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.
Eyestrain may cause itchy eyes at night.
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.
Using a humidifier may help to prevent the eyes and skin from becoming dry and itchy.
Some home remedies can help treat and prevent itchy eyes at night including:
- applying warm and cool compresses
- keeping the eye area clean
- using a humidifier
- avoiding allergens
- using eye drops
- following the 20-20-20 rule
The 20-20-20 rule
Spending too long on a computer or doing other activities that may cause eyestrain can make a person's eyes itchy at night. People with itchy eyes can try to follow the 20-20-20 rule to lessen eyestrain.
For every 20 minutes of computer work, people should look away from the screen and look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds, which will allow the eyes to relax.
Warm and cool compresses
People can try applying a compress for immediate relief of itchy eyes. Warm compresses over the eyes may help relieve itching due to allergies. If itchy eyes feel warm and swollen, a cold compress on the eyes might help ease the itch.
Keeping the eye area clean
Dirt, chemicals, and makeup can all cause itchy eyes.
Keeping the eyes clean at night can help relieve the itch. Firstly, a person may need to flush the irritant from the eye with cool water to clean the eye area.
Sometimes, gently rinsing the eyes with warm water on a washcloth may be enough.
People who wear makeup should consider removing all their makeup before cleaning the eye.
Using a humidifier
Dry air can make eyes itch because it can cause the eyes to dry out. People with itchy eyes may want to use a humidifier in their bedroom, particularly during the winter or in dry climates.
Discontinue contact lens use
Wearing contact lenses can cause eyes to be itchy even at night. Some people may wear their contact lenses overnight, which may lead to further itching.
Contact lens users who get itchy eyes at night might think about taking their contact lenses out to give their eyes a break until the itching stops.
Also, changing the type of contact lens a person wears may help. A disposable contact lens may help prevent future eye irritation that can lead to itchy eyes at night.
People with allergies should take steps to try to avoid any allergens that cause their eyes to itch at night.
Sleeping with the windows closed, for example, can help reduce exposure to pollen and other outdoor allergens that may make eyes itch.
Keeping pets out of the bedroom can help reduce the amount of dander people come into contact with at night. Dusting regularly and changing the sheets can also help limit dust mites.
Medication, such as antibiotics and antihistamines, may be prescribed to treat itchy eyes.
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.
What is the outlook?
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.