Help My Dry, Red, Watery Eyes
Do I have Dry Eyes? Common symptoms include:
Persistent dryness or a gritty feeling in the eyes
Redness or irritation, particularly around the eyes
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Watery eyes, often as a reflex to irritation
Blurry vision or difficulty focusing
A sensation of something in the eye, like sand or debris
Eye fatigue, especially after prolonged screen time or reading
Stinging or burning sensations in the eyes
Medical and Non-Medical Strategies to Help Dry Eye Symptoms:
Use of artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help keep the eyes moist and reduce discomfort.
Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the eyes can help stimulate oil glands in the eyelids and improve tear quality.
Increased humidity: Using a humidifier in dry environments can help prevent moisture loss from the eyes.
Proper eyelid hygiene: Gently cleaning the eyelids with a soft cloth or eyelid wipes can help remove debris or excess oils that may contribute to dryness.
Blinking exercises: Practicing deliberate blinking can help spread tears more evenly across the eye surface, especially during long periods of screen use.
Avoiding environmental irritants: Reducing exposure to smoke, wind, or dry air can prevent exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
Specialist ophthalmologist Referral:
Prescription medications: Doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory medications or other prescription eye drops like cyclosporine (Restasis) to help manage dry eyes.
Punctal plugs: These small devices inserted into tear ducts help retain moisture in the eyes by blocking drainage.