Keeping the eyes clean and avoiding allergens can often remedy itchy eyes. Other home remedies for itchy eyes include eye drops and compresses.
People generally move less and relax more when they lie in bed at night than they do when they are up and about during the day. The extra stillness may make a person more aware of their body than they are during an active day.
With this increased awareness, people may begin to notice that their eyes are itchy.
Many underlying problems and conditions can cause itchy eyes at night.
These underlying causes include:
- Eyestrain: Caused from staring at a computer screen for too long or driving long distances.
- Allergies: Contact with a foreign substance that causes itchy, red eyes, such as makeup, pollen, and dander.
- Dry eye: A condition where the eye does not get enough lubrication throughout the day.
- Atopic dermatitis: A type of eczema that causes red, itchy skin as well as dry eyes.
- Conjunctivitis: A highly contagious infection often referred to as pink eye that causes red, itchy, and burning eyes.
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid caused by the follicle becoming blocked.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction: When the meibomian glands are blocked and do not produce enough liquid to lubricate the eyes.
- Some medications: Common culprits that can cause dry eyes include antihistamines and blood pressure medication.
People with persistent itchy eyes at night should see a doctor to diagnose the cause.
A doctor will likely start by reviewing the person’s medical history and symptoms. The doctor will then probably do a physical exam, which includes checking the person’s eyes and eyelids. If there is any discharge on the person’s eyelids, the doctor may take a sample of the discharge with a swab and send it to a lab for testing.
If a doctor suspects that an allergy is causing the itchy eyes, they may do a patch test. They might also recommend a follow-up visit with an eye doctor.
Sometimes, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments do not ease itching.
Some people may require medical treatments including the following:
- oral and topical antibiotics for bacterial infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis
- artificial tears to lubricate eyes
- antihistamines to help control allergic reactions that lead to itchy eyes
- steroid eye drops for blepharitis and allergies
- medications that affect the immune system for blepharitis
- mast cell stabilizers for allergies
- allergy shots for people with more severe allergies
Preventing itchy eyes at night often starts with figuring out what might be triggering them. Some people may find keeping a journal of potential triggers helpful in figuring out what to avoid.
Avoiding triggers can help prevent or at least reduce the number of instances where the eyes become itchy.
People can take some steps during the day to help prevent eyestrain that can cause itchy eyes.
Some steps include:
- taking breaks when driving long distances
- wearing polarized sunglasses when outside or while driving
- reading in well-lit areas
- taking breaks when working at a computer or staring at other screens for long periods of time
- using artificial tears throughout the day
- wearing contacts or glasses
- positioning computer screens slightly lower than eye level and about a foot from the face
People may try the following if allergies are the cause:
- reducing mold in the home through cleaning and using a dehumidifier
- keeping windows closed at night and during the day
- removing eye makeup thoroughly before going to bed
- cleaning up pet hair regularly
- using bedding that blocks dust mites
- avoiding touching the eyes before washing hands, especially after being in contact with a trigger, such as pet hair
A person can avoid some diseases, such as pink eye, by avoiding physical contact with a person who has the condition. Also, it is a good idea not to share products that come in contact with the eyes of other people.
Most cases of itchy eyes at night are not serious and are easy to treat. People who experience eyestrain and allergic reactions can often prevent them occurring by avoiding activities or substances that trigger itchy eyes.
When blepharitis causes itchy eyes, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms. Often, blepharitis does not go away completely, but proper treatment and good hygiene can keep symptoms to a minimum.
Article resources
- Asbell, P., Vingrys, A. J., Tan, J., Ogundele, A., Downie, L. E., Jerkins, G., & Shettle, L. (2018, May). Clinical outcomes of fixed versus as-needed use of artificial tears in dry eye disease: A 6-week, observer-masked phase 4 clinical trial. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 59(6), 2275–2280. Retrieved from http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2680678
- Blepharitis. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/blepharitis?sso=y
- Conjunctivitis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis?sso=y
- Dry eye. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye?sso=y
- Duncan, K., & Jeng, B. H. (2015, July). Medical management of blepharitis. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, 26(4), 289–294. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26058027 - Eye allergy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://acaai.org/allergies/types/eye-allergies
- Koo, L., Peng, D., & Change, E. (2006, November 15). Solving the mystery of the itchy eyelid. Retrieved from https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/solving-the-mystery-of-the-itchy-eyelid
- Turbert, D. (2017, September 1). What are eye allergies? Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/allergies