Can dry eye syndrome cause redness or bloodshot eyes?

Whether dry eye syndrome causes red bloodshot eyes depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, redness typically does not occur; however, when symptoms become noticeable or progress to a severe stage, red bloodshot eyes may appear. The detailed analysis is as follows:

During the early, mild stages of dry eye syndrome, reduced or poor-quality tear production is slight and only leads to minor dryness and a foreign body sensation in the eyes. Since the ocular surface has not been severely irritated, there is no significant dilation of blood vessels, and thus no visible red bloodshot appearance. At this stage, symptoms can be relieved by reducing screen time and applying warm compresses to the eyes, which helps alleviate dryness and discomfort.

If dry eye syndrome is left untreated, insufficient tear production worsens, causing the ocular mucosa to remain chronically dry. This triggers inflammatory responses on the ocular surface, leading to dilation and congestion of blood vessels, resulting in red bloodshot eyes. At this point, additional symptoms such as burning sensation, light sensitivity (photophobia), and blurred vision may also occur. Treatment under medical supervision—such as using artificial tears—is necessary to reduce inflammation and relieve dryness.

To prevent worsening of dry eye syndrome and the appearance of red bloodshot eyes, it's important to develop healthy eye-use habits, avoid prolonged continuous screen use, and take breaks during work or study by looking into the distance to relax the eyes.