Red flags & when to go in person for Dry Eye

Audience: adult

Dry eye is a common condition where your eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause discomfort, redness, and blurry vision. Many people manage dry eye with simple home care or telemedicine visits. However, some symptoms may signal a more serious problem that needs an in-person eye exam. This guide helps you understand when to seek urgent care and what signs to watch for. Telemedicine can assist with mild dry eye symptoms, advice, and follow-up, but cannot replace hands-on eye exams when needed. If you notice severe pain, sudden vision changes, or eye injury, you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. Early care can prevent complications and protect your vision.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort — go to emergency care immediately.
• Sudden vision changes such as blurriness or loss of vision — seek urgent in-person evaluation.
• Eye injury or trauma — get emergency medical attention without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild dry eye symptoms such as occasional dryness, mild irritation, and redness without pain.
• Advice on eye care and use of over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears.
• Follow-up consultations for known dry eye conditions.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe eye pain or discomfort.
• Sudden or significant changes in vision.
• Eye injuries or trauma requiring physical examination.
• Signs of eye infection needing laboratory tests or procedures.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don't stay wet enough. This may be because your eyes don't make enough tears or because tears dry up too fast. Symptoms include stinging, burning, feeling like something is in your eye, redness, and blurry vision. Dry eye can be caused by aging, screen use, certain medicines, or health conditions.

When to Use Telemedicine for Dry Eye

Telemedicine can help if you have mild symptoms like occasional dryness, mild irritation, or redness without pain. A healthcare provider can suggest treatments like artificial tears, lifestyle changes, or eye hygiene tips. Telemedicine is also good for follow-up if you are already diagnosed with dry eye.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Some symptoms need urgent in-person evaluation, including:

If you have any of these, seek care at an eye clinic or emergency room promptly.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to have:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include:

Always seek emergency care if red-flag symptoms develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they began.
• Gather information on any eye medications or drops you are using.
• Ensure you have a device with a camera and a stable internet connection.
• Find a well-lit room for the video consultation.
• Prepare a list of other health conditions and medications you take.

After your tele-visit

• Use any recommended eye drops or treatments as instructed.
• Avoid environmental factors that may worsen dry eye, like smoke or wind.
• Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.

FAQs

Can dry eye cause permanent vision loss?

Dry eye itself usually does not cause permanent vision loss. However, if left untreated or if severe symptoms develop, complications like infections can affect vision. It's important to follow care advice and seek in-person care if symptoms worsen.

Are there ways to prevent dry eye?

Yes. Taking breaks from screens, using humidifiers, wearing protective eyewear in windy conditions, and staying hydrated can help reduce dry eye symptoms. Avoiding smoke and managing underlying health conditions also helps.

When should I see an eye specialist?

See an eye specialist if your dry eye symptoms are severe, do not improve with treatment, or if you experience red-flag symptoms like pain, vision changes, or eye injury.

Can telemedicine replace all eye exams for dry eye?

Telemedicine can help with mild symptoms and follow-up but cannot replace hands-on eye exams when detailed evaluation or procedures are needed.

Sources

1. Dry Eye Syndrome — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Dry Eye Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.
3. Dry Eye: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Eye Health and Safety — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.