Redness of the eye, also called bloodshot eyes, is a common problem that can affect one or both eyes. The redness associated with red eye comes from blood vessels on the surface of your eye that are expanded (dilated) due to some form of irritation or infection.
Causes of Red Eyes Redness of the eye can indicate the presence of several different health issues. For example, red eyes can indicate minor irritation or a more serious condition that requires emergency medical attention.
Various medical conditions can cause red eyes, such as: glaucoma, eyelid inflammation, eye lymphoma, herpes zoster, ectropion (outwardly turned eyelid), entropion (inwardly turned eyelid), orbital cellulitis (infection of tissues around the eye), and uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye).
Excessive alcohol use reduces oxygen to red blood cells. This causes blood vessels to clump together and makes eyes appear red and bloodshot.
Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases that affect a person’s vision. Tobacco smoke is also a toxic eye irritant that can cause dry, red, and itchy eyes. Smoking marijuana also causes red, bloodshot eyes. An ingredient in marijuana causes the blood vessels in the eye to dilate, producing red eye that can last for hours or longer.
Infective Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis, or pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they’re more visible. This is what causes the whites of your eyes to appear reddish or pink. Pink eye often affects both eyes because the infection typically spreads from one eye to the other.
Viruses cause up to 80% of all conjunctivitis cases. Other causes include bacteria, fungi, exposure to chemicals or allergens, a foreign body in the eye, and the use of contact lenses.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a relatively common infection and affects all people, although a higher incidence is seen in infants, school children and the elderly. With bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge is often white, green, or yellow, and it can seem like pus.
The most common pink eye symptoms include : redness in one or both eyes, itchiness in one or both eyes, a gritty feeling in one or both eyes, a discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning, excess tear production, sensitivity to light and poor vision.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Allergic reactions caused by, for example, airborne allergens, may inflame the conjunctiva. About 20% of people have some degree of allergic conjunctivitis. Redness, itching, swelling, tearing, and stringy discharge are common. The eyelids may become intensely itchy. Rubbing and scratching leads to eyelid skin redness, swelling, and a crinkly appearance. Vision is seldom affected. Many people have an itchy, runny nose.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever conjunctivitis) and year-round or perennial allergic conjunctivitis are the most common types of allergic reaction in the eyes. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is often caused by mold spores or tree, weed, or grass pollens, leading to its typical appearance in the spring and early summer. Weed pollens are responsible for symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis in the summer and early fall. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis occurs year-round and is most often caused by dust mites or animal dander. Contact lenses and lens solution may also trigger a reaction.
Conjunctival Foreign Body Conjunctival foreign bodies of the eye are common. A conjunctival foreign body should be suspected upon the sensation of something in the eye. Patient often states that his eye feels as if an irritating object—like grit, “junk,” sand, or glass—is in it but he cannot localize exactly where the sensation is. The foreign body sensation is often worse upon blinking when the foreign body is located on the conjunctival (inner) surface of the upper lid. Symptoms are ocular irritation, pain, foreign body sensation, tearing and red eye.
Corneal Ulcers Cornea is the clear layer at the front of the eye. A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. Corneal ulcers are usually caused by infection. The infection may start with an eye injury or scratch, irritation from a contact lens, or certain eye diseases. Sometimes after a corneal ulcer heals, the cornea has a cloudy scar that affects the vision.
You’re at risk of a corneal ulcer if you: wear contact lenses, especially if you sleep in your contacts, have or have had shingles, cold sores or chickenpox, have dry eyes, have eyelids that don’t close all the way, use steroid eye drops, have an injury or burn on the cornea, have diabetes or have had prior eye surgery.
Symptoms can include: red eyes, pain or soreness, sensitivity to light, eye discharge, reduced vision and a white spot on the cornea. Corneal ulcers can lead to vision loss, so this is a medical emergency.
Dry Eye Syndrome Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. This tear instability leads to inflammation and damage of the eye’s surface.
Symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include: eye redness, a stinging, burning sensation in the eyes, stringy mucus in or around the eyes, sensitivity to light, a sensation of having something in the eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses, difficulty with nighttime driving, watery eyes and blurred vision.
Dry Eye and COVID-19 Dry eyes seem to be more common in people with COVID-19 than in people without the coronavirus. In people with COVID-19, approximately 1 in 10 experienced eye symptoms. Dry eyes or the feeling of having a foreign object in an eye was the most common eye symptom. It was reported in 16 percent of people who developed eye symptoms and 1.7 percent of people with COVID-19.
The reason why COVID-19 contributes to dry eyes still isn’t clear. The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to enter cells in the body through an enzyme called angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 has been identified in the epithelial cells that cover the surface of the eyes. Inflammation from the body’s immune response can contribute to dry eyes. Other factors indirectly unrelated to COVID-19 infection, such as wearing a mask and spending more time in front of a screen during the pandemic, may also contribute to dry eyes.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface the conjunctiva. In many ways, it’s just like having a bruise on your skin. The conjunctiva can’t absorb blood very quickly, so the blood gets trapped. A subconjunctival hemorrhage can result from a minor injury or trauma to the eye, including rubbing the eye due to allergies.
Common causes also include coughing, sneezing, and straining. People who have diabetes, have high blood pressure, or take certain medications, such as blood thinners, may have a higher risk.
Red Eye Prevention Tips Most cases of eye redness can be prevented by using proper hygiene and avoiding irritants that can cause redness. Avoid rubbing the eyes. Avoid sharing eye drops, cosmetics, towels or pillowcases. Wash your hands frequently, particularly if you’re exposed to someone who has an eye infection. Dirt and germs on the hands and fingers can cause even more redness and irritation.
Don’t wear contact lenses longer than recommended or while swimming. Keep contact lenses clean. After conjunctivitis clears up, a person should dispose of any contact lenses, solutions, or eye makeup they used during the infection to help prevent reinfection. Remove all makeup from your eyes each day properly and keep eyes clean. Take regular breaks when looking at the computer screen for long periods of time. Schedule an eye exam to make sure the cause of red eye is not something more serious.
For preventing dry eye syndrome: limit screen time, avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning, where possible, wear wraparound sunglasses, get enough sleep and drink plenty of water.
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In a region that was previously devastated by flames last month, more than 1,000 firefighters were battling on Thursday to...
In a region that was previously devastated by flames last month, more than 1,000 firefighters were battling on Thursday to...
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