Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms include dry, itchy, red, burning, or sore eyes. Dry eye irritation can also include excessive tearing, a gritty feeling under the eyelid, and temporary instances of blurred vision. Persistently dry eyes can potentially lead to rare but serious complications such as cornea inflammation or infection in the eye, so it is important to report dry eye symptoms to an ophthalmologist or physician.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Irritation

Over time, dry eye irritation can become a circular pattern in which dry, itchy eyes trigger reactions such as rubbing, excessive tearing, or use of poor-quality eye drops, all of which only intensify the symptoms of dry eye. It is important to recognize dry eye symptoms and get proper treatment to avoid making them worse.

Dry, Itchy Eyes

People with dry eye irritation often liken the sensation to having allergies without the runny nose. Dry, itchy eyes can be uncomfortable and distracting. It may feel as if there is something in the eye, when in fact there is not.

Dry, Red Eyes

Dry, red eyes can make a person look tired or ill. Eye drops designed to remove redness work by constricting blood vessels in the eyes, but over time become less and less effective. They also worsen the other dry eye symptoms, such as dry, itchy eyes and irritation, so dry, red eyes should be examined by an ophthalmologist.

Dry, Burning Eyes

As dry eye symptoms worsen, the surface of the eye can potentially become damaged. Dry, burning eyes may be a sign that the lack of moisture is taking its toll on the delicate tissues of the eye. This painful sensation can trigger heavy blinking, but without adequate tear production or retention, this will only cause further irritation.

Dry, Sore Eyes

People with dry eye irritation that rub their eyes, blink repetitively, or squint will often have dry, sore eyes. The muscles surrounding the eyes become tired and achy, or the eye itself hurts due to increased blood pressure or rubbing.

Excessive Tearing

It may seem odd that a condition caused by a lack of tears can often produce excessive tearing, but it is important to understand that there are different types of tears. The tears that normally keep the eyes comfortably moisturized are a mixture of water, oils, and mucus. These components are produced in different areas and mixed on the surface of the eye itself. The heavy, flowing tears that are triggered by emotion or dry eye irritation are mostly water. They lack lubricating properties provided by the oil and mucus, and can therefore make eyes feel even drier.

Gritty Sensation in the Eyes

In addition to dry, itchy, red, burning, or sore eyes, dry eye symptoms may include a gritty feeling in the eyes, as if very fine sand were under the eyelids.

Find an Eye Care Specialist in Your Region

If you have persistently dry, itchy, red, burning, or sore eyes, or are concerned about the damage your dry eye irritation might be causing to the structures of your eyes, it is important to speak with a qualified eye care specialist. Use DocShop to locate an ophthalmologist in your area. Discussing your dry eye symptoms with a specialist is the first step toward alleviating your eye discomfort.