16 Effective Home Remedies For Itchy Eyes (For Quick Relief)
Rubbing won't help; try some simple at-home treatments instead to ease the irritation and itch.
Expertise: Optometry
Experience: 12 years
Dr. Jennifer Tsai is an optometrist with 12 years of experience, practicing in New York City. She specializes in dry eye therapy, digital eye strain, myopia control, and orthokeratology. She created Drjenandjuice to share eye health tips wi... more
Expertise: Home Remedies
Experience: 2 years
Sucharita Mishra has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and two years of experience in writing on topics related to Health and Wellness. She has worked on determining various heavy metals present in... more
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The changing weather conditions, dust, pollution, infection, or allergies can cause dryness which can lead to itchy eyes. Constant itching can be quite uncomfortable, making it difficult for you to maintain a clear vision and hampers your day-to-day activities. Fortunately, you can use a couple of home remedies to get rid of itchy eyes naturally. In this article, we explore some of the best natural remedies and simple tips you can use to reduce the risk of getting itchy eyes in the future. Scroll down for more information!
In This Article
Causes And Risk Factors For Itchy Eyes
This condition is also known as ocular pruritus (1). It can be caused by various factors, like allergies, infections, and a few underlying medical conditions.
The common causes of itchy eyes are:
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Occurs due to lack of hydration and lubrication in the eyes (2).
According to a study published in the Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics journal, it is a fairly common eye condition, with a global prevalence of 11.59% (9.5% in women and 6.8% in men), and the prevalence increasing with age. That means this condition affects around one in 11 people worldwide. It is the least prevalent in North America (4.6%) and the most prevalent in Africa (47.9%).
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelids and secrete oil. Clogging or abnormal development of these glands may result in an insufficient amount of oil in tears. This may cause the tears to evaporate quickly and results in dry eyes and irritation (3).
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the eyelids. This condition is caused by staphylococcal bacteria or eyelid mites (4).
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: This is an allergic reaction caused by contact lenses that results in itching (5).
- Contact Dermatitis: This is an inflammatory skin condition caused due to environmental conditions (6).
- Infectious Conjunctivitis: Infectious conjunctivitis is caused when eyes are infected by viral and bacterial infections.
The factors that can increase your risk of developing itchy eyes are:
- Dust, pollen, and animal dander
- Spending long periods in front of the computer without rest
- Advancing age
- Menopause
- Environmental conditions like dry air, air conditioning, and smoking
- Medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
The condition is characterized by the following signs and symptoms.
Symptoms Of Itchy Eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Constant watering or dry eyes
- Swelling of the eyes
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- A burning sensation in the eyes
Itchy eyes may interfere with the day-to-day activities and need to be treated at the earliest. Here is a list of natural remedies that may help relieve the condition.
Home Remedies To Relieve Itchy Eyes
1. Cucumber Slices
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Cucumber contains antioxidants (7). It has a soothing effect on skin irritations and reduces swelling (8). The cooling effect of cucumber may help ease the itching in your eyes.
You Will Need
A cucumber
What You Have To Do
- Cut a cucumber into round slices.
- Place the slices over closed eyes.
- Leave them on until they turn warm.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1-2 times daily.
2. Cold Compress
The topical use of ice compress helps in the delivery of oil from the meibomian glands (9). It can also help soothe itching and irritation in the eyes.
You Will Need
An ice pack
What You Have To Do
- Place an ice pack on the affected eye.
- Leave it on for 1 or 2 minutes and take it off.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this multiple times a day.
Quick Tip3. Tea Bags
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The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) present in green tea improves surface inflammation in dry eyes (10). Hence, the topical application of green tea bags may provide relief from itchy and dry eyes.
You Will Need
Used green tea bags
What You Have To Do
- Collect the tea bags used for making teas.
- Refrigerate them for 30 minutes.
- Place the chilled tea bags on your closed eyelids.
- Leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this whenever your eyes start itching.
Note: You can use herbal teas of chamomile, calendula, and eyebright as a cold compress to relieve itchy eyes.
4. Cold Milk
Anecdotal reports suggest that cold milk acts as a cold compress. Thus, the topical application of cold milk may relieve itchiness and swelling in the eyes.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of cold milk
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
- Dip a cotton pad in cold milk.
- Close the affected eye and place the soaked pad over it.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then remove it.
- If you have an allergic reaction in your eyes, you can also add a pinch of turmeric to the milk.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a day.
5. Water
Water cleanses the eyes and may soothe the irritation instantly.
You Will Need
Water
What You Have To Do
Wash your eyes with purified running water whenever they feel itchy.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a day.
Quick Tip6. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis) possesses natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties (11). Hence, it may help in alleviating itchiness and inflammation in the eyes.
You Will Need
- Witch hazel extract
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
- Soak cotton pads in witch hazel.
- Place them over closed eyelids.
- Remove the witch hazel compress after 10 to 15 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a day.
7. Aloe Vera Juice
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Aloe vera helps in soothing eye inflammation (12). Its topical application may help relieve symptoms associated with itchy eyes.
You Will Need
- Aloe vera juice
- Cotton balls
What You Have To Do
- Blend aloe vera juice.
- Refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
- Soak cotton balls in the juice.
- Place one over each eye.
- Leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes and remove.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this multiple times a day.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil has a lubricant effect on the eyes (13). Hence, it may be a good option for treating itchy eyes.
You Will Need
- Organic castor oil
- Cotton balls
What You Have To Do
- Soak cotton balls with organic castor oil.
- Strain the excess oil and place the cotton balls on your closed eyelids.
- Leave them on for 15 minutes.
- Remove and wash your eyes with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2- times a day.
9. Potato
Anti-inflammatory therapies can help in treating dry and itchy eyes (14). The glycoalkaloids present in potatoes exhibit such anti-inflammatory properties (15). Hence, the topical application of potatoes may help in reducing itchiness and swelling in the eyes. Potato contains omega-3 fatty acids that improve the functioning of the meibomian glands and produce oily tears.
You Will Need
A raw potato
What You Have To Do
- Refrigerate a raw potato.
- Cut it into circular slices and place one slice on each eye.
- Leave them for 15 minutes.
- Remove the slices.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a day.
10. Rose Water
Rose water has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that can improve dry and inflamed eye conditions (16). Rose water may be used as an effective eyewash.
You Will Need
- Rosewater
- Cotton balls
What You Have To Do
- Place two cotton balls soaked with rose water on your eyes.
- Leave them on for 15 to 20 minutes and then remove them.
- Alternatively, one can use rose water as eye drops.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a day.
11. Honey
Image: Shutterstock
Honey possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties (17). It is considered a therapeutic agent and used for treating eye diseases (18).
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of organic honey
What You Have To Do
- Apply organic honey under your eyelids.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off.
- Alternatively, you can put a drop of honey in your eyes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a day.
12. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (19). These properties may help soothe itchy and inflamed eyes.
You Will Need
- 4 drops of lavender oil
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (Carrier oil)
What You Have To Do
- Mix four drops of lavender oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture gently under the eyes and around the eyelids.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1-2 times a day.
b. Tea Tree Oil
Image: Shutterstock
Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (20). These properties may offer immediate relief from itchy eyes.
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (Carrier oil)
What You Have To Do
- Add three to four drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Mix well and apply it all around your eyes.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a day.
13. Vitamins
The deficiency of a few nutrients may aggravate the symptoms of itchy eyes. Vitamins A, C, and E are important for the proper functioning of your eyes. Individuals with itchy eyes usually have a vitamin A deficiency (21). Vitamins C and E are beneficial for the overall health of the eyes and may be used to reverse many eye infections (22), (23).
You Will Need
Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, carrots, turnips, kale, mangoes, and cheese.
What You Have To Do
Consume these vitamin-rich foods.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume these foods often.
While these remedies help reduce itching in your eyes, there are high chances of its recurrence if you do not follow these prevention tips.
Prevention Tips
- Protect your eyes from direct sunlight and allergens by always wearing a pair of sunglasses.
- Do not wear contact lenses for long durations.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Flush your eyes with cold water every now and then.
Infographic: Prevention Tips To Avoid The Risk Of Itchy Eyes
Various factors can trigger itchy eyes and lead to pain and discomfort. While you can always take eye drops to soothe the symptoms, a few precautions and changes in your daily hygiene routine may help avoid the symptoms. Check the infographic below to learn the best practices to avoid the risk of getting itchy eyes. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
Constant itching of the eyes can be uncomfortable, making it difficult to maintain a clear vision. Dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis can cause itchy eyes. In addition, dust, pollen, animal dander, advancing age, and various environmental and medical conditions can aggravate itchy eyes. Watering or dry eyes, swelling, redness, sensitivity to light, and a burning sensation in the eyes are its symptoms. Follow the home remedies mentioned above to get rid of itchy eyes. Even a deficiency of vitamins, such as vitamin E, might cause itchy eyes. However, if you don’t see any improvement in the condition even after trying the home remedies, consult your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to see a doctor for itchy eyes?
You must see a doctor if you experience:
- Sudden eye pain
- Vision loss
- Pain
- Visual changes
- Bulging eyes
- Signs of infection
- Too much of tearing
What are the best eye drops for itchy eyes?
Itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies, and in such cases, medications like antihistamine eye drops can help. However, consult a doctor and take medicines only written in the prescription.
How long does it take for an eye irritation to go away?
Normal itching in the eyes usually fades after a good night’s sleep. However, if the itching is due to an underlying infection, it may take one to two weeks to notice an improvement in your condition.
What happens if you rub your eyes too much?
Rubbing your eyes too much can cause micro-scratches on the cornea of your eye and damage it. In the short term, you may experience sensitivity to light, watery eyes, and redness from rubbing your eyes too much. In the long run, the cornea may get infected or develop scar tissue and seriously impact your vision.
Key Takeaways
- Itchy eyes or ocular pruritus occur due to dust, pollution, infection, allergies, or dry eye syndrome.
- Symptoms include redness or a burning sensation in the eyes.
- Cucumber slices, cold compress, tea bags, and castor oil are some of the effective home remedies for itchy eyes.
- Protection from UV rays and the proper use of contact lenses may prevent this condition.
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