Dr. Gopal R. Damani
Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I wake up every day with very dry and irritated eyes. I also experience sensitivity to bright light, throughout the day. I usually wear sunglasses in bright conditions. My eyes often feel irritated, and sore. I have tried regular eye drops. I am attaching images and am wondering if you can see any obvious issues, like blepharitis, conjunctivitis, etc. The sclera appears red and bloodshot in places. I do not smoke or drink alcohol but do drink tea and coffee. I have had this problem for many years and it has worsened recently. I do not wear glasses or contact lenses. My eyesight is fine. Kindly suggest.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Do you use screens at your workplace like mobile, laptop, or monitor while working? Do you have any other systemic disease or any concurrent treatment? Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I use the screen on my phone for several hours a day, but at low brightness. There seems to be a bloodshot appearance in my eyes. I wake up with sore irritated burning eyes. I am wondering if it could be bacterial, viral, or anything. I do not have a systemic disease that I am aware of. I need to do blood tests though, to check.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Your excess screen time is the culprit for your dry, red, and irritated eyes. This disease is called computer vision syndrome. When we watch the screen continuously our blinking rate reduces and it triggers a vicious cycle. After your screen use, your eyes become dry and tired, you rub your eyes then it becomes red and starts tearing and becomes puffy and then the whole cycle repeats. You need to break this cycle by keeping your mobile screen four to six inches below your eyesight levels. Frequently blinking your eyes so that the ocular surface gets moist. Use the 20-20-20 rule, which states that after every 20 minutes of screen time, take a break of 20 seconds to look at an object 20 feet away. Use copious lubricating eye drops like Sodium hyaluronate for a soothing effect. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I will try implementing those ideas and reducing screen time, to see if it helps. Do you see any evidence of blepharitis or conjunctivitis or anything else? I have been very sensitive to bright light for years too. I also wake up every day with a very dry sticky mouth with an unpleasant acrid taste in the mouth. Not sure if it is related. The mouth issue has been so bad in the past four years, that I need to get up two to three times a night to brush my teeth in the middle of the night, even though I already brushed before going to bed. I thought there might be a possibility that I have Sjogren syndrome. I do have acid reflux, so I am trying Esomeprazole again. Maybe the reflux is also getting into the eyes. I think caffeine aggravates my eyes too. I am trying to quit coffee for a week or two, to see if it will help. Would it be worth trying an antibiotic eye drop for a week, a corticosteroid, or an antihistamine drop? I read about another drop called Restasis I think. I bought a drop called halo forte, with 2 % Sodium hyaluronate. I have not used them too much yet.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
No there is no blepharitis or conjunctivitis, just relax. Acid cannot regurgitate into your eyes, rest assured. Do not worry so much and overthink. Use the Hlyo forte drops (Sodium hyaluronate, Citric acid anhydrous, Sodium citrate, sorbitol, and water) for about a month four to six times a day and you will definitely feel better. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you Doctor for your advice.
I will follow your suggestion and try those drops for a month. thanks for the fast response.
Hi,It is all right. Get well soon
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor.
Sorry for the delayed response. I replied before, but the app did not work, and saved it as a draft. anyway, the message went through this time . thanks again for your help.
Hi, It is ok dear. just get well soon.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
Related Questions
What can be the reason for my photosensitivity and dry eyes?
Will dry eyes cause blurring of vision?
How can my blurred vision be treated?
I am having explosive diarrhea since three months. Please help.
I have dry eyes and feel heaviness and pain. What can be done?
Hot Fomentation vs Icing
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
