Constant redness and watering are common symptoms often caused by dry eyes, allergies, or a mild infection. To safely soothe your eye, you can start by using generic, preservative-free artificial tears. If allergies are the cause, over-the-counter generic antihistamine drops (such as ketotifen) may help. Please avoid 'redness-relief' drops, as they can worsen symptoms over time. Because your eye is persistently dark red, it is best to avoid self-medicating with stronger drops. I highly recommend having an eye doctor examine your eye to provide an accurate diagnosis and prescribe targeted treatment, like antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops, if necessary.

Since you are experiencing pain along with redness and watering in only one eye, it is critical not to self-medicate with over-the-counter medicated drops. Pain can indicate a serious condition like a corneal scratch, foreign body, or infection, which can be worsened by the wrong medication. You may safely use preservative-free lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to soothe the eye, and please avoid wearing contact lenses. Because a physical exam is necessary to diagnose the cause, you must see an optometrist or ophthalmologist promptly. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience vision changes, severe headache, or extreme light sensitivity.

For red and dry eyes, the best first step is using preservative-free lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to soothe irritation. You can use these 4 to 6 times a day. Try to avoid redness-relief drops containing tetrahydrozoline or naphazoline, as they can worsen dryness and cause rebound redness over time. Additionally, applying a warm compress to your closed eyelids for 5 minutes can help. This is a very common, highly manageable issue. However, if you experience eye pain, vision changes, or if the symptoms do not improve, please consult an eye specialist for a proper evaluation.

These headaches are likely due to digital eye strain. For relief from eye dryness and fatigue, you can use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) 4 to 6 times a day. For the headache itself, an occasional mild pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, but avoid daily use. More importantly, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, reduce screen glare, blink consciously, and ensure proper lighting. If headaches persist, please consult an optometrist to check if you need prescription glasses.