For example, red eyes can indicate minor irritation or a more serious condition, such as an infection. Red or bloodshot eyes occur when small blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged and congested with blood.
Red eyes alone are not usually a reason for concern. However, if there is also eye pain, watering, dryness, or impaired vision, this can indicate a serious medical problem. This article looks at some possible causes of red eyes in more detail. It also covers some treatment options.
Conjunctivitis , or pink eye, is an infection that includes swelling and irritation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and loops back to cover the white part of the eye. An infection of the conjunctiva irritates the blood vessels, causing them to swell.
This inflammation makes the whites of the eyes appear reddish or pink. Other causes include bacteria, fungi, exposure to chemicals or allergens, a foreign body in the eye, and the use of contact lenses.
The infection commonly spreads through direct contact with contaminated fingers or personal items. It can be associated with an upper respiratory infection, and people can pass it on through coughing. Pink eye often affects both eyes because the infection typically spreads from one eye to the other.
A doctor will usually diagnose pink eye by looking at the symptoms and assessing the type of discharge present. With bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge is often white, green, or yellow, and it can seem like pus. The doctor may also take a sample of the discharge for laboratory analysis. Treatment options depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis. The doctor will recommend a suitable option. Viral conjunctivitis can go away without treatment and does not typically cause any long-term problems.
To avoid spreading conjunctivitis, people should:. After conjunctivitis clears up, a person should dispose of any contact lenses, solutions, or eye makeup they used during the infection to help prevent reinfection.
Get some tips on treating pink eye at home here. Allergic conjunctivitis can develop due to an allergy or an irritant, such as dust, pollen, or animal dander. Contact lenses and lens solution may also trigger a reaction. In addition, if a person wears contact lenses for too long, conjunctivitis can arise due to irritation.
If a doctor suspects an allergy, they may carry out an allergy test to determine the trigger. However, the most common cause is a seasonal allergen, such as pollen. A person who knows that they have an allergy or sensitivity reaction to pollen or other allergens should take care to avoid exposure, where possible. A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea that can result from a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection.
Scratches, burns, dry eye syndrome, and conditions that affect eyelid function can also increase the risk. This damage may allow pathogens to penetrate the eye. Some people react strongly to even small amounts of alcohol. To avoid red eye caused by alcohol, drink in moderation. Also, be sure to hydrate well. Stay hydrated all day, and try drinking a glass of water between alcoholic beverages.
Red eyes can result from causes other than those listed above, including infection, eye injury, smoking or exposure to smoke, having a cold or the flu, contacts lenses, and more.
Seek professional help if you experience any of the following symptoms:. Red or bloodshot eyes can be a symptom of more complicated health issues. Learn what causes this condition here.
Whether you got something in your eye or it got hit, acting fast can make all the difference. Seeing clearly helps your child do their best in school, sports, and other areas of their lives. Here are some warning signs that your child might need glasses. Infections can occur in different structures of the eye and typically produce additional symptoms such as pain, discharge, or changes in your vision.
If your eye redness is caused by a medical condition such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis, you may be able to treat your symptoms at home. Warm compresses on the eye can help reduce the symptoms of these conditions. You should also make sure that you wash your hands frequently, avoid wearing makeup or contacts, and avoid touching the eye. If your eye redness is accompanied by pain or changes in vision, you need to see your doctor for treatment. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, your current health conditions, and problems that may have caused irritation to your eye.
Your doctor may also examine your eye and use a saline solution to wash out any irritants in your eye. Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe treatment that helps to alleviate your symptoms. This would likely include antibiotics, eye drops, and home care as described above. In some cases, where the eye is very irritated, your doctor may suggest wearing a patch to limit light exposure and help your eye heal.
If you have an infection that causes vision changes, this may affect your ability to perform basic tasks such as cooking or driving. Vision impairments in these areas can result in accidental injury. Most cases of eye redness can be prevented by using proper hygiene and avoiding irritants that can cause redness. Your eye may hurt when you blink for a variety of causes, but eye pain treatments can help. Here's what you need to know. Eye allergies are often triggered by substances in the air, such as pollen or dust.
Learn about causes, diagnosis, treatments such as eye drops, and….
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