Itching of the eyes is a very common yet annoying issue especially when busy with some important meeting or chore. Scratching or rubbing of the eyes turns it red and also leads to burning and irritation. This complaint may be seen in any individual irrespective of their age or gender.

Persistent itching of the eyes may occur due to varied reasons.

1. Seasonal allergy. Complaints like sneezing, cold, nasal obstruction, ear itching and eye itching may occur as part of an allergy in many people. This may happen due to a change of climate.

2. Contact allergy. This is due to allergy to something that comes in contact with the eyes and causes irritation in that region. For example, the talcum powder used on the face, eye liners, eye shadows, mascara, or some facial makeup products may cause allergy. Even without direct touch, there may be allergy to dust or smoke. Pollen grains may also act as allergic factors. Mold formed on the walls of houses in rainy season and the fungi that grow there also cause irritation and contact dermatitis of the eyes. Soap, shampoo, or other cleansing agents, sprays, perfumes, etc. may cause allergy to the eyes.

3. Persistent eye infection such as bacterial and viral conjunctivitis or fungal infections may be a reason for itching of the eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis may last for 2 to 3 days, but viral conjunctivitis, also known as Madras eye, starts with a slight irritation to the eyes and gradually the eye turns red and maybe associated with headache and slight fever. This condition may last for 1 week to 1 month. Viral conjunctivitis also causes dryness, allergy and itching of the eyes even after the infection is cleared. Fungal infections of the eyes such as candida infections, mycotic infections, etc. may lead to irritation and itching of the eyes.

4. Dryness of eyes. Normally, the eyes have tears which spread all across the eyes when we blink and this keeps the eyes moist and clean. The tears are not plain water. It contains many lysozymes and enzymes that destroy the bacteria, clear the dust particles, and clear the allergic reactions. Hence, the tears taste slightly salty. Any condition which leads to reduction in the amount of tears may cause itching of the eyes. This often happens when we stare at something for a long time, such as a TV screen or mobile or computer screen. While staring at these screens, there is a delay in the process of blinking and this results in the dryness of the eyes and slight irritation of the edges. This leads to rubbing of the eyes and resultant allergic reaction in the region with itching. A similar condition may occur while riding without eye protection causing the wind to blow into the eyes. Being in an air conditioned room for long time also causes dryness of the eyes. So, dryness may be experienced in people working in an air- conditioned atmosphere.

5. Itching and dryness of the eyes may be seen as a part of some diseases also. People with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, etc. may have dryness and itching of the eyes. People with a tendency to have dry skin, dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, or psoriasis may have itching of the eyes associated with it.

6. Regular intake of few medicines may have side effects of itchiness of the eyes. Medicines taken for autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, oral contraceptive pills, etc. may cause itching in the eyes. Medicines taken during common cold often cause dryness of the mucous membranes, resulting in dryness of the eyes as well.

7. Eye strain. Working on computers for long hours, watching mobile phone or computer in a dark room for long periods, watching TV in a dark room, long drives, changes in eyesight, improper use of glasses or lenses, etc. cause eye strain leading to itching and irritation of the eyes.

To prevent the irritation and itching of eyes,

1. The person must make sure not to rub the eyes with fingers or any other clothes or objects around. Such rubbing may lead to damage to the tissue around the eyes causing secondary bacterial infections in the region. People with eye irritation are often seen to have persistent styes, this is due to the secondary infection occurring as a result of rubbing of the eyes.

2. Try to blink the eyes purposefully in between to aid in circulation of the tear across the eyes, which prevents bacterial infections too.

3. Drink at least 3 L of water per day, as sufficient hydration of the body will help prevent dryness of the eyes as well.

4. Position your seating such as to avoid direct exposure of eyes to the AC vent.

5. Keep the room sufficiently lit while watching TV or reading so as to reduce eye strain. Reduce the brightness and contrast of the TV and mobile screens to avoid glares and use the reading or eye protection modes in the mobile phones.

6. While working on a computer for long hours, take a break of 1 minute after every 15 to 30 minutes and close the eyes with both palms held over the eyes.

The first step of treatment for an itching and irritated eye is to find the cause of the condition and treat it appropriately.

Some home remedies to reduce the eye problems are

Place a slice of cucumber on the eyes and leave it in place until the coldness of the slice remains. The antioxidants in the cucumber will help reduce the inflammation around the eyes. Green tea bags can be placed over the eyes after using to make tea. Green tea contains catechins, which are anti-inflammatory and give a cooling effect to the eyes. A cotton ball dipped in cold milk or aloe vera may be applied to the eyes. A slice of potato may be placed on the eyes. All these will help to reduce the irritation and dryness of the eyes. If the itchiness is due to excessive dryness of the eyes, a doctor must be consulted who would prescribe lubricant eye drops to reduce the dryness of the eyes.

Very effective medicines are available in homoeopathy for the irritation and itching of eyes and can be obtained with prescription from a homoeopathic practitioner.