Eye irritation is a common problem that may include redness, itching, pain, or stinging. The eyes may feel dry and scratchy or watery, depending on the cause. There are many conditions that can contribute to eye irritation, and treatments can range from medications to avoiding triggers.
This article goes over eight common causes of eye irritation: dry eye syndrome, pink eye, eye injury, contact lens complications, eye allergies, blepharitis, a corneal ulcer, and trichiasis.
You’ll learn about each of these conditions and their symptoms as well as how to get relief.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Causes Red Eyes?
1
Dry Eye Syndrome
If your eyes sting or feeldry and scratchy, you may have dry eye syndrome. Sometimes it may feel like there’s something in your eye.Blurry visioncan also be a symptom of a lack of tears and moisture.
How Common Is Dry Eye?Dry eye syndrome is very common and affects millions of Americans every year. You’re more likely to get it if you are 50 years of age or older, are female, wear contacts, lack vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids, or have certain autoimmune conditions likelupusorSjögren’s disease.
How Common Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome is very common and affects millions of Americans every year. You’re more likely to get it if you are 50 years of age or older, are female, wear contacts, lack vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids, or have certain autoimmune conditions likelupusorSjögren’s disease.
Treatment for Dry Eye
Several treatments are available for dry eye. They include over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, prescription medicines, lifestyle changes, tear duct plugs, and, if necessary, surgery.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If burning, dry, scratchy, red eyes are bothering you or are causing blurry vision, contact a healthcare provider, such as anoptometrist or ophthalmologist. Both are eye specialists who can diagnose and treat dry eye.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
2
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as “pink eye,” is inflammation of the clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye (conjunctiva).
There are three main types of conjunctivitis: bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.
The most noticeable symptom of conjunctivitis is eyes that look red or pink. The small blood vessels in the eye get inflamed and make the conjunctiva get bigger, which gives a pink or red tint to the white of the eye. You may also feel like you have something in your eye.
Treatment for Pink Eye
Treatment for pink eyecan include home remedies, OTC products, and prescription medications.
For severe bacterial conjunctivitis, your eye specialist my prescribe antibiotic eye drops. Antibiotics won’t help treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis, however.
There’s not really a treatment for viral conjunctivitis. This type usually goes away on its own. For symptom relief, try placing a cool, wet washcloth over your eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis treatment may involve eye drops to help with itchiness and puffiness.
Pink eye usually goes away on its own within about one to two weeks. If pink eye hasn’t gotten better after two weeks, contact anophthalmologist. They can run tests to make sure there is not a more serious problem.
What Are the First Symptoms of Pink Eye?
3Eye InjuriesEye injuries are not to be taken lightly. They can cause vision loss or blindness.Eye injuries include eye scratches, cuts, punctures, grit in the eye, and ablack eye.Injuries to the eye can happen for a number of reasons, including these common causes:PunchesBlows from hands, balls, or other sports equipmentFlying pieces of material from explosions or industrial workFlying objects like bullets, darts, fireworks, bungee cords, and BBsChemical splashesProtests, riots, or urban warfareTreatment for Eye InjuriesYou can treat minor eye injuries with first aid. This goes for minor eye scratches and sand or other small particles in your eye. Do not rub your eye. Instead, try blinking, or rinsing out the eye with saline solution or running tap water.Don’t try to treat severe eye injuries on your own. Medical treatment will depend on the nature of the injury.When to See a Healthcare ProviderMake an appointment to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you have an eye injury. Serious eye injuries require immediate medical attention.See a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you have something stuck in your eye and can’t get it out or if you have trouble seeing. Ongoing pain, a cut eyelid, unusual pupil size or shape, and blood in the clear part of the eye are other reasons to seek medical care right away.Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?
3
Eye InjuriesEye injuries are not to be taken lightly. They can cause vision loss or blindness.Eye injuries include eye scratches, cuts, punctures, grit in the eye, and ablack eye.Injuries to the eye can happen for a number of reasons, including these common causes:PunchesBlows from hands, balls, or other sports equipmentFlying pieces of material from explosions or industrial workFlying objects like bullets, darts, fireworks, bungee cords, and BBsChemical splashesProtests, riots, or urban warfareTreatment for Eye InjuriesYou can treat minor eye injuries with first aid. This goes for minor eye scratches and sand or other small particles in your eye. Do not rub your eye. Instead, try blinking, or rinsing out the eye with saline solution or running tap water.Don’t try to treat severe eye injuries on your own. Medical treatment will depend on the nature of the injury.When to See a Healthcare ProviderMake an appointment to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you have an eye injury. Serious eye injuries require immediate medical attention.See a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you have something stuck in your eye and can’t get it out or if you have trouble seeing. Ongoing pain, a cut eyelid, unusual pupil size or shape, and blood in the clear part of the eye are other reasons to seek medical care right away.Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries are not to be taken lightly. They can cause vision loss or blindness.Eye injuries include eye scratches, cuts, punctures, grit in the eye, and ablack eye.
Injuries to the eye can happen for a number of reasons, including these common causes:
Treatment for Eye Injuries
You can treat minor eye injuries with first aid. This goes for minor eye scratches and sand or other small particles in your eye. Do not rub your eye. Instead, try blinking, or rinsing out the eye with saline solution or running tap water.
Don’t try to treat severe eye injuries on your own. Medical treatment will depend on the nature of the injury.
Make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you have an eye injury. Serious eye injuries require immediate medical attention.
See a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you have something stuck in your eye and can’t get it out or if you have trouble seeing. Ongoing pain, a cut eyelid, unusual pupil size or shape, and blood in the clear part of the eye are other reasons to seek medical care right away.
Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?
4
Contact Lenses Complications
Contact lenses come in different sizes and colors. Most commonly, they are used to correct vision and certain eye problems. However, some people also use contact lenses for decorative or cosmetic purposes to change the look of the eye.
Some contact wearers rarely or never have problems, while others can experience complications. Contact lenses can cause eye injury, reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the cornea, make eyes drier, and result in allergic or inflammatory responses or infection.
One of the most serious possible complications from wearing contacts is corneal ulcer.
To treat eye irritation from contact lenses, remove your contacts and rinse them withcontact lens solutionto remove any particles.
If propercontact lens hygieneis not helping, keep your contacts out and check in with your eye healthcare provider.
In some cases, you may need to have your contact lenses refitted or the lens material changed. Depending on the exact cause of the problem, your healthcare provider may suggest antibiotic treatment or topical corticosteroids.
8 Reasons Your Contacts Are Giving You Red Eyes
5Eye AllergiesIf you tend to have eye irritation at certain times of the year, allergies could be to blame. Many people with eye irritation haveseasonal eye allergies.Eye allergies can be very uncomfortable and can get in the way of your usual daily activities. The symptoms of eye allergies can includewatery eyes, burning, redness, andeye itching.Treatment for Eye AllergiesAs with other allergies, eye allergy treatment means figuring out what your triggers are and avoiding them. The “trigger” is theallergen(like pollen) that causes you to have symptoms.For example, if pollenirritates your eyes, you might try to stay inside on days when thepollencount is high, or during the times of day when pollen is at the highest levels.Keeping your home’s windows closed and using quality filters on air conditioners can also help limit eye-irritating triggers.How to Stop Watery Eyes: 10 Methods to TryWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderEye allergies can have the same symptoms as some diseases of the eye.This is why it’s important to get your eyes checked out, even if you think it’s only allergies.If you’re not getting relief from OTC remedies, talk to anallergy specialist.What to Do About Eye Allergies
5
Eye AllergiesIf you tend to have eye irritation at certain times of the year, allergies could be to blame. Many people with eye irritation haveseasonal eye allergies.Eye allergies can be very uncomfortable and can get in the way of your usual daily activities. The symptoms of eye allergies can includewatery eyes, burning, redness, andeye itching.Treatment for Eye AllergiesAs with other allergies, eye allergy treatment means figuring out what your triggers are and avoiding them. The “trigger” is theallergen(like pollen) that causes you to have symptoms.For example, if pollenirritates your eyes, you might try to stay inside on days when thepollencount is high, or during the times of day when pollen is at the highest levels.Keeping your home’s windows closed and using quality filters on air conditioners can also help limit eye-irritating triggers.How to Stop Watery Eyes: 10 Methods to TryWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderEye allergies can have the same symptoms as some diseases of the eye.This is why it’s important to get your eyes checked out, even if you think it’s only allergies.If you’re not getting relief from OTC remedies, talk to anallergy specialist.What to Do About Eye Allergies
Eye Allergies
If you tend to have eye irritation at certain times of the year, allergies could be to blame. Many people with eye irritation haveseasonal eye allergies.
Eye allergies can be very uncomfortable and can get in the way of your usual daily activities. The symptoms of eye allergies can includewatery eyes, burning, redness, andeye itching.
Treatment for Eye Allergies
As with other allergies, eye allergy treatment means figuring out what your triggers are and avoiding them. The “trigger” is theallergen(like pollen) that causes you to have symptoms.
For example, if pollenirritates your eyes, you might try to stay inside on days when thepollencount is high, or during the times of day when pollen is at the highest levels.
Keeping your home’s windows closed and using quality filters on air conditioners can also help limit eye-irritating triggers.
How to Stop Watery Eyes: 10 Methods to Try
Eye allergies can have the same symptoms as some diseases of the eye.This is why it’s important to get your eyes checked out, even if you think it’s only allergies.
If you’re not getting relief from OTC remedies, talk to anallergy specialist.
What to Do About Eye Allergies
6
Blepharitis
Blepharitisis inflammation of the eyelid. It commonly causes red, crusty eyelids in kids and adults.
If you have blepharitis, your symptoms will probably be worst when you first wake up in the morning. You may find flakes of debris on your pillow or stuck to your eyelashes.
If you have oily skin, dandruff, rosacea, or allergies that affect your eyelashes, you might be more likely to getblepharitis.Washing your face (and eyes) can help reduceoily skin.
Treatment for Blepharitis
Other treatment options include eye drops, medication to fight infection (antibiotic eye drops, ointment, or pills), and the management of underlying health problems that may be causing blepharitis.
Blepharitis can lead to other eye problems, so it’s important to get your eyes checked out.
Talk to an eye specialist if you are having symptoms of blepharitis. The specialist can help you figure out what’s causing blepharitis and how best to manage it.
Causes of Eyelid Inflammation
7Corneal UlcerA corneal ulcer, orkeratitis, is an erosion or an open sore on the surface of the clear dome-like structure on the front part of the eye called the cornea. The sores are common in people who wearcontact lenses. Caring for your contact lenses properly can help prevent this complication.Corneal ulcers can cause intense eye pain,light sensitivity, and redness. Some people feel constant eye irritation from a corneal ulcer.Treatment for Corneal UlcerYou’ll need to see a provider for corneal ulcer treatment. You might need to take an antibiotic, use special eye drops, or use OTC pain relievers. You will probably have tostop wearing contactsuntil the ulcer heals.When to See a Healthcare ProviderSee an ophthalmologist immediately if you think you have a corneal ulcer to prevent permanent damage to your vision.Also, let your ophthalmologist know right away if your symptoms suddenly change or get worse during treatment.What Does a Corneal Ulcer Feel Like?
7
Corneal UlcerA corneal ulcer, orkeratitis, is an erosion or an open sore on the surface of the clear dome-like structure on the front part of the eye called the cornea. The sores are common in people who wearcontact lenses. Caring for your contact lenses properly can help prevent this complication.Corneal ulcers can cause intense eye pain,light sensitivity, and redness. Some people feel constant eye irritation from a corneal ulcer.Treatment for Corneal UlcerYou’ll need to see a provider for corneal ulcer treatment. You might need to take an antibiotic, use special eye drops, or use OTC pain relievers. You will probably have tostop wearing contactsuntil the ulcer heals.When to See a Healthcare ProviderSee an ophthalmologist immediately if you think you have a corneal ulcer to prevent permanent damage to your vision.Also, let your ophthalmologist know right away if your symptoms suddenly change or get worse during treatment.What Does a Corneal Ulcer Feel Like?
Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer, orkeratitis, is an erosion or an open sore on the surface of the clear dome-like structure on the front part of the eye called the cornea. The sores are common in people who wearcontact lenses. Caring for your contact lenses properly can help prevent this complication.
Corneal ulcers can cause intense eye pain,light sensitivity, and redness. Some people feel constant eye irritation from a corneal ulcer.
Treatment for Corneal Ulcer
You’ll need to see a provider for corneal ulcer treatment. You might need to take an antibiotic, use special eye drops, or use OTC pain relievers. You will probably have tostop wearing contactsuntil the ulcer heals.
See an ophthalmologist immediately if you think you have a corneal ulcer to prevent permanent damage to your vision.
Also, let your ophthalmologist know right away if your symptoms suddenly change or get worse during treatment.
What Does a Corneal Ulcer Feel Like?
8
Trichiasis
Eye irritation sometimes comes from the eyelashes rather than the eyeball. Your eyelashes can be very coarse and can scratch your eye when you blink.
Your eyelashes can also grow in the wrong direction—a condition calledtrichiasis.
Trichiasis can be subtle—you might not notice it when you’re looking at your eyes in the mirror. Even if you can’t see it, you might feel irritation in your eyes.
It might not seem like a major problem but trichiasis can cause real damage to the cornea.
Treatment for Trichiasis
The treatment for trichiasis is to remove the eyelash causing the damage, thefollicle, or both. However, with eyelash removal, there is a chance that the eyelash may grow back in the wrong direction. Redirecting eyelash growth is another treatment option.
Permanent solutions are helpful when problematiceyelashes grow back. Surgery and other medical treatments may be an option if you have multiple eyelashes that are causing problems.
What Are Ingrown Eyelashes?
Why Is Only One Eye Irritated?
Only one eye may be irritated for several reasons:
How to Prevent Eye Irritation
Summary
Irritation in your eyes can have many causes. Depending on what is causing your symptoms, eye irritation treatments can range from using medications to avoiding triggers.
If you’re having constant eye irritation that’s not getting better, it’s important to tell your provider. Some causes of eye irritation can damage your eyes the longer they go on.
While it could have a simple cause, the problem may not resolve until you get the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 can cause eye symptoms, including soreness or irritation. Some people with COVID actually get conjunctivitis.
Anything that is near or on your eyes can cause irritation, especially if it’s a foreign object. Eyelash extensions can cause eye irritation and may damage the eyes. You can also have an allergic reaction to lash extensions, which could cause eye irritation.
Botoxcan cause eye irritation if the injection is near your eye. Other complications include drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis), strabismus (a rare complication), and damage to the eye surface, resulting in dry eye.
The 7 Best Eye Drops for Red Eyes of 2024
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Dry eye.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Conjunctivitis: what is pink eye?American Academy of Ophthalmology.Recognizing and treating eye injuries.American Academy of Ophthalmology. EyeWiki.Contact lens complications.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Eye allergy.National Eye Institute.Blepharitis.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is a corneal ulcer (keratitis)?Penn Medicine.Corneal ulcer.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is trichiasis?The College of Optometrists.Clinical management guidelines: conjunctivitis (acute allergic).UpToDate.Patient education: conjunctivitis (pink eye) (Beyond the Basics).Pendleton Eye Center.Can you have dry eye in only one eye?American Academy of Ophthalmology.Herpes simplex epithelial keratitis.The College of Optometrists.Clinical management guidelines: microbial keratitis (bacterial, fungal).The College of Optometrists.Clinical management guidelines: blepharitis (lid margin disease).Geng RSQ, Slomovic J, Bourkas AN, Slomovic A, Sibbald RG.Ocular rosacea: the often-overlooked component of rosacea.JEADV Clin Pract. 2024;1-15. doi:10.1002/jvc2.428National Eye Institute.Keep your eyes healthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.How to use cosmetics safely around your eyes.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Remedies to reduce dry eye symptoms.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Why does it feel like something is rubbing against my eye when I blink?AJMC.“Sore Eyes” Reported as Most Significant Ocular Symptom of COVID-19.Whip Lash.Allergic Reactions to Eyelash Extensions.Bonińska K.Ophthalmic complications after needle-based medical aesthetic procedures: a narrative review.J Clin Med. 2023;12(1):313. doi:10.3390/jcm12010313
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.Conjunctivitis: what is pink eye?
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National Eye Institute.Blepharitis.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is a corneal ulcer (keratitis)?
Penn Medicine.Corneal ulcer.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is trichiasis?
The College of Optometrists.Clinical management guidelines: conjunctivitis (acute allergic).
UpToDate.Patient education: conjunctivitis (pink eye) (Beyond the Basics).
Pendleton Eye Center.Can you have dry eye in only one eye?
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Herpes simplex epithelial keratitis.
The College of Optometrists.Clinical management guidelines: microbial keratitis (bacterial, fungal).
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National Eye Institute.Keep your eyes healthy.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.How to use cosmetics safely around your eyes.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Remedies to reduce dry eye symptoms.
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Whip Lash.Allergic Reactions to Eyelash Extensions.
Bonińska K.Ophthalmic complications after needle-based medical aesthetic procedures: a narrative review.J Clin Med. 2023;12(1):313. doi:10.3390/jcm12010313
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