Allergens or Other Irritants
Allergens and other irritants such as dirt, debris, and fumes from chemical products can cause eye redness and irritation. Allergies can cause swelling, puffiness and haziness as well. Be sure to contact your eye doctor if you are experiencing chronic or frequent allergic eye reactions.
Bloodshot Eye
Bloodshot eyes can be caused by dry eye, allergies, fatigue, contact lens use and dryness, injury and exposure to irritants. Conditions that cause bloodshot eyes include dry eye, conjunctivitis, uveitis and glaucoma. Uveitis and glaucoma are both serious conditions that need immediate medical attention. Be sure to inform your doctor of any chronic redness.
Burning Eyes
A burning feeling in the eyes is generally a symptom of another condition. The cause could be dry eye syndrome, incorrect use of contact lenses, environmental irritants, blepharitis, or ocular rosacea. Treatment of this problem depends on the cause, but lubricating eye drops may offer temporary relief.
Dry or Itchy Eye
Typically, dry eye syndrome is the cause of dryness, visual fluctuation, blurry, irritation, scratchy eyes, foreign body sensation and red eyes.. Chronic dry eye syndrome may be to blame for persistent dry, irritated eyes. Other causes of these symptoms are most likely due to allergies or environmental irritants.
Excessive Tearing
Excessive tearing can be due to dry eye syndrome (your eyes will tear up, in vain, to compensate for dryness), debris in the eye or infection. Tear duct dysfunction can also cause excessive tearing, such as when the tear ducts do not drain fast enough. Be sure to inform your ophthalmologist of any excessive tearing that lasts more than a few moments.
Eye Discomfort and Redness
Eye redness and discomfort can occur as a result of many different conditions. Infection and injury can both cause eye redness. Conditions like dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, conjunctivitis and ocular rosacea can all cause eye redness and discomfort. Visit your eye doctor to determine the exact cause of your redness and discomfort.
Feeling of Something in the Eye
This is referred to as “foreign body sensation”. The feeling of something being in your eye, namely when there is nothing there, can be caused by dry eye syndrome, corneal abrasion, allergic conjunctivitis, styes, and other types of eye injury. You should always visit your eye doctor if this problem persists after the use of eye drops.
Gritty Sensations
A gritty sensation in your eye can feel like there is a piece of sand in your eye. This can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome, blepharitis and other eye conditions and infections. If you feel a gritty sensation in your eyes that is not relieved using lubricating eye drops, be sure to contact your eye doctor.
Headaches
Headaches are often caused by eyestrain. People with refractive errors often encounter this issue as their eyes repeatedly try to focus on a blurry object. This can also be a symptom of light sensitivity, or photophobia. Be sure to inform your doctor of this issue at your routine eye examinations.
Irritations
Eyes are sensitive and can be irritated by a number of things. This includes household chemical fumes, allergens like ragweed and dander, dry air, debris such as dirt entering the eye, windy conditions, and much more. Chronic irritation can be a sign of a more serious problem, however. If your eyes are irritated frequently or persistently, it may be a sign of dry eye, inflammation or infection. Contact your eye doctor if lubricating eye drops do not help.
Itchiness
Itchiness is a common symptom of many different types of eye problems. Itchiness can occur frequently in people who wear eye makeup or contact lenses. Chronic itchiness can be a sign of infection or conditions like dry eye syndrome, blepharitis and conjunctivitis. Contact your eye doctor if your experience itchiness beyond what is deemed normal.
Redness Without Actual Discomfort
Redness without discomfort can be caused by allergies, dry eye, pink eye (conjunctivitis), and subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in the eye). Redness without discomfort can still be a sign of infection, so it is always important to seek medical care.
Stinging or Burning Sensation
Stinging or burning feelings in the eye can be caused by dry eye syndrome. Chemical injury can also result in a burning or stinging sensation. If you have gotten harmful chemicals into your eye, the first thing you should do if irrigate the eye with room temperature water (even before calling emergency services.) Conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis can also cause burning and stinging sensations.