Red eyes, their causes and treatment, Red eyes can occur due to dilated blood vessels in the eye. This is a common condition where the white of the eye becomes red or red veins become visible.
The redness is caused by the dilation of tiny blood vessels under the eye, inflammation, or irritation. The causes vary from case to case.
Symptoms of red eyes
Redness may affect one or both eyes. It may appear as a complete redness in the white of the eye, a network of blood vessels, or red spots. Other symptoms may accompany red eyes, including:
- Burning sensation in the eye.
- Irritation in the eye.
- Itching and dryness.
- Pain or discharge.
- Tearing.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Blurred vision.
Causes of Red Eyes
The causes of red eyes vary. It can occur as a result of viral or bacterial infections transmitted from person to person, or by touching a contaminated object and then transferring it to the eye, such as by touching the eye after touching something contaminated. Redness can also result from wearing contact lenses.
Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, can also cause redness. This inflammation is caused by an infection that irritates the blood vessels, making the eye appear red or pink. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, can also cause redness due to infection and may be accompanied by an itchy crust. A stye, a bacterial infection of the oil gland in the eyelid, can also cause redness.
Dryness and insufficient tear production, which are essential for lubricating the eye, can also cause redness. Eye allergies, triggered by exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, animal dander, or contact lens solutions, can also lead to redness.
Treatment for Red Eyes
Treatment for red eyes depends on addressing the underlying cause. In some cases, the redness improves on its own or with home remedies. A doctor may prescribe eye drops to relieve redness caused by minor irritation. These drops work by constricting blood vessels, thus reducing congestion.
The doctor may also prescribe decongestant eye drops to treat redness resulting from irritation, fatigue, and allergies. Additionally, lubricating eye drops that mimic natural tears are often used for dry eyes.
If symptoms persist, the doctor may prescribe other eye drops to treat glaucoma, antibiotic ointments to treat bacterial or viral infections, or artificial tears to increase moisture and reduce irritation.
Herbal Remedies for Red Eyes
Red eyes can be treated with compresses of green or black tea, or herbal teas such as chamomile and sage. This is because tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with eye irritation.
Medications that treat red eyes
- Tetracongyra eye drops.
- Dexatrol eye drops.
- Prisoline eye drops.
- Efemo eye drops.
- Fortymox eye drops.
- Maxitroleum (Maxitrol) eye drops.
- Tobradex eye drops.
Does red eye indicate high blood pressure
Yes, there is a relationship between red eyes and blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause redness due to the rupture of small blood vessels under the conjunctiva, a condition called subconjunctival hemorrhage. Red spots appear in the eye as a result of the bleeding.
Methods for diagnosing red eyes
The doctor relies on the following to diagnose red eyes:
- Knowing the patient's symptoms and medications.
- Measuring eye pressure to rule out glaucoma.
- Examining the head and neck to look for signs of allergies or infection.
- Measuring visual acuity by reading letters on a visual acuity chart.
- Examination using a magnifying lamp to enlarge the eye and examine it closely.
- Using eye drops to detect specific problems such as dryness or infection.
How to prevent red eyes
Red eyes can be prevented by identifying and avoiding the cause Prevention methods include:
- Washing hands after contact with someone who has an eye infection.
- Removing eye makeup daily.
- Not wearing contact lenses for extended periods and cleaning them regularly.
- Avoiding activities that strain the eyes.
- Avoiding irritants.
Article Summary
Red eyes occur due to the dilation of blood vessels in the eye. This is a common condition where redness appears in the white of the eye or red veins become visible. It may affect one or both eyes.
The causes vary. It can result from exposure to viral or bacterial infections from person to person, or from touching a contaminated object and transferring it to the eye. It can also be caused by dryness and a lack of tear production, which is essential for lubricating the eyes.