What causes dry, itchy eyes?

Dryness and itching of the eyes may be caused by factors such as dry environments, poor eye habits, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dry Environment

Remaining in a dry environment for prolonged periods—such as air-conditioned rooms or desert areas—may lead to excessive evaporation of tears, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. It is advisable to maintain appropriate indoor humidity, for example by using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water on your desk, which can help increase moisture levels in the air.

2. Poor Eye Habits

Chronic sleep deprivation and extended screen time may lead to eye fatigue, dryness, and itching. It is recommended to adjust screen usage habits, take regular breaks by gazing into the distance or closing the eyes periodically, and use blue light filters to help reduce ocular strain.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome

This condition may be associated with aging, eye surgery, or other factors that result in insufficient tear production, leading to symptoms such as dryness, itching, and a burning sensation in the eyes. Patients are advised to use medications such as sodium hyaluronate eye drops, Jinzhen eye drops, or fluorometholone eye drops as prescribed by their doctor.

4. Conjunctivitis

This may be related to exposure to smoke or dust, unhygienic eye habits, and other factors. Common symptoms include dryness, itching, and increased eye discharge. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as ganciclovir eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, or erythromycin tablets as directed.

5. Blepharitis

This is usually caused by poor eye hygiene or bacterial infection. Common symptoms after onset include eyelid redness and increased discharge. Patients should use medications such as zinc sulfate solution, levofloxacin hydrochloride ophthalmic gel, or chloramphenicol eye ointment under a doctor’s supervision to improve symptoms.

In daily life, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water, ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, engage in moderate physical exercise, and refrain from rubbing the eyes, all of which are beneficial for recovery.