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When you have red, irritated, and bloodshot eyes, you have red eyes. Eye Redness is the result of enlarged or inflamed blood vessels under the skin of the eye. Usually, it is a reaction to something that is irritating the eye.
Redness of the eye can indicate the presence of several different health issues. While some of these issues are benign, others are serious and require emergency medical attention. The redness of your eye may be a cause for concern. But, most serious eye problems happen when you have redness along with pain or changes in your vision.
What are the 11 Causes of Eye Redness?
- Allergies. Allergies can affect the eyes, leading them to become red and swollen. It causes itching, tearing, and burning sensation. Eye allergy symptoms can also be accompanied by other allergy symptoms.
- Dry eyes. Tears are made by small glands above the eyes. These glands are responsible for protecting and lubricating the eyes. You have dry eyes when your eyes do not produce enough tears.
- Conjunctivitis. It happens when the membrane covering the insides of your eyelids and the white part of your eye, called the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. Conjunctivitis can have a variety of causes, including viral infections, such as those due to adenoviruses, measles, or COVID-19.
- Blepharitis. When your eyelids become inflamed, it causes your eyelids or eyes to appear red and swollen. Blepharitis can happen if you have high amounts of bacteria on your eyelids.
- Uveitis. It is an inflammation that happens in the middle part of your eye, called the uvea. You will find the uvea between the white of your eye and your retina. It is typically caused by certain types of infections, including syphilis, shingles, and toxoplasmosis
- Scleritis. It is when inflammation affects the white of your eye, which is called the sclera. A reddened and swollen white of your eye can result from this condition.
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage. Your eye has a subconjunctival hemorrhage if blood is leaking on the surface. The condition is often benign and goes away on its own.
- Eyelid stye. It is a blockage of the meibomian gland in the eye that causes inflammation. Either your upper or lower eyelids can be affected by this condition.
- Angle-closure glaucoma. In this condition, your eye produces more fluid than normal, causing the pressure to increase. This can damage your optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss.
- Corneal ulcers. These are ulcers, or sores, that affects the outer part of your eye, which is called the cornea. This condition is also called keratitis.
- Injury. Sustaining an injury that affects your eye may cause it to become red due to irritation or bleeding.
How to Diagnose Eye Redness?
Your doctor will look at the symptoms and ask you several questions regarding the trigger of the condition. Other diagnostic tests are also needed such as;
- Visual acuity
- Extraocular movements
- Penlight examination
- Tests for direct and consensual photophobia
Treatment for Causes of Eye Redness
Your doctor may prescribe medications depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. You can also use any of the following eye care products:
