What Do You Need to Know About
Eye Redness?

Red Eye can be scary, especially if it occurs suddenly. Usually, red eyes are not something to worry about. The accompanying discomfort may be the main reason you visit an eye specialist. However, sometimes it may point to a serious eye problem.

Here’s everything you need to know about red eyes or “bloodshot eyes.”

What causes red eyes?

Usually, red eye occurs because of congested vessels in the conjunctiva- which is the top layer of the eye. Irritation and inflammation in blood vessels, which affects the surface of the white part of the eyes, causes them to appear prominent. It can sometimes also occur due to leakage of blood from sub-conjunctival vessels.

Common causes of irritation & redness in eyes:

• Dry Eye- Excessive screen use (Computer Vision Syndrome), Smoke exposure, Sleep deprivation, Overwearing of contact lens, Dry Eye disease
• Allergic Conjunctivitis- Frequent Rubbing of eyes
• Infective Conjunctivitis- bacterial or viral
• Uveitis
• Injury: Chemical (Exposure to Chlorine from the swimming pool, makeup, hair color), Physical injury – corneal scratch from twig or insect going into the eye
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage
• Acute glaucoma

You may also experience other vision problems such as discomfort in the eye, blurry vision, grittiness, discharge or pain depending on the extent of corneal involvement.
Subconjunctival hemorrhages are painless and have no other symptoms- they are just alarming to look at.

How do I treat red eyes?

The first thing to remember is not to self-treat. The symptoms of Red Eye are overlapping and it can be difficult to distinguish the cause on your own. This is why you must visit an ophthalmologist. Your eye doctor can help you treat the Red Eye properly.
Although most causes of Red Eye may not cause permanent damage, some like Infective Conjunctivitis and Acute Glaucoma need immediate attention.

How to avoid the condition?

Eyes are a sensitive part of the human body and one should follow complete eye care. There are a few ways to take care of your eyes on a daily basis to minimize the chances of red eyes.

• Remove makeup & contact lenses before going to sleep.
• Do not rub the eyes excessively.
• Avoid smoking- Tobacco smoke is a major irritant and can worsen allergic conjunctivitis and Dry Eye.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule- Take regular breaks. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Do not self treat or use eye drops recommended by a chemist. This is true especially for steroid eye drops as these can worsen an infection, if present.

If the problem persists for more than a day, you can search for an eye doctor near me. A highly reputed Eye hospital in Delhi, Shroff Eye Centre offers solutions for all eye related problems.

If you are worried about your red eyes, make an appointment with our eye specialists now.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advise of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in a video or read about in a blog or website.