Can Dryness Cause Redness in Eyes?

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to a dry, uncomfortable feeling in your eyes. This dryness can have a variety of underlying causes, including age, certain medications, environmental factors, and underlying medical conditions.
 

Common Causes of Dry Eye

One of the primary causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction. These glands, located along the edge of your eyelids, produce an oily substance that helps to prevent tear evaporation. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, the tear film can become unstable, leading to increased evaporation and dryness. Other common causes of dry eye include:

• Aging
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications (e.g., antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants)
• Environmental factors (e.g., dry air, wind, smoke, prolonged screen time)
• Underlying medical conditions (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes)

Understanding the underlying causes of your dry eye is essential for finding the right treatment and managing the condition effectively.
 

The Connection Between Dry Eye and Redness in the Eyes

When your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, the resulting dryness can trigger an inflammatory response in the eyes. This inflammation can manifest as redness, irritation, and a feeling of discomfort or burning in the eyes. The redness is often most pronounced in the inner and outer corners of the eyes, where the tear film is thinnest and the eyes are most vulnerable to dryness. The inflammation associated with dry eye can also lead to other symptoms, such as:

• Stinging or burning sensation
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Feeling of something in the eye
• Increased tear production

Understanding the connection between dry eye and redness is crucial for recognizing the signs and symptoms of the condition and seeking appropriate treatment.
 

When to Seek Professional Help for Dry Eye and Redness

If you are experiencing persistent or worsening dry eye and redness, it's important to seek professional help from an optometrist. Some key signs that it's time to see a professional include:

• Severe or persistent dryness, redness, or discomfort in the eyes
• Symptoms that interfere with your daily activities or quality of life
• Sudden or unexplained changes in your eye health or vision
• Failure to find relief from over-the-counter treatments or home remedies
• Underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your dry eye and redness

During your appointment, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose the underlying cause of your dry eye and assess the severity of the associated redness. This may include:

• Detailed eye examination
• Assessment of tear production and tear film quality
• Evaluation of the meibomian glands and tear duct function
• Discussion of your medical history and any contributing factors

By seeking professional help, you can ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment and management plan to address your dry eye and reduce the associated redness, ultimately improving your eye health and quality of life.
 

Schedule Your Dry Evaluation with InSight Eye Care Today

Dry eye and the associated redness in the eyes can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but it is important to remember that there are effective treatments and management strategies available. By understanding the underlying causes of your dry eye, seeking professional help, and implementing a comprehensive treatment plan, you can take control of your eye health and alleviate the discomfort and redness that often accompanies this condition.
 

If you are experiencing persistent or worsening dry eye and redness, schedule an appointment with InSight Eye Care. We can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to address the underlying causes of your condition and provide the relief you need. Visit our office in Oshkosh or Appleton, Wisconsin. Please call (920) 235-5530 or (920) 733-3629 to book an appointment today.