Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself and noticed your eyes are looking a bit red? Red eyes are a common symptom of numerous conditions, which can vary in severity.
Almost everyone will get red eyes at some point, which means understanding the causes and knowing the right treatments is crucial. It can determine whether you can safely wait for symptoms to resolve on their own or if a visit to the eye doctor is necessary.
Common and manageable causes of red eyes
In many cases, the reasons behind your red eyes aren't a big concern. They can resolve without extra help.
Allergies
If your eyes suddenly become itchy, watery, and red, you may be having an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to foreign proteins.
- Common Causes: Exposure to pollen, pets, mold, and dust.
- Treatment: Over-the-counter oral antihistamines, doctor-prescribed antihistamines, or decongestant eye drops.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is a common and contagious infection. Symptoms can vary, but you can typically spot it by the discharge from the eyes and their pinkish or red color.
- Causes: Viral or bacterial infections.
- Treatment: Remove makeup and contacts immediately. If the condition doesn't go away on its own, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops and ointments depending on the cause.
Dry eye
If your eyes aren't producing enough tears, you may experience dry eyes. This condition is often associated with a burning or gritty sensation and red eyes.
- Causes: Age, illness, screen exposure, dry environments, medications, and contacts.
- Treatment: Lubricating eye drops and staying hydrated, among others.
Broken blood vessels
If you look in the mirror and see a startlingly red eye, it's possible you've accidentally broken a blood vessel. This condition, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when tiny blood vessels burst and bleed onto the surface of the eye.
- Causes: Eye rubbing, intense coughing or sneezing, a direct injury to the eye, blood thinning medications, and more.
- Treatment: Broken blood vessels look more alarming than they are. They often go away on their own.
Serious and urgent causes of red eyes
In certain situations, the reasons behind red eyes are serious and need medical intervention.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
This condition occurs when the eye's fluid pathways are blocked. This prevents proper drainage and increases pressure in the eye. Red eyes, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, and eye pain are all signs of this medical emergency.
- Causes: Acute angle-closure glaucoma can be caused by the thickening of the natural lens and aging. However, it may also be triggered by dilating eye drops and certain medications.
- Treatment: Seek medical attention immediately. A doctor may prescribe eye drops or oral medication. In severe cases, your doctor may perform an iridotomy operation, which helps relieve pressure in the eye by placing a tiny hole in the iris.
Uveitis
Uveitis occurs when the middle layer of the eye becomes inflamed, causing the eye to appear red.
- Causes: Autoimmune disorders, infection, or cancer.
- Treatment: Steroids and anti-inflammatory medications in the form of pills, eye drops, injections, or implants.
Corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer is a type of eye injury identifiable by an open sore on the cornea, a symptom of which can be red eyes.
- Causes: Infection from bacteria, viruses, fungi, improper contact lens use, or autoimmune diseases.
- Treatment: Prompt antibiotic or antifungal treatment to prevent vision loss or corticosteroids.
Understanding the causes of red eyes can protect your eye health
Recognizing the underlying causes of red eyes is crucial for maintaining eye health. Awareness can prevent complications, ensuring that minor issues don't escalate into serious problems. Ultimately, understanding why your eyes may appear red is a vital step in preserving both your vision and overall well-being.
