Red eye, causes, symptoms and treatments

Posted on Friday, January 02, 2015

In today’s article we will be talking about red eye, the different causes and what to do should you ever suffer with it.

The term red eye is generally used to describe the eye when it is red in appearance, either bloodshot or irritated due to injury or infection. Its appearance can vary from angry red to paler pink and it can cover either the whole eye or just a small section depending on the cause.

Red eye is normally not a cause for concern and can be either left or very easily treated, however in rare and extreme cases it can be caused by a more serious eye condition and potentially sight threatening.

Some common causes are listed below:-

Dry eyes: This normally occurs when the gland that produces tears is not producing enough to successfully lubricate and keep the eyes nourished. In some extreme cases it can cause the eyes to become inflamed and irritated giving a red appearance.

Although not curable it can certainly be managed with the appropriate re-wetting drops (artificial tears), there are many brands out there but we at C.E.Hall recommend the Hycosan range. You must always check with your Optometrist before using any eye drops and check for ingredients that may cause allergic reaction.

Conjunctivitis: A highly contagious and common infection, particularly amongst children. It is an infection of the conjunctiva, which is a thin, clear layer covering the sclera and also lines the eyelids. A visible symptom is usually a reddish/pink eye and often presents with discharge.

There are a few different types of conjunctivitis so it is best to visit your GP or Optometrist if you are worried about infection.

Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage: It may sound severe however it is just a burst blood vessel in the eye usually caused by some form of strain like coughing or sneezing. It also looks a lot worse than it is, giving a blood red appearance to the eye. This will normally clear up on its own within a few weeks, if however the red eye persists or you see blood in the iris consult your GP or Optometrist. If it becomes a regular occurrence or the eye was not strained it is also advisable to have your blood pressure checked to be on the safe side.

As we mentioned above red eye can have a more serious cause and present with more severe symptoms such as sensitivity to light, nausea and pain, either a headache or inside the eye itself. Serious causes of red eye are:-

Acute glaucoma: Caused by a very sudden build-up of pressure behind the eye.

Iritis (Inflammation of the iris): Can be caused by impact to the eye or may happen for no reason at all but very easily treatable.

Corneal ulcer: As simple as it sounds, an ulcer on the cornea! Either bacterial (most often seen in contact lens wearers) or viral (common if the person suffers with cold sores).

So there you have it, some common and not so common causes of red eye. If you have any of the symptoms listed above and are concerned it is always best to contact your Optometrist or GP for advice.

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