Dry and red eyes: what to know

Dry and red eyes often result from surface irritation, reduced tear moisture, allergy or infection, so the accompanying symptoms matter. Burning, grittiness and fluctuating comfort can follow screens, air conditioning, wind or contact lenses. Itching points more towards allergy, while sticky discharge can occur with conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis commonly causes itching, watering and redness in both eyes, sometimes with nasal allergy symptoms. Conjunctivitis may cause redness, discomfort and discharge and can spread between people depending on its cause. A small surface blood vessel can also make part of the white of the eye look sharply red without causing pain. These patterns are clues, not a diagnosis.

Take regular breaks from close screen work, blink fully and avoid smoke, dust and direct air from fans or vents. Use a cool compress for itch or a warm compress for eyelid crusting. Wash hands before touching the face, do not share towels, and stop contact lenses until symptoms settle or an eye professional advises otherwise. Lubricating drops may help some people; ask a pharmacist which type suits you.

Get urgent eye assessment for pain, light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision, a foreign body or chemical exposure, marked swelling, or redness in a contact-lens wearer. Seek advice if discharge is heavy, symptoms are worsening, one eye is persistently affected, or redness does not settle. Rinse chemical exposure with clean running water while arranging urgent help.

Do the symptoms fit allergy, conjunctivitis or dry-eye irritation? Should I use lubricating drops? When can I safely restart contact lenses, and do I need an eye examination?