People often experience dry eyes after prolonged contact lens use or extended screen time. Typically, dry eyes affect both eyes, but it is possible for this condition to develop in just one eye. What leads to dryness in only one eye? Let’s explore the details below.
Symptoms of Dryness in One Eye
Although uncommon, dry eye symptoms can develop in a single eye. These symptoms share similarities with those of dry eyes affecting both eyes, though they may vary based on the specific cause.
Possible symptoms include:
- Itchiness
- Gritty sensation in the eye
- Pain, burning, or redness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Eye fatigue
- Stinging sensation
Causes of Dryness in One Eye
There are generally two main types of dry eye conditions:
Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE)
Evaporative dry eye, the most prevalent type, occurs when the eyes generate enough tears, but these tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness.
A common cause of this is an issue with the meibomian glands, which may become blocked, reducing the oil layer in the tear film that helps retain moisture.
Symptoms of evaporative dry eye may include:
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Redness
- Burning sensation
- Eye fatigue
- Puffy eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
- Crust formation around the eyes
- Excessive tearing
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye
Another form of dry eye results from a deficiency in tear production. This happens when the lacrimal glands cannot produce sufficient tears to maintain eye moisture.
Potential causes of reduced tear production include:
- Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition affecting the eyes and salivary glands
- Inflammation or malfunction of the lacrimal glands
- Blockages in the lacrimal ducts
- Use of medications like decongestants or antihistamines
Symptoms associated with ADDE include:
- Persistent dry eye
- Eye redness
- Irritation or gritty feeling
- Eye fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
In some cases, unilateral dry eye arises from physical blockages of the lacrimal glands unrelated to Sjögren’s syndrome.
Occasionally, symptoms appear in only one eye even when both are affected. Additionally, certain surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract procedures, may contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Treatment for Dry Eyes
The appropriate treatment for dry eyes depends on the underlying cause. When dry eyes are linked to lacrimal gland issues, a doctor can recommend suitable therapies based on your eye condition.
For dry eyes related to lifestyle or environmental factors, home care can help manage the condition. Treatment options include:
- Using eye drops
- Applying pressure on the meibomian glands
- Warm compresses and eyelid massage
- Avoiding dry or windy environments
- Utilizing a humidifier to reduce air dryness
- Minimizing screen time
- Cleaning eyelids with gentle soap or eye-specific products
- Using specialty contact lenses
- Doctor-recommended procedures like irradiation or surgery
Dry eye can affect one or both eyes. Single-eye dryness is rare and often due to a tear gland disorder.
If dry eye symptoms persist, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. You can also seek medical advice through the Ai Care app, available on the App Store and Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
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Sissons, B. (2024). What causes dry eye symptoms in one eye?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-eye-in-one-eye
Mayo Clinic. Dry Eyes. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863
Cleveland Cliniic. Dry Eye. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24479-dry-eye
NHS. Dry Eyes. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dry-eyes/
Ames, H. (2024). What are the different types of dry eyes?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-dry-eye
