Stinging and itchy eyes are common symptoms that can have many explanations. Itchy eyes are often mild and temporary, but can sometimes be a sign of inflammation in the eye.

Itchy eyes, a multi-faceted symptom

Having one or both itchy eyes is a common symptom. However, it can sometimes be difficult to define precisely. Indeed, tingling can be perceived in many ways, such as:

• eye irritation, with itchy red eyes;
• itchy, itchy, itchy eyes;
• burns, with itchy and burning eyes;
• tears, with itchy, weeping eyes;
• eye pain, with itchy and aching eyes.

Itchy eyes, a sign of dry eye syndrome

Tingling in the eyes is often associated with dry eye syndrome. The latter occurs when the eyes are too dry. Common, this syndrome is characterized by a set of symptoms including the sensation of stinging and itching in the eyes. It usually affects both eyes.

Itchy eyes, a mostly mild symptom

In the majority of cases, itching in the eyes is a mild and transient symptoms that fade over time.

Is it dry eye?

The stinging and itching of the eyes is often caused by dry eye. This is also called dry eye syndrome because of the many symptoms it can cause. Among them, tingling and itching may occur.

The eyes become too dry. The production or quality of tears is insufficient to moisten the eyes. Normally, tears are produced continuously to ensure proper functioning and protection of the eyes.

Dry eyes can be favored by several factors including:

• Aging: With age, the production of tears decreases.
• The environment: Several environmental factors can decrease or affect the quality of tear production. This is particularly the case with pollution, dry air and cigarette smoke.
• Eye fatigue: Overworked, the eyes get tired and dry up. This eye fatigue can especially develop during long periods of work, driving or exposure to screens.
• Wearing lenses: During prolonged use, they can gradually dry out the eyes.
• Taking medicines: Certain substances can affect the production of tears.
• Certain diseases: Dry eye syndrome can be caused by the development of a disease in the eye area. This is for example the case with Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome, which is a chronic autoimmune disease.
• Eye surgery: Dry eye is a common complication of myopia surgery.

Eye irritation, is it inflammation of the eye?

Itchy eyes can be a sign of inflammation in the eye. This inflammatory reaction can manifest itself in several regions of the eye:

• conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane present in the eye, and which manifests as tingling and redness;
• blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the free edge of the eyelid, which causes stinging, burning and itching in the eye;

Tingling, is it an allergy?

Having itchy, itchy eyes is a common symptom of allergic rhinitis, also called seasonal rhinitis or hay fever. This rhinitis manifests itself as a reaction to various allergens including pollen.

Reasons for consultation at eye level

Although the majority of stinging and itching in the eyes are mild, some cases require medical advice:

• frequent stinging in the eyes;
• persistent dry eyes;
• severe pain, which occurs in one or both eyes;
• vision disturbances;
• redness in the eyes;
• excessive tearfulness;
• or even glued eyelids.

Tingling eye exams

When tingling in the eyes, it is possible to consult your doctor or an ophthalmologist. Depending on the clinical examination, additional examinations may be requested to deepen or confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment of tingling in the eyes

When the eyes itch, there are several ways to relieve the stinging and itching. However, these solutions depend essentially on the cause of this ocular discomfort.

In the majority of cases, it is advisable to rest your eyes to fight against dry eyes and limit the risk of complications.

Depending on the cause of the tingling, specific treatments may be recommended:

• the use of eye drops and sprays;
• the use of hot or cold compresses;
• regular eye washings with physiological serum.

Prevention of dry eye

Frequent dry eye can be limited by several preventive measures:

• adopt a suitable position, quite far away, in front of the screens;
• take regular breaks from prolonged exposure to screens;
• avoid rubbing your eyes;
• maintain good hydration of the body;
• limit the use of air conditioning and heating.