Red Eyes is a very common condition, where the surface of the eye appears red. Red eyes can be like a symptom which indicates a more serious problem such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, scleritis, or acute glaucoma.
Red eye is a very common condition, where the surface of the eye appears red. There are several fine blood vessels on the surface of the eye, which become prominent and inflamed giving a reddish hue to the eye in conditions which include fatigue, illness, eye injury, allergies or eye infections. Red eye is frequently encountered in clinics in pediatric age group. The most common complaint being frequent redness, itching, discharge, discoloration of eyes.
Allergic eye disease is commonly seen cause of red eye in clinic. Patients present with frequent redness, itching and whitish discharge. This condition can be related to certain seasonal aggravation or present throughout the year. Symptoms or redness increases whenever the patient comes in contact of dust, pollens and even chalk powder in class. Allergic eye condition is sometimes found in association with asthma and skin allergies too. The treatment of eye allergy lies in medicines prevention more than the medicines. Avoiding dust, rubbing of eyes, frequent washing with cold water, wearing protective glasses while going out help in reducing the frequency. Allergic eye disease if severe and untreated can be vision threatening in some cases.
The other common condition presenting with fiery red eyes and discharge is infection in eyes which usually spread from one patient to another. Treatment involves eye drops and medication and takes around one to two week to completely heal. However sometimes it can take longer, involve cornea or the black part of eye which you see and threatens vision.
Causes of Red Eye
1. Environmental Pollution: One of the most common causes of red eyes is allergens and irritants present in the environment such as pollen, dust, wind, dry air etc.
2. Lack of Sleep: People who do not get enough sleep will also experience red eyes.
3. Eye infections: Eye infections and inflammations can cause red eyes, as well as other symptoms such as itching, discharge, pain, and blurred vision.
4. Lack of clean contact lens: Improper care or use of contact lenses can cause redness in eyes.
Symptom of some disease:
Red eyes can be like a symptom which indicates a more serious problem such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, scleritis, or acute glaucoma. If you are experiencing other symptoms, such as discharge or pain associated with the redness, you should schedule an appointment with your eye-care professional or primary care doctor right away to see if one of these conditions is present.
Treatment for Red eye
It is good to take some precautionary measures if you are experiencing red eyes and irritation, so that the condition doesn’t get worse.
1. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
2. If the environmental factors are bothering you, change your location or minimize your time there, if at all possible.
3. You could also try putting an ice pack on your eyes to relieve symptoms like swelling and pain, and may alleviate the redness.
4. You might also consider rinsing your eyes with cool water. This can work to irrigate and cleanse your eyes without harming them.
5. Getting plenty of sleep and eating a healthy diet keeps your eyes and other important organs healthy and resistant to infection.
If you suspect that your red eyes are caused by a more serious condition or if the red eyes are persistent, call your doctor and make an appointment. Your doctor will examine and prescribe medications as per the diagnosis and this can relieve your symptoms.
Dr. Bhujang Shetty – Chairman
Narayana Nethralaya
121/C , 1st ‘R’ Block, Chord Road
Rajaji Nagar
Bangalore – 560010
Ph: o8o-6612 1401-1402
