Red Eye – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Red eye is a fairly common problem that many people encounter. It manifests as redness of the eyeball, which can result from various factors – from minor irritations to more serious conditions requiring medical intervention. Learn about the most common causes of red eye, accompanying symptoms, and treatment methods.
Most Common Causes of Red Eye
1. Irritation and Eye Fatigue
Prolonged use of electronic devices, lack of sleep, or dry air can lead to eye irritation and redness. Contact with smoke, dust, or bright light can also cause redness.
2. Conjunctivitis
This is one of the most common causes of red eye, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Symptoms include redness, tearing, burning, and sometimes discharge. Conjunctivitis can be contagious (in the case of bacterial or viral infection), so it's important to avoid eye contact with others.
3. Dry Eye Syndrome
Common among people who spend a lot of time in front of computer screens or in air-conditioned rooms. In dry eye syndrome, tear production is insufficient, causing discomfort, dryness, and redness.
4. Glaucoma
An acute attack of glaucoma can manifest as sudden eye redness, pain, vision deterioration, and even nausea. This is a condition requiring immediate medical intervention, as it can lead to permanent vision loss.
5. Foreign Body in the Eye
Dust particles, eyelashes, or other small objects entering the eye can cause irritation and redness. It's important not to rub the eye but to try removing the foreign body with rinsing or consult a specialist.
6. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Subconjunctival hemorrhage appears as a sudden blood-red spot, which may look alarming but is usually painless and does not affect vision. It occurs due to the rupture of small blood vessels under the conjunctiva – a thin layer covering the sclera. Causes include sudden pressure changes (e.g., during coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects) or eye trauma. Subconjunctival hemorrhage usually resolves on its own within 1–2 weeks and does not require treatment. However, if hemorrhages occur frequently, a consultation with a doctor is recommended as it may indicate blood clotting problems or hypertension.
Accompanying Symptoms
Red eye is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
• tearing,
• burning or itching,
• feeling of sand under the eyelids,
• discharge,
• pain and pressure,
• vision deterioration.
When to See a Doctor?
Most cases of red eye are mild and resolve on their own. However, consult an ophthalmologist if:
• redness persists for more than a few days,
• it is accompanied by pain, vision loss, excessive tearing, or swelling,
• signs of infection occur, such as purulent discharge,
• you suspect a foreign body in the eye that cannot be removed independently.
Treatment for Red Eye
Treatment depends on the cause of the red eye:
• Irritation and Fatigue: Take breaks from screens, humidify the air, and use moisturizing drops.
• Conjunctivitis: Depending on the cause, use antibacterial or antiallergic drops.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Moisturizing drops and proper eye hygiene can help.
• Glaucoma: An acute attack requires specialist drops to lower intraocular pressure or surgical intervention.
• Foreign Body: Consult an ophthalmologist for safe removal.
How to Prevent Red Eye?
To reduce the risk of red eye, consider:
• regularly moisturizing your eyes, especially when working in front of a screen,
• avoiding rubbing your eyes, especially with dirty hands,
• avoiding allergens, smoke, and dust,
• using appropriate moisturizing drops,
• maintaining proper hygiene for contact lenses.
Red eye is a common problem, but in most cases, it can be easily prevented or effectively treated. However, remember that if redness is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, a visit to an ophthalmologist is necessary.