Why A Red Eye

So, your eyes are bloodshot or red – what should you do? What can you do at home and when should you see a doctor?

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 greatly ranging from just a few minor red or pink wavy lines, to the entire sclera appearing completely pink or red.

Red eyes can look really sore and feel itchy, watery or generally very uncomfortable. The red or pink appearance is from the tiny blood vessels in the eye which become inflamed as a result of an external irritation.
But good news, in a good number of cases bloodshot eyes may have no symptoms other than redness, most are minor and can be treated with home remedies or over the counter treatments.

Red eye can occur in one or both eyes, and presents many symptoms, including:

• Irritation
• Burning
• Itching
• Dryness
• Pain
• Discharge
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision

There are some causes of red eye which may require medical diagnosis and prescription medication. If home remedies don’t help after about a week, you could have an eye infection. Two main kinds of infection cause red eyes — viral and bacterial. Fungal eye infections are less common, but possible.

Family GP’s can diagnosis most eye infection, where Ophthalmologists have the tools and expertise for a more-detailed evaluation.

There are some causes of red eye which may require medical diagnosis and prescription medication. If home remedies don’t help after about a week, you could have an eye infection. Two main kinds of infection cause red eyes — viral and bacterial. Fungal eye infections are less common, but possible.

Family GP’s can diagnosis most eye infection, where Ophthalmologists have the tools and expertise for a more-detailed evaluation.

What’s the Cause?

A Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea that is typically caused by bacterial infections. They often appear following an eye injury, trauma, or some other type of damage.

People who wear contact lenses are at risk of developing corneal ulcers. Eyes are very susceptible to irritation from contact lenses, especially if the lenses are not handled safely, stored correctly, or cleaned properly.  Contact lenses can rub against the eye’s surface and slightly damage the outer cells. This damage may allow bacteria to penetrate the eye.

If not treated properly, corneal ulcers can lead to severe vision loss or even loss of an eye. Treatment options include antibiotics or antifungal agents. Special eye drops may be prescribed to help ease pain and reduce the chance of complications.

Dry Eye Syndrome

A medical condition, hormonal changes, and even some medicines can cause dry eye syndrome. Chronic dry eye can cause the surface of the eye to become inflamed and irritated, giving the eyes red in appearance. Only a doctor can determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing the dry eye or an ophthalmologist can perform tests to measure tear production if necessary.

There is no cure for dry eye but it can be treated. For mild cases, there are over-the-counter medications that may be helpful, such as artificial tears, gels, and ointments. Treatment options include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or surgery depending on the severity of the condition.

The anti-inflammatory medication cyclosporine is the main prescription currently available to treat dry eye. It helps to decrease corneal damage, increase tear production, and reduce overall symptoms.

Subconjunctival Haemorrhage

A subconjunctival haemorrhage is when blood builds up under the conjunctiva. They occur on the surface of the eye so do not affect the cornea or the interior of the eye. Though red or blood in the eye can look serious, vision is not affected.  Most subconjunctival haemorrhages are generally harmless and clear up on their own within a few days.

The most common causes of subconjunctival haemorrhages are coughing, sneezing, and straining. Even rubbing the eye too hard can be a cause.  People who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or who are taking certain medications can also develop them. They can also occur due to a minor injury or trauma to the eye.

Conjunctivitis

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be viral or bacterial. It’s important to get a diagnosis from a doctor, because treatments differ based on the kind of infection.

How to get rid of red eyes

 For the best and safest way to get rid of red eyes, see your eye doctor to determine the cause of your bloodshot eyes and receive the most effective treatment options.

Remove your contact lenses (if you wear them) and wear glasses instead. If they may be the cause, take the lenses to any appointment to allow the doctor can evaluate whether your contact lenses are causing your red eyes.

When to see a doctor or ophthalmologist

If eyes are seeping or encrusted with yellow, brown or green mucous, see a doctor as soon as you can. This can be a sign of infection that needs medical treatment.

• Pain in or around your eyes or unusual tenderness
• Unusual sensitivity to light
• A fever or overall sickness
• Redness or discomfort lasts more than a week, after trying home remedies
• A child has been exposed to conjunctivitis at school or childcare setting

Home Treatments for Red Eyes

• over-the-counter artificial tears
• over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops, especially if prone to seasonal allergies
• over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops with a steroid—if been previously diagnosed with red eyes due to allergies
• Placing cool compresses or washcloths on closed eyes a couple of times a day
• Avoiding triggers or irritants such as smoke, fumes, pollen, dust, chlorine or pet hair
• Washing hands often, not touching eyes unless hands are clean and use clean bedding and towels daily

Check Before Using Whitening Drops

Also see your eyecare specialist before using “red eye remover” eye drops. These drops may contain drugs called vasoconstrictors that shrink blood vessels. Making blood vessels on the sclera smaller will whiten your eyes, but if you use red eye remover drops frequently over a period of time, you may start needing to use them more often to keep red eye from coming back. And you might experience more severe red eye if you stop using the drops.