When did the eyes start itching?

The selection of the timeframe in which the eyes started itching can provide valuable insights into the potential underlying causes of the symptom. When considering the duration of symptoms in a clinical context, a timeframe of one week ago (the correct answer) typically suggests a more recent development that could be linked to various factors such as allergic reactions, infections, or environmental changes.

Symptoms that began one week ago might indicate a new allergen exposure or a developing condition that hasn't progressed to a severe stage yet, which can help guide further assessment and treatment options. If the itching started much longer ago, say a month ago, it may suggest a chronic issue that could require different management strategies. In contrast, issues that have only been present for a day or two may not yet provide enough history to ascertain a clear diagnosis. This understanding helps narrow down potential causes and informs the clinician's approach to investigation and management.