What does dry eye look like?

Do your eyes often feel dry, sore, or watery? Maybe they look red or tired after a long day? These could be signs of dry eye syndrome, a common condition that affects many people, especially those who spend a lot of time on screens or wear contact lenses.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we see people every day who are dealing with dry eyes but aren’t sure what’s really going on. They ask questions like:

• “What does dry eye look like?”
• “Can people tell I have dry eyes?”
• “Why do my eyes look watery if they’re dry?”

In this post, we’ll explain what dry eye looks like, what it feels like, and when to get help.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or when your tears dry up too fast.

Healthy eyes have a thin layer of tears that keep them moist, smooth, and protected. These tears have three parts:

1. Oil, helps stop your tears from drying out too quickly.
2. Water, keeps your eyes hydrated.
3. Mucus, spreads the tears evenly across your eyes.

If any of these parts are missing or unbalanced, your eyes can become dry and uncomfortable.

What does dry eye look like?

Dry eye doesn’t always look the same for everyone, but there are some common signs you can notice by looking in the mirror or asking a friend to take a closer look.

Here’s what dry eyes often look like:

1. Red or bloodshot eyes

When your eyes are dry, they can become irritated and inflamed. This makes them look red or bloodshot, especially around the whites of your eyes.

2. Watery eyes

It might sound strange, but watery eyes are actually a sign of dryness. When your eyes feel dry, they sometimes make extra tears to try to fix it, but these tears are often too watery and don’t stay on your eyes long enough to help.

3. Shiny or glassy eyes

Your eyes might look glossy or shiny, especially under bright light. This can happen when your tear film isn’t working properly, and your eyes are trying to stay moist.

4. Dull or tired-looking eyes

When your eyes are dry and irritated, they can look dull or tired. You might also notice dark circles or puffiness if your eyes are sore and you’re rubbing them a lot.

5. Sticky eyelids or stringy discharge

Sometimes, dry eyes can cause mucus to build up, especially in the corners of your eyes. This can make your eyes feel sticky or make it harder to open them in the morning.

What does dry eye feel like?

Even if your eyes don’t look very red or watery, they might still feel uncomfortable.

Dry eyes can make you feel:

• A burning or stinging sensation
• Like something is stuck in your eye (gritty feeling)
• Itchy or irritated
• Blurry vision that improves when you blink
• Tired or strained eyes after reading or using a computer

If these symptoms sound familiar, you might have dry eye syndrome.

What causes dry eyes to look this way?

There are a few main reasons your eyes can look red, watery, or irritated when they’re dry:

1. Not enough tears

Your tear glands may not make enough moisture to keep your eyes healthy.

2. Tears that dry too fast

Tiny oil glands along your eyelids, called meibomian glands, may be blocked or not working well. Without enough oil, your tears evaporate quickly.

3. Inflammation

Dryness can make your eyes inflamed, which causes redness and irritation.

4. Too much screen time

When we look at screens, we blink less. This means our eyes get dry faster and start to look red or tired.

5. Environmental factors

Wind, air conditioning, heating, and smoke can all dry out your eyes and make them look irritated.

Can other people tell you have dry eyes?

Sometimes, yes, especially if your eyes are red or watery. But other times, dry eye can be “invisible,” where your eyes feel uncomfortable even if they look fine on the outside.

That’s why it’s important not to ignore your symptoms, even if your eyes don’t look bad in the mirror.

What happens if dry eyes are not treated?

If you leave dry eyes untreated, the irritation can get worse over time. You might start to notice:

• More redness and soreness
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision that doesn’t go away

In serious cases, long-term dryness can even damage the surface of your eyes.

The good news? With the right treatment, your eyes can feel and look much better.

How can I make my eyes look and feel better?

Here are some easy ways to help relieve dry eyes and keep them looking healthy:

1. Use lubricating eye drops

Artificial tears can add moisture and reduce redness. Choose preservative-free drops if you use them often.

2. Take breaks from screens

Follow the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink a few times.

3. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water during the day. Dehydration can make your eyes drier and more irritated.

4. Use a warm compress

Place a warm, damp cloth over your eyes for a few minutes to help open your eyelid oil glands.

5. Protect your eyes from wind and heat

Wear sunglasses outdoors and avoid sitting directly under air vents or fans.

6. Eat a healthy diet

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, can help your eyes produce better-quality tears.

When to see an eye specialist

If your eyes look red, sore, or tired most of the time, even after using drops or resting, it’s time to see a specialist.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we can carry out a full Dry Eye Assessment to find out what’s causing your symptoms. We’ll check:

• How many tears your eyes produce
• The quality of your tears
• If your oil glands are blocked
• Whether inflammation is making your eyes red or sore

Once we know the cause, we’ll create a treatment plan just for you, so your eyes can look and feel their best again.

Final thoughts

Dry eyes can look red, watery, or tired, but they can also be tricky to spot. Even if your eyes look fine, they might still be dry on the inside.

If your eyes are uncomfortable, don’t ignore it. With the right help, you can restore comfort, protect your vision, and keep your eyes bright and healthy.

If you’re in the Gosforth or Newcastle area, our friendly team at My Eye Clinic is here to help.

Take our dry eye suitability self-test today and start your journey to comfortable, healthy eyes