(StatePoint) If you’ve ever turned to the internet with a question about your eyes – whether it’s dryness, blurry vision, or an unexpected eye twitch – you’re not alone. Eye doctors hear these same questions from patients every day.
To help separate fact from fiction during Healthy Vision Month, VSP network doctors Bradley Grant, O.D., of VisionPoint Eye Center in Illinois, and Sonia Chung, O.D., M.Ed, medical director of TSA at Visionworks in Arizona, answer the top questions being asked online and in the exam room.
Why are my eyes always dry?
Dr. Grant: Dry eye is one of the most common and chronic eye conditions we see in patients and occurs when your eyes don’t produce sufficient tears or there is a deficiency in the quality of your tears. The tears you produce when you blink are important because they help keep your eyes hydrated and clear of irritants and provide a clear optical surface for stable vision.
Since dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, such as excessive screen time, contact lens use, or exposure to smoke and allergens, it’s important to see your eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Why do my eyes look red and bloodshot?
Dr. Chung: Red or bloodshot eyes are often a symptom of an underlying cause, such as allergies, tiredness, dry eyes, contact lens irritation, exposure to smoke or other irritants, or infections, like conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Some of the simplest ways to get relief are trying preservative-free artificial tears you can purchase over the counter, applying a cold compress to your eyes, avoiding environmental irritants, and washing your hands before touching your eyes. Your local eye doctor is a great resource to recommend reputable eye drops and help determine what’s causing redness if it doesn’t improve or keeps coming back.
Why does my eye twitch randomly?
Dr. Grant: Eye twitching, clinically known as eyelid myokymia, happens when the lower eyelid begins to involuntarily spasm. Minor eye twitching often resolves as quickly as it starts. Fatigue, stress, eye strain, and caffeine or alcohol consumption are the most common causes.
Simple lifestyle changes often help stop twitching. I recommend getting at least eight hours of sleep, increasing hydration, while decreasing caffeine and alcohol intake, and minimizing stressors. If eye twitching is due to eye strain or vision-related stress, you may need corrective lenses or an updated prescription.
Why is my vision cloudy or blurry?
Dr. Chung: Cloudy or blurry vision can happen for a few common reasons, including dry eyes, eye strain, or prescription changes. It can also be related to conditions like cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens.
This is something patients ask about frequently, and at Visionworks, it’s often a reminder that eye changes shouldn’t be ignored — even when they seem minor. Sometimes, blurry vision can be a sign of broader health issues, like diabetes. That’s why it’s important to mention any changes in visual clarity during your exam. Your eye doctor can help uncover what’s behind it and guide you on next steps.
Do I really need to see my eye doctor if my vision is clear and I don’t wear glasses?
Dr. Grant: A comprehensive eye exam plays an important role in preventive care. During an eye exam, your optometrist can detect signs of more than 270 health conditions, many of which don’t show early warning signs and can impact overall wellness – not just vision. That’s why it’s truly nice to see you every year – an annual eye exam gives us the chance to answer your questions, catch subtle changes, and get a clearer picture of your overall well-being.
When it comes to your eyes, what you see isn’t always the whole story. Annual eye exams provide an opportunity to ask common eye health questions and get personalized answers from an optometrist you trust in the context of your overall health.
