Red Eye: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of red eye?

Red eye, characterized by redness in the sclera (the white part of the eye), can be caused by various conditions. The symptoms associated with red eye can include:

• Redness: A prominent, noticeable redness in the white part of the eye or around the eye area.
• Itching: The eye may feel itchy or irritated.
• Burning Sensation: A burning or stinging feeling in the eye.
• Tearing: Increased tear production or watery eyes.
• Discharge: The presence of discharge, which can be clear, watery, or thick and colored, depending on the underlying cause. Discharge can also cause crusting around the eyes, especially in the morning.
• Swelling: Swelling of the eyelids or surrounding tissues.
• Pain: Mild to severe eye pain, which may be constant or occur intermittently.
• Sensitivity to Light: Sensitivity to bright lights or glare (photophobia).
• Blurred Vision: Vision may be blurry or affected if the redness is associated with more serious conditions.
• Foreign Body Sensation: A feeling that something is in the eye, even when nothing is present.
• Eye Fatigue: Feeling of tiredness or strain in the eyes.
• Headache: Sometimes, red eye can be accompanied by a headache, especially if it’s related to sinus issues.

The specific symptoms and their severity can vary based on the underlying cause of the red eye, which can include conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye syndrome, allergic reactions, blepharitis, or more serious issues like uveitis or glaucoma. If symptoms persist or are severe, it’s important to consult with a ophthalmologist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of red eye?

Red eye can result from various conditions affecting the eye or its surrounding structures. The common causes include:

Infections

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Inflammation of the conjunctiva, often caused by viral or bacterial infections. It can also be allergic.
• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid margins, often due to bacterial infection or seborrheic dermatitis.
• Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, which can be due to infections (bacterial, viral, fungal) or other factors like contact lens use.

Allergies

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Caused by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust, leading to redness, itching, and tearing.

Irritants

• Dry Eye Syndrome: Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can lead to irritation and redness.
• Chemical Exposure: Exposure to chemicals or irritants, such as smoke, chlorine, or cleaning agents, can cause redness and irritation.
• Foreign Body: An object or debris in the eye can cause redness and discomfort.

Inflammatory Conditions

• Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), which can cause redness, pain, and vision changes.
• Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera (the white part of the eye), often associated with autoimmune conditions.

Injury or Trauma

• Eye Injury: Trauma to the eye, such as scratches, bruises, or impact, can cause redness and pain.

Glaucoma

• Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A sudden increase in intraocular pressure can cause severe redness, pain, headache, nausea, and vision changes.

Contact Lens Issues

• Contact Lens Wear: Improper use or wearing of contact lenses, such as overwearing or poor hygiene, can lead to redness and irritation.

Systemic Conditions

• Hypertension: High blood pressure can sometimes cause blood vessels in the eyes to burst, leading to redness.
• Bleeding Disorders: Conditions that affect blood clotting can lead to subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding under the conjunctiva).

Environmental Factors

• Sun Exposure: Overexposure to UV light can irritate the eyes and cause redness.
• Wind and Dust: Exposure to environmental elements can cause irritation and redness.

Understanding the underlying cause of red eye is crucial for appropriate treatment. If red eye is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like pain or vision changes, it is important to seek medical evaluation from an eye care professional.

What is the treatment for red eye?

The treatment for red eye depends on the underlying cause. Here’s a general approach based on common causes:

Infections

• Conjunctivitis:
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
• Viral Conjunctivitis: Usually resolves on its own; supportive care includes artificial tears and warm compresses. Antiviral medication may be prescribed in severe cases.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Treated with antihistamine eye drops, artificial tears, and avoiding allergens.
• Blepharitis:
• Regular eyelid hygiene, including warm compresses and eyelid scrubs, to remove debris and oil buildup. Antibiotic ointments or drops may be prescribed if bacterial infection is present.
• Keratitis:
• Bacterial Keratitis: Treated with antibiotic eye drops.
• Viral Keratitis: Treated with antiviral eye drops or oral medications.
• Fungal Keratitis: Requires antifungal eye drops or oral antifungal medication.

Allergies

• Allergic Conjunctivitis:
• Use antihistamine eye drops, oral antihistamines, and avoid known allergens. Artificial tears can help flush out allergens.

Irritants

• Dry Eye Syndrome:
• Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. In more severe cases, treatments like punctal plugs or prescription medications (e.g., cyclosporine) may be necessary.
• Chemical Exposure:
• Rinse the eye immediately with clean water or saline. Seek medical attention if the exposure was to a strong chemical.
• Foreign Body:
• Gently remove the foreign object if possible, or seek medical help if it cannot be easily removed.

Inflammatory Conditions

• Uveitis:
• Treated with corticosteroids, either as eye drops, oral medications, or injections. Immunosuppressive drugs may be used in chronic cases.
• Scleritis:
• Treated with systemic anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids, often in conjunction with treating any underlying autoimmune condition.

Injury or Trauma

• Eye Injury:
• Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Rinse the eye if there is a foreign object, use cold compresses for minor injuries, and seek medical attention for more serious trauma.

Glaucoma

• Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma:
• Immediate treatment is required, which may include medications to lower intraocular pressure, hyperosmotic agents, and sometimes surgical intervention to relieve the pressure and prevent vision loss.

Contact Lens Issues

• Contact Lens-Related Red Eye:
• Remove the lenses and avoid wearing them until the irritation resolves. Follow proper lens hygiene and consult an eye care professional for further advice.

Systemic Conditions

• Hypertension:
• Managing high blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medications can help prevent red eye due to bleeding.
• Bleeding Disorders:
• Treatment focuses on managing the underlying bleeding disorder and may include medications to improve blood clotting.

Environmental Factors

• Sun Exposure:
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses and use artificial tears to alleviate dryness.
• Wind and Dust:
• Use protective eyewear in windy or dusty conditions and lubricating eye drops to reduce irritation.

In all cases, if the red eye persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, vision changes, or discharge, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.