If you've ever noticed your eyes turning red during a particularly stressful week, you're not alone. At Loman Eye Care, we often hear from patients in Carmel and surrounding communities who are puzzled by unexplained red or irritated eyes—especially when it doesn’t seem tied to allergies or an infection.

How Stress Affects Your Eyes

When your body is under stress, it can trigger a cascade of physical responses—raised cortisol levels, increased blood pressure, and even eye strain. This can affect the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, causing them to dilate and appear red. Stress also tends to disrupt sleep and increase screen time, both of which can leave your eyes dry, tired, and inflamed. Additionally, stress can exacerbate underlying eye conditions, like dry eye disease, which is a major culprit behind red, gritty-feeling eyes.

Other Possible Causes of Red Eyes

While stress might be a contributing factor, there are several other possible causes for red eyes, including:

• Dry Eye Disease

• Allergies

• Environmental irritants like smoke or wind

• Contact lens overuse

• Digital eye strain

• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)

We take the time to explore all possible root causes so we can provide a treatment plan that’s personalized to your lifestyle and needs.

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Red Eyes

In some cases, especially when inflammation is a major component of the redness, anti-inflammatory medications may be used. These can include steroid or non-steroidal eye drops that help calm irritation and reduce swelling in the eye tissues.

Advanced Treatment Options at Loman Eye Care

If dry eye disease or meibomian gland dysfunction is contributing to your symptoms, targeted therapies like OptiLight IPL or LipiFlow can provide more lasting relief.

OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a safe and gentle in-office treatment that targets inflammation around the eyes—particularly for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is often at the root of chronic dry eye and redness. It works by using light pulses to reduce inflammatory markers and improve oil gland function, leading to clearer, more comfortable eyes.

LipiFlow is another highly effective treatment for dry eyes caused by MGD. It combines gentle heat and pressure to unclog and express the oil glands in your eyelids, helping your eyes stay naturally moisturized. This treatment is fast, comfortable, and backed by clinical research.

Don’t Ignore Red or Irritated Eyes

While red eyes may seem like a minor inconvenience, they can be a sign that something deeper is at play. The good news is that there are solutions available, and you don’t have to live with chronic discomfort or irritation. Whether you're dealing with occasional irritation or persistent redness, we're here to help you get to the bottom of it.

If you’re noticing red, dry, or irritated eyes, schedule a consultation with Loman Eye Care to take the stress off your eyes. Visit our office in Carmel, Indiana, or call (317) 844-7474 to book an appointment today.