Dry, Red Eyes? Why They Could be a WARNING Sign (Shocking)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 22, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Do you often suffer from red, dry eyes?
If so, you’re not alone.
Thanks to a combination of too much “screen time” on our phones and in front of the television (not to mention the cold and dry winter weather), scratchy, painful eyes have become a bigger problem.
But if you’ve always suffered from eye problems, it might be time to check in with your doctor.
Because researchers have discovered that red eyes could also be a warning sign of these diseases.
If you find yourself reaching for eye drops daily, there’s something you should know…
Red, dry eyes could be a sign of many diseases and illness… including COVID-19.
One study found that conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) occurs in about one-third of COVID patients in the early stages of infection. In some cases, it can be the first symptom to show up.
This infection is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva, usually due to a bacterium or virus. It happens a lot to kids because they’re GREAT at spreading germs… whether it’s by coughing on each other or touching things with unwashed hands.
But COVID-19 and pink eye aren’t the only diseases your eye issues could be signaling.
Red, dry eyes can also be a result of an autoimmune disorder. If the infection goes deeper than just the conjunctiva, and spreads to the iris or sclera, it could be the sign of spondyloarthropathy or ankylosing spondylitis.
And further research found that red, dry eyes can also preclude eye disease like glaucoma or corneal inflammation.
Another study found that red eyes could even be a sign of cerebral venous thrombosis, a blood clot in the sinuses that could move to the brain.
In other words, if you’re suffering from red eyes, now may be the time to get to the doctor.
A visit to your ophthalmologist can rule out several of these diseases right away. It’s also a good idea to speak with your doctor about running a blood panel if you’re concerned about other disease.
We should all be aware that red eye can be an early sign of COVID-19 and other diseases, but there are many more reasons why you might have it. Work with your primary doctor and your ophthalmologist to help uncover the cause.
SIGNOFF
P.S. The key to healthy, happy eyes isn’t just a regular eye exam. This cozy winter treat can also help you protect your vision!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...