Dry, red eyes are characterized by sensation of stinging, burning or itching behind the eyelids or in the eyes. After watching TV or reading, the eyes may feel strained or tired, and become are red and dry. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, letting dry, red eyes go untreated for too long can lead to tiny abrasions on the surface of the eyes, which in turn can lead to infections and other eye problems.
Itching
When the eye is irritated by something lodged in the eye or under the eyelid, the eye can feel itchy. This is called foreign body sensation, or FBS, and makes eyes red and sometimes feel dry.
Stinging and Burning
Eyes have blood vessels, and when these vessels become dilated, they cause the eyes to appear red, with sensations of stinging and burning. Redness is associated with dryness from allergies, eye infections such as conjunctivitis, certain medications and too much alcohol consumption.
Red eyes are not always painful, but continued or chronic dryness causes the vessels to dilate and the eye surface to look red, with or without stinging or burning.
Watery Eyes
Excess eye dryness, also known as Dry Eye Syndrome, may cause watery eyes. The tear ducts become overstimulated and produce more tears. According to the National Eye Institute, Dry Eye Syndrome usually involves episodes of excessive tearing following very dry eye periods. Redness is also associated with tear duct blockage or tear production problems.
Light Sensitivity
In addition to pain, burning, stinging, itching and redness, dry eyes may cause a sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, according to Eyeweb.org. Light sensitivity associated with dry eyes usually occurs later in the day.
