How do I stop itchy eyes quickly?

Rinse the face, splash cool water on closed eyes and use a cool compress. Avoid rubbing. An antihistamine eye drop from a doctor or pharmacist can help allergies.

Is itchy eye a sign of infection?

Itching is more typical of allergies. Sticky yellow or green discharge, pain or swelling suggests infection and needs a doctor.

Can I use rose water for itchy eyes?

Rose water is traditionally used on the closed lids as a cool compress. Do not put it inside the eye unless it is a sterile product advised by a doctor.

Eye care5 min

Home remedies for itchy eyes: cool compress, clean-water splash and allergy habits

Itchy eyes are most often an allergy to dust, pollen, pet hair or smoke. These home remedies for itchy eyes calm the itch with a cool compress and a splash of clean water on closed lids, and reduce exposure so the eyes are not triggered again and again.

Common reasons for itchy eyes

Allergic eyes itch, water and look pink, often with sneezing. Dry eyes, eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), eye makeup and contact lenses can also cause itching. Rubbing releases more histamine and makes the itch worse.

Cool water and rest are the classic Ayurvedic first steps for hot, irritated eyes, which are seen as a pitta imbalance.

Ingredients

A bowl of cool, clean drinking water
Clean cotton pads or a soft cloth
A few ice cubes (optional)
Chilled cucumber slices

How to prepare

Chill the water and cucumber in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Wash your hands before touching your eyes.

How to use

Splash cool water on closed eyes 3–4 times, then pat dry with a clean towel.
Soak cotton pads in the cool water and rest them on closed lids for 5–10 minutes, two or three times a day.
Rest cucumber slices on closed eyes for 10 minutes in the evening.

Helpful habits

Wash your face and hair after coming in from outdoors on high-pollen days.
Keep pets out of the bedroom and wash pillow covers weekly.
Remove eye makeup gently every night.

Precautions

Do not rub your eyes, and avoid putting milk, honey, onion juice or rose water directly into them.
Use one pad per eye and throw it away after use to avoid spreading infection.
See an eye doctor if itching comes with pain, discharge, swelling, blurred vision, or lasts more than a week.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop itchy eyes quickly?: Rinse the face, splash cool water on closed eyes and use a cool compress. Avoid rubbing. An antihistamine eye drop from a doctor or pharmacist can help allergies.
Is itchy eye a sign of infection?: Itching is more typical of allergies. Sticky yellow or green discharge, pain or swelling suggests infection and needs a doctor.
Can I use rose water for itchy eyes?: Rose water is traditionally used on the closed lids as a cool compress. Do not put it inside the eye unless it is a sterile product advised by a doctor.