What causes dry, itchy eyes with red bloodshot streaks?
Feb 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Dryness, itchiness, and red blood vessels in the eyes may result from prolonged熬夜 (staying up late) or excessive use of electronic devices, which can cause eye fatigue, decreased tear production, and conjunctival congestion. They may also be caused by insufficient tear secretion or excessive tear evaporation, leading to reduced tear film stability and dry eye syndrome. In addition, when the eyes are invaded by pathogenic microorganisms, an inflammatory response may develop, and under inflammatory stimulation, the eyes may become dry, itchy, and show red blood vessels.
Dryness, itching, and red bloodshot eyes may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis.
I. Physiological Factors
Staying up late frequently or overusing electronic devices such as computers and smartphones can lead to eye fatigue, reduced tear production, and conjunctival congestion, resulting in dry, itchy eyes with redness.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Dry Eye Syndrome
Insufficient tear secretion or excessive evaporation of tears leads to decreased stability of the tear film, causing dryness, itching, and redness in the eyes.
2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
When the eyes are invaded by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, an inflammatory response develops, leading to symptoms under inflammatory stimulation.
In addition, conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis may also cause these symptoms. A proper diagnosis requires medical evaluation at a hospital, followed by appropriate treatment measures.
