Don’t Let Red Eyes Get You Down: Causes and Treatment
At we’re here to make sure that you experience the clearest, most comfortable vision possible. So, if your eyes are constantly red, itchy, and uncomfortable, it’s important to figure out why, and how we can help. Fortunately, our eye care team is here to discuss possible causes for your red eyes and how we can help address these issues.
Causes of Red Eyes
Red eyes can be caused by a number of factors, some of which are more serious than others. Common factors of red eyes include:
Allergens and Irritants
Sometimes your red eyes can be a product of allergens or irritants that are found in the environment around you.
Allergens such as pollen and pet dander can cause red eyes by triggering the release of histamines, which can cause swelling and redness in the eyes. This can lead to symptoms such as itchy eyes, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Irritants such as smoke or pollution can irritate the delicate tissues of the eye, leading to symptoms such as stinging or burning and increased sensitivity to light. In severe cases, irritants can cause redness and swelling that can lead to vision problems.
In most cases, red eyes caused by allergens or irritants should go away once you’ve left the area where they’re present.
Infection
Infections such as conjunctivitis are a common cause of red eyes. Commonly known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids. It is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and it can cause redness, swelling, and discharge in the eyes. It can also lead to symptoms such as crusting around the eyelashes, and a feeling of sand or grit in the eyes.
Chronic Eye Conditions
Chronic eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome or uveitis can cause red eyes and may require ongoing treatment to prevent complications.
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality, leading to dryness and irritation in the eyes. This can lead to symptoms such as dryness, grittiness, or a foreign body sensation in the eyes.
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, that can be caused by autoimmune disorders or injury. It can cause redness, pain, and sensitivity to light in the eyes, and without proper treatment, may also lead to more serious complications, such as vision loss and scarring of the eye.
No matter the cause, our eye care team is here to help.
Treatment for Red Eyes
Treatment for red eyes depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can provide relief from redness and other symptoms. These drops may contain ingredients such as decongestants, antihistamines, corticosteroids, or antibiotics, depending on the cause of the red eyes.
One of the leading treatments we offer at our eye clinic for red eyes is Lumify eye drops. These specialized drops can treat red eyes caused by irritation or allergies. They work by constricting the blood vessels in the eyes, which helps to reduce redness and swelling. If you think Lumify is right for you, it’s important to speak with your eye doctor about any underlying medical conditions, or if your red eyes persist or worsen even after treatment.
Want to learn more about red eyes and how our eye care team may be able to help you? Come visit our eye doctors at , or give us a call at today!
