of your bedroom. This means you won't be as exposed to their hair and dander at night.
This can be helpful if your itchy eye is caused by things getting in your eye. If you must spend time in dusty, smoky, sandy and windy places, these sunglasses can reduce your exposure.
If you smoke, then cutting back or stopping can eliminate one cause of itchy eye. Speak to your GP for advice on ways to stop smoking ‑ there's lots of help available.
During pollen season, you can reduce your exposure by keeping your windows closed. On days you must go outside, use antihistamines.
Some people find that air purifiers can make a big difference to their allergies. These devices draw dust, pollen, air pollution and other fine particles out of the air inside your home.
Clean your eyelids daily and remove makeup before bed. If you wear contacts, don’t keep them in longer than recommended.
Book an eye testIf you find your eyes seem to be extremely itchy, there could be a few reasons why it's happening. The most common cause is a strong allergic reaction ‑ have you been spending time near an animal recently? Or have you started taking a new medication? Other things can also cause very itchy eyes. This includes eye conditions like blepharitis and dry eye syndrome. Your optometrist or GP can do more checks to get to the bottom of the issue.
Learn more about blepharitis and dry eye syndrome
If the corner of an eye is itchy, it could mean that something has got into your eye, such as an insect or a piece of sand. But it could also be a sign of an allergic reaction. Visit your optometrist if it doesn't clear up by itself in a few hours.
There are several reasons you might have one itchy eye. It might be that you have something in your eye, such as a bit of grit, sand or even an insect. You could also have a minor infection. It's also possible that you may have scratched your cornea. An optometrist can figure out exactly why you've got one itchy eye.
Learn more about the feeling of something in the eye and corneal abrasions
Rubbing itchy eyes will often just make the itchiness worse and can lead to infections or can scratch your cornea. If you have itchy eyes, it's better to relieve your symptoms with eye drops or a cold compress.
If you notice you get itchy eyes at night, it's worth thinking about your bedroom and nighttime routine to find the source. Do you allow your pets in your bedroom? They could be leaving fur or dander that triggers your reactions. Dust mites are another common cause. Vacuum any fabric upholstery and ventilate your bedroom. Another cause of itchy eyes at night could be your bedtime routine. Are you using a new face wash or shampoo that could contain irritants? Are you fully removing all mascara or eye makeup before bed?
You don't usually need to go to hospital for an itchy eye. Using an itchy eyes home remedy like a cold compress can often relieve symptoms, while avoiding triggers can also help. If your itchy eye goes on for a long time, book an appointment with your GP or optometrist. That said, if you get itchy eyes along with severe eye pain, bleeding, headache, dizziness, light sensitivity or difficulty breathing, go to the ED.
Learn more about eye pain
As a driver, it is your responsibility to make sure you can drive safely. Australian states and territories don't require you to tell them if you have itchy eyes caused by things like hay fever or even conjunctivitis. This means you must make the judgement based on your experience and situation. If you have extremely itchy eyes which make it very hard to concentrate on the road, then you should think carefully about whether it's worth it. If it can be controlled with antihistamines or other treatments, then it might be safe, but you should drive cautiously.
Itchy eyes can be a symptom of certain allergies, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and computer eye strain.
Eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare, so there are no out‑of‑pocket expenses for you*.
Healthline (2019) Home treatments for itchy eyes. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/home‑remedies‑for‑itchy‑eyes
(Accessed: 16 December 2025)
Hopkins Medicine (2025) Why Are My Eyes Itchy? Answers From an Expert. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness‑and‑prevention/why‑are‑my‑eyes‑itchy‑answers‑from‑an‑expert
(Accessed: 16 December 2025)
Sydney Morning Herald (2024) Why so many Australians suffer from hay fever. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/healthcare/nothing‑to‑sneeze‑at‑why‑so‑many‑australians‑suffer‑from‑hay‑fever‑20240912‑p5k9zt.html
(Accessed: 16 December 2025)
WebMD (2024) Itchy eyes. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye‑health/itchy‑eyes‑symptoms‑causes‑treatment
(Accessed: 16 December 2025)
Cloudy, misty or blurred vision could be a sign of cataracts, particularly in bright conditions or at night.
Astigmatism means the cornea has an uneven shape, which can blur your vision at all distances.
Long‑sightedness, or hyperopia, means you can see things in the distance more clearly than close up.
Myopia, or short‑sightedness, means you can see nearby objects clearly, but distant ones are blurry.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that can damage your optic nerve and cause vision loss if it isn’t picked up early.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to watch out for diabetic retinopathy which can cause vision changes.
Vision that looks misty or hazy could be a sign of cataracts or another eye issue that needs checking.
Double vision means seeing two images of a single object, which can happen when the eyes are not aligned or working together properly
Do your eyes feel sore, tried or gritty? Dry eye could be the cause, making vision cloudy, or as if you have filmy eyes.
This is when the edges of your eyelids become inflamed due to an infection. It can also make the whites of your eyes appear pink or red.
Learn more about blepharitis
Seeing specks, spots or sudden flashes of light? These are common – but can also be a sign of a serious eye condition. It is worth checking out if they’re new or getting worse.
A chalazion is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid that causes a firm, usually painless lump and can lead to eyelid swelling or blurred vision.
Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.
Check your vision
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An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.
All about eye tests* Listed on a valid Medicare card without Optometry restrictions.
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