Red Eye Treatment in Cumberland RI | Cumberland Hill Eye Care

What Are Red Eyes

Red eyes (or red eye) is a condition where the white of the eye (the sclera) has become reddened or "bloodshot."

The appearance of red eye can vary widely. It can look like there are several squiggly pink or red lines on the sclera or the entire sclera may appear diffusely pink or red.

Red eye can occur in one or both eyes, and it can be associated with several symptoms, including:

· Irritation

· Burning

· Itchy eyes

· Dryness

· Pain

· Discharge

· Watery eyes

· Sensitivity to light

· Blurry vision

In some cases, bloodshot eyes may have no symptoms other than redness.

Red or bloodshot eyes are very common and have many causes. Red eye usually is a symptom of other eye conditions that can range from benign to serious.

If you suddenly develop red eye, visit a doctor to determine cause and best way to get rid of red eyes.

What Causes Red eyes?

The appearance of red eyes is caused by dilation of tiny blood vessels that are located between the sclera and the overlying clear conjunctiva of the eye. These tiny blood vessels (many of which normally are invisible) can become swollen because of environmental or lifestyle-related reasons or because of specific eye problems.

Red eyes usually are caused by allergy, eye fatigue, over-wearing contact lenses or common eye infections such as conjunctivitis. However, redness of the eye sometimes can signal a more serious eye condition or disease, such as uveitis or glaucoma.

Red eyes occur when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye expand.

Environmental causes of red, bloodshot eyes include:

· Airborne allergens (causing eye allergies)

· Air pollution

· Smoke (fire-related, second-hand cigarette smoke, etc.)

· Dry air (arid climates, aeroplane cabins, office buildings, etc.)

· Dust

· Airborne fumes (petrol, solvents, etc.)

· Chemical exposure (chlorine in swimming pools, etc.)

· Overexposure to sunlight (without UV-blocking sunglasses)

Common eye conditions that cause red eyes include:

· Dry eyes

· Eye allergies

· Conjunctivitis

· Contact lens wear

· Digital eye strain

Serious eye conditions that can cause red eyes include:

· Eye infections

· Eye trauma or injury

· Recent eye surgery (LASIK, cosmetic eye surgery, etc.)

· Uveitis

· Acute

· Corneal ulcer

Lifestyle factors also can contribute to your red eye risk. For example, smoking (tobacco or marijuana) definitely can cause red eyes, as can significant alcohol consumption. Sustained use of digital devices and insufficient sleep are other lifestyle-related causes of red eyes.

Eye Infection Symptoms

Common symptoms of eye infections include:

· Red eyes

· Pain

· Eye discharge

· Watery eyes

· Dry eyes

· Light Sensitivity

· Swollen eyes

· Swelling around the eyes

· Itching

· Blurry vision

Anytime you suspect an eye infection, you should always visit your eye doctor for an eye exam. Trying to self-diagnose your condition can delay effective treatment and potentially cause permanent vision loss.

If you wear contact lenses, you should wear only your eye glasses you have visited your eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

There are many different types of eye infections, and your eye doctor needs to determine the particular type of eye infection you have in order to prescribe the proper treatment.

This information is provided by allaboutvision.com.