Symptoms of Red Eye and How to Prevent Them
Red eyes, also known as bloodshot eyes, are where the white of the eye (sclera) becomes red. It happens when the tiny blood vessels on the eye's surface expand and inflame. Red eyes occur very differently; it can be pink or red.
Red eyes or bloodshot eyes are generally harmless but can also lead to more serious eye conditions. So it is essential to know the causes of red eyes to avoid them and their symptoms to prevent it.
Red Eye Common Causes and Symptoms
There are different causes of red eyes or bloodshot eyes, including eye injury, allergic reactions, eye inflammation, dry eyes, glaucoma, and incorrect use of contact lenses.
Let's talk about the red eye symptoms one by one and the symptoms associated with them.
Eye Injury
Eye injury or trauma to the eyeball or eyelid can cause a direct injury to the tiny blood vessels, leading to hemorrhaging and a resulting red eye. Symptoms associated with eye injury include:
Eye pain and discomfort
Swelling of the surrounding area
Decreased vision
Trouble moving the eyes and different pupil sizes
Eye injuries can range from very minor to severe and may cause permanent vision loss. Common types of eye injuries include:
Corneal abrasions
These scratches on the cornea's surface can occur due to contact with a sharp object or eye rubbing. Symptoms may include eye redness, pain, tearing, and blurry vision.
Foreign objects in the eye
Pieces of dust, dirt, or other debris can be in the eye and cause irritation, redness, tearing, and discomfort.
Chemical burns
Chemical exposure to the eyes can occur from household cleaners or acidic materials. Symptoms may include burning, stinging, and blurred vision.
Blunt trauma
This injury may occur from a direct hit, such as an airbag deployment or being struck with a ball. Symptoms may include bruising and swelling, along with pain and vision impairment.
Penetrating injuries
These are severe injuries where objects penetrate the eye and cause damage to the internal structures. Symptoms may include severe pain, bleeding, and vision loss.
Allergic Reactions
Allergies can cause inflamed, itchy, and red eyes. It is due to the body's reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and mould. Eye allergy can also be a reaction to eye drops, including artificial tears that treat dry eyes that have preservatives.
When exposed to these irritants, blood vessels in the eyes expand and become more visible. The eyes can also become swollen and itchy, leading to eye redness, discomfort, and blurry vision.
Eye Inflammation
Eye inflammation occurs when the transparent membrane covering your eye's white part and the inner surface of your eyelids becomes inflamed. When this happens, blood vessels dilate, leading to red eyes.
Other symptoms can include itchiness, irritation, swelling of the eyelids, discharge from the eyes, and sensitivity to light. There are different types of eye inflammation:
Also known as pink eye is due to infections or eye allergies by foreign particles in the eye and can be spread easily from person to person. Symptoms include red, irritated eyes, increased tear production, and a discharge that may be yellow or green.
Scleritis
Scleritis is an inflammatory condition of the eye's white layer (sclera). It is typically due to an autoimmune disorder but can also be an eye infection. Symptoms include severe eye redness, pain, and sensitivity to light.
Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammatory condition of the eye's middle layer (uvea). It is due to eye infection, trauma, or an autoimmune disorder and is typically associated with pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or floaters in the eye.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes cause red eyes. It is when your eyes dry up quickly and don't produce enough tears. It is prevalent among eye conditions that most likely happen to women, people aged over 50, looking at computer screens for a long time without a break, and those who wear contact lenses. A dry eye can cause pain, corneal ulcers, or even vision loss.
Other symptoms of dry eye include a burning feeling, eye fatigue, sore eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that can cause fluid pressure buildup inside the eye, leading to damage to the optic nerve. When this occurs, it can cause pain and discomfort in the eye and other symptoms such as blurred vision, seeing halos around objects, and even redness in the eyes.
The increased pressure inside the eye can cause blood vessels on the surface to become inflamed and dilated, which causes bloodshot eyes.
Incorrect Use of Contact Lens
Incorrect use of contact lenses can result in eye infection and the development of red eye. This condition is when the lenses do not fit correctly, are worn for too long without being removed, or are not inserted correctly.
If you wear contact lenses the wrong way, bacterial infection may occur. Symptoms may include:
Itchy and watery eyes.
Redness of the whites of the eyes.
Increased discharge from the eyes.
A feeling of grittiness within the eyes.
Treatment and Prevention
Common methods of treatment and prevention of red eye include:
Lubricating the eyes with artificial tears.
Wearing protective eyewear when exposed to irritants.
Avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes.
Taking antihistamines or other medications as directed by a doctor.
Using cold compresses on eyelids.
Cleaning contact lenses correctly and regularly.
Avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Using a humidifier in dry environments.
In cases of severe red eye, your doctor or eye care professional may prescribe antibiotics or steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Wearing sunglasses when outdoors will also help to protect the eyes from irritants.
When to Seek Medical Attention
The red eye may require medical care when the condition is persistent or severe. Some warning signs that may indicate a need for medical help are severe pain, swelling, decreased vision, drainage or discharge from the eye, excessive tearing, or dry eyes that do not respond to over-the-counter lubricants.
It is advisable to seek medical attention if the red eye with other symptoms such as fever, headaches, or nausea. Additionally, medical attention should be immediate if there is a suspected foreign body in the eye, such as a metal fragment or contact lens, and if redness has been present for more than two days.
Finally, a healthcare professional should evaluate any sudden changes in vision or new onset of redness.
Conclusion
Red eye is a common condition that can have various causes and treatments. Most cases of red eye are mild and manageable with home remedies, such as artificial tears or cold compresses on the eyes. However, if red or bloodshot eyes symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to seek medical attention from an eye doctor.
By familiarising yourself with the potential causes, symptoms, and treatments of red eye, you can be better prepared to care for your eyes and your vision. Always check your eyes regularly with the optometrist to keep your eyes healthy.