UNDERSTANDING EYE DISCOMFORT
Eye irritation: What do my symptoms mean?
DRY EYE VS. RED EYE (DUE TO ALLERGIES)
From the dry and scratchy feeling of dry eyes to the bloodshot and red eyes normally associated with allergies, eye irritation can come in many forms and be attributed to just as many causes. Being able to recognize the difference between common irritating conditions and their causes is the first step in understanding how to restore comfort to your eyes.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a medical condition that causes recurring eye discomfort often attributed to:
1) An insufficient amount of tears produced by the eye
2) Poor quality tears that don’t properly hydrate the eye
Common causes may include: aging, hormone changes and exposure to wind or sun.
What is Red Eye?
(allergy-related)
While red eye shares many of the same symptoms as dry eye, red eye irritation is most commonly a temporary discomfort caused by allergens, dust or other minor irritants.
Red eye will usually return to normal with proper hygiene and time.
To properly and best treat your symptoms, always consider symptoms and possible causes together. Visit your eye care professional if symptoms worsen or persist more than 72 hours.
Symptoms of Dry Eye vs. Red Eye (due to allergies)
| DRY EYE | RED EYE (allergy-related) |
|---|---|
| Dryness | Dryness |
| Scratchy | Scratchy |
| Burning / stinging | Burning / stinging |
| Gritty | Gritty |
| Blurry vision | Blurry vision |
| Watery / tearing | Watery / tearing |
| Redness | Redness |
| Itchy | Itchy |
| Swelling / inflammation | Swelling / inflammation |
| Sensitivity to light | Sensitivity to light |
Causes of Dry Eye vs. Red Eye
| DRY EYE | RED EYE |
|---|---|
|
Allergies related to:
|
RESTORE COMFORT
GENTEALⓇ Tears is an artificial tear product that can provide relief for dryness of the eyes. When you experience discomfort or irritation due to temporary circumstances such as computer vision syndrome, tired eyes or being outdoors in windy and sunny conditions, consider one of the following products.
Soothing Relief
Helps reduce eye discomfort and irritation quickly.
Gentle Protection
Ingredients work together to provide moisture and comfort.
Safe Ingredients
Safe, comfortable and gentle on eyes.
Lasting Protection
Helps shield eyes against further irritation due to dry eye.
DRY EYE PREVENTION TIPS
While GENTEAL® Tears can help provide relief from the temporary symptoms of dry eye, there are several things you can do to help prevent the causes of dry eye.
Blink Regularly
when reading or staring at a computer screen.
Increase Humidity
in the air, at work and at home.
Reduce Blowing Air
that blows into your eyes from hair dryers, car heaters, fans, etc.
Wear Sunglasses
to protect againts drying winds and the sun.
Wear Goggles
while swimming.
Stay Hydrated
by drinking plenty of water.
Nutritional Supplements
may help decrease dry eye symptoms in some people.
Quit Smoking
to promote better eye heath.
