There are many causes that lead to a red eye. And we can say that if this occurs without pain, it is often not dangerous. It can often be prevented or mitigated with home care. Also, there are other terms for red eye, including "pink eye" and "blood eyes", as irritation of blood in the eye or inflammation of blood vessels can cause the appearance of red eyes.
What is redness of the eye?
Red eyes usually mean that the whites of the eyes appear bloody, and this occurs due to changes in the blood vessels that supply the membrane that covers the front of the eye. Often times, the cause is not serious, and home remedies can fix the problem. But sometimes the condition can be more serious. As an eye affected by severe, aching or throbbing pain, or pain that worsens upon exposure to light, needs urgent medical help.
The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the front of the eye and the lines of the eyelids. The blood vessels of this membrane can dilate, causing red eyes. This is usually caused by:
Infection, for example bacterial infection.
Allergic reaction.
Inflammation.
Some rare health problems can cause red eyes, such as increased pressure inside the eye. But in most cases, the main cause is conjunctivitis.
Other reasons to see a doctor are if eyesight has changed or there are other symptoms such as headache, sensitivity to light, feeling sick or vomiting.
Home remedies for red eyes
Depending on the cause, often a red eye can be treated at home. Here are some tips that contribute to this:
Use compresses on the eyes regularly. These compresses are a set of a piece of cotton or a clean cloth soaked in warm or cold water and then apply it to the eye by pressing it gently.
Avoid eye makeup, or opt for hypoallergenic eye makeup.
Use artificial tears, which are eye drops for dry and irritated eyes that are available to buy online, without a prescription, or from pharmacies.
Using antihistamine eye drops if the eyes are prone to redness due to an obvious cause, such as seasonal allergies.
If you plan to use eye drops, talk to your healthcare provider first, as some drops may increase redness.
Tips to avoid eye redness
Avoid smoking, pollen, dust, and other fossils.
Do not wear contact lenses until the red eye has completely disappeared.
Always clean lenses properly and do not reuse disposable lenses.
Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching the eyes, to prevent infection.
Wash clothes, pillow covers, and towels regularly.
Shower before bed or after returning outside if you have seasonal allergies.
Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from pollen or dust when you are outside.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis: discharge often occurs. In cases involving bacteria, this secretion is often more viscous. This adhesive can be relieved by wiping the closed eyelids with water or a hot compress. Do not use the same pressure cotton on both eyes. If symptoms persist after a week, you should see a doctor. If the cause is bacterial, you may need antibiotic eye drops.
Cold or flu: It can be linked to infectious conjunctivitis. This type of eye redness spreads quickly to affect both eyes.
Allergies: Seasonal allergies can affect the eyes, for example, pollen allergies or some animal allergies.
Irritability: This could be either:
Physical irritation, possibly due to a foreign body in the eye.
Chemical irritation, for example, after swimming in a pool with chlorine added.
Most cases of conjunctivitis clear up without any medical help. A doctor may prescribe antibacterial eye drops, but they won't help if the cause is viral.
Sensitivity can improve with medications. Also, some antihistamine tablets and allergy eye drops do not need a prescription from a doctor.
Other causes and treatments
Other common conditions that may cause red eyes,
Blepharitis
Symptoms of blepharitis include itching, redness, and scaling at the edge of the eyelids. This is a common form of infection that can be caused by bacteria or problems with the glands under the eyelids.
You may need medical attention to prevent complications.
Jingle eye - chalazion
It is characterized by the appearance of a red pimple on the eyelid, usually due to a bacterial infection. Sometimes crickets are associated with blepharitis.
A warm compress can be applied three to four times a day for a week. This will help open the pores on the eyelid.
Pura or boil-eye
It is a bump or a boil that often occurs behind the edge of the eyelid and is larger than the thud and often contains pus. It is not caused by bacteria, but by a blockage of a gland in the eyelid.
Treatments and home care are similar to those for conjunctivitis, including warm compresses.
You should not apply pressure to a pimple, whether it is a pimple or a boil. They may disappear after treatment at home. If they do not go away, they may need medical treatment, such as an antibiotic ointment or a steroid injection.
Surgically, the ophthalmologist may remove large bumps that do not heal or that block vision.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage
This hemorrhage indicates a broken blood vessel just below the surface of the eye. This condition is considered harmless and usually resolves within a week or two.
It appears as a small bright red, clear hemorrhage on the white of the eye. It often occurs for no apparent reason, but may be caused by coughing, a blood disorder, or rarely by high blood pressure.
Dry Eye
This condition can lead to red eyes. This is a common problem caused by the production of a small amount of eye tears or the loss of a large part of the water substance from the eye.
Artificial tears can be of great help.
If dry eyes are related to work environment or use of computer screens, lifestyle changes may help overcome the problem as well. Examples include using safety glasses in a dusty environment or taking breaks from screen work.
contact lenses
Contact lenses can cause eye redness, especially when worn for long periods of time.
The wearer can reduce the amount of time used in it to avoid the problem.
Using artificial tears may also help.
The irritation is chemical
If you spray a chemical into or touch the eyes after handling chili peppers, rinse them with water right away.
Darkening of the eye
If the red eye is accompanied by bruising around the eye after a trauma;
Apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, every hour for the first day, to reduce swelling.
If vision is affected or if there is blood in the eye or pain with movement, see a doctor immediately.
Some serious conditions associated with redness of the eye
These conditions may be less common, but they indicate a more serious problem that needs medical attention.
Keratitis disease
Damage to the surface of the eye is not a serious problem in and of itself, but it does require medical attention to prevent further damage and to prevent infection or ulcers. If something is in the eye, the doctor may need to remove it.
Uveitis
Inflammation inside the eye, especially inflammation of the part that gives the eye its color, is one of the most important reasons that affect vision. So follow up with the ophthalmologist and he will prescribe the necessary medication for the condition.
Glaucoma
This dangerous condition can damage the optic nerve, leading to blindness. So, glaucoma or glaucoma needs specialist attention. It is a condition caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Symptoms may not appear until the later stages.
If there are symptoms, they may include:
Redness.
Vision changes.
Eye pain.
Headache, nausea, and vomiting.
If the symptoms include the following, you should see a doctor:
Thick secretions
Eye pain.
Sensitivity to light.
Double vision.
Headache.
nausea.
The redness of the eye has many causes, from the simple one that is easy to treat at home, to the serious one that requires rapid medical intervention. In all cases, you must take care of the eye and visit an ophthalmologist periodically to preserve it.