Red eyes: causes, symptoms and treatments

Red Eyes - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | Recetas Medicas

Having red eyes from time to time is very common at all ages. The condition can affect one or both eyes, and occurs when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye dilate or rupture. Although it is often harmless and goes away on its own, red eyes can rarely be a sign of more serious health problems. Here we go through why you get red eyes, what other symptoms are common in connection with red eyes and what you can do to treat and prevent the condition.

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Causes of red eyes

Red eyes are caused by small blood vessels in the white of the eye being enlarged or ruptured. Then the eye may become red and look irritated. You may also get a blood-red spot that covers parts of the white of the eye. Although it may look unpleasant, it is mostly a harmless condition that resolves on its own within a few days.

That blood vessels rupture or enlarge and cause red eyes can in turn be due to many different things, ranging from debris that irritates the eye to various types of eye diseases. Here are some of the most common:

• Allergies: Pollen, dust and animal fur can cause allergic reactions that make the eyes red and irritated.
• Bleeding in the eye: A burst blood vessel can lead to a blood-red spot on the white of the eye.
• Infections: Eye inflammations, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, are often caused by viruses or bacteria and can cause red eyes.
• Dry eyes: Insufficient tear production can make the eyes red and irritated.
• Vagle: A waggle can occur when a sebaceous gland in the eyelid becomes inflamed. The irritation can cause the eye to turn red.
• Contact lenses: Improper or prolonged use of contact lenses can irritate the eyes.
• Minor eye injuries: Debris entering the eye can cause red eyes.
• Eyelid inflammation (Blepharitis): Inflammation of the edges of the eyelids can cause the eye to become red.
• Glaucoma: Acute glaucoma is a serious condition where increased pressure in the eye can lead to severe red eyes, pain and vision loss.

Symptoms associated with red eyes

Red eyes can be accompanied by several other symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms you may have at the same time as red eyes are:

• Pain in the eye
• Chafing or irritation in the eye
• Itching
• Swelling
• Increased tear flow
• Sticky was from the eye
• Impaired vision

Treatment and preventive measures

Most people who get red eyes do not need to seek medical attention. The problems usually go away on their own within a few days. You can alleviate the discomfort yourself with simple measures:

• Wash the eye with lukewarm water if it is red and irritated.
• If the eye is sticky, you can wash it with a cotton pad dipped in lukewarm water.
• Use eye drops that are available without a prescription from pharmacies and opticians if you have dry eyes.
• If your problems are caused by allergies, you can take allergy tablets or use allergy eye drops.

You can receive treatment if your problems are caused by an underlying disease or cause. For example, you can get eye drops with cortisone or antibiotics if your doctor determines that it is a bacterial infection. If something is stuck in your eye, you can get help to remove it.

When should I seek care?

Although most cases of red eye can be managed at home and go away on their own, there are some situations when it is important to seek care:

• If you experience severe pain, vision loss or sensitivity to light.
• If only one eye turns red and you get blisters on your face at the same time.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a week despite self-care.
• If you suspect you have had a serious eye injury or infection.
• If you have gotten debris in your eye that you cannot wash out yourself.
• If the eyes become red and you experience impaired vision at the same time.
• If you have a broken blood vessel in your eye and the red area has not gone away after two to three weeks.

Take care of your eyes

Red eye is a common problem that can be caused by a number of different factors. Although the condition is often harmless and goes away on its own, it is important to pay attention to symptoms and seek medical care if you suspect more serious underlying causes. By taking appropriate preventive measures, you can keep your eyes healthy and avoid long-term problems.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get red eyes from stress?

Yes, stress can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, which can cause red eyes.

Can you get red eyes with a cold?

Yes, a cold can cause the blood vessels in the conjunctiva of the eyes to swell, causing red eyes.

Why do I have red eyes in the morning?

Red eyes in the morning can be due to dry eyes from reduced tear production during the night or irritation from the eyelids not being fully closed.

What causes red eyes?

Red eyes can be caused by several factors, such as infections, allergies, minor injuries to the eye or exposure to irritants.

Can you get red eyes from lack of sleep?

Yes, lack of sleep can reduce tear production and lead to dry, irritated and thus red eyes.