Understanding Red Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Red Eye?

Red eye occurs when the blood vessels in the white part of your eye (sclera) become enlarged and dilated, causing a red or bloodshot appearance.

Common Causes

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
  • Viral
  • Bacterial
  • Allergic
• Environmental Irritants
  • Smoke
  • Dust
  • Chlorine
• Digital Eye Strain
• Contact Lens Issues
• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
• Dry Eye Syndrome

Warning Signs

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe eye pain
• Changes in vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eye injury
• Green or yellow discharge

Treatment Options

Self-Care Measures

• Artificial tears
• Cold/warm compresses
• Over-the-counter antihistamine drops
• Good eye hygiene

Medical Treatments

• Antibiotic drops (for bacterial infections)
• Antiviral medications
• Anti-inflammatory drops
• Prescription eye drops

Prevention

1. Practice good hand hygiene
2. Avoid touching or rubbing eyes
3. Use protective eyewear when needed
4. Take regular breaks from screen time
5. Keep contact lenses clean

When to See a Doctor

Consult an eye care professional if:

• Symptoms persist beyond 1-2 weeks
• Vision becomes affected
• Pain increases
• Condition worsens despite self-care

Long-term Management

Maintain eye health through:

• Regular eye exams
• Proper hygiene
• Environmental modifications
• Appropriate use of eye drops