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It’s not just the name of an overnight flight or a specific cup of coffee. Red eye can make you seem tired or sick, but it could be an indication of something more serious if left unchecked.
Dr. Kashyap Kansupada, a CEENTA ophthalmologist who practices out of our Belmont and Huntersville locations, explains how red eye is not something to overlook. "Red eyes are a common problem, but luckily there are common over-the-counter solutions. It's when the redness doesn't go away or is associated with light sensitivity or blurred vision that should you seek urgent eye consultation."
Your red eye could simply be attributed to irritation inside or outside of your home. From shampoo rinsing into your eyes to campfire smoke, environmental factors can cause the blood vessels in your eye to enlarge and become more prominent. Washing your eyes out gently with distilled water can help safely rinse some of the irritants away from your eyes and provide relief.
If you wear contact lenses, you’re probably aware of what happens if you keep your contacts in too long. Your eyes can become dry, red, and irritated due to the lack of moisture, which can also be made worse by sleeping with your contacts in. Be sure to take out your lenses at least once a day, especially before going to bed. Preservatives in contact lens solutions can sometimes cause redness associated with itching with contact lens wear; switching to a preservative-free contact lens solution could help. Of course, if redness persists or associated with blurred vision or pain, immediate consultation is recommended to make sure there is not a serious infection.
When your eyes become infected from bacteria, viruses, or fungi, you may experience itchy, watery, or purulent eyes stemming from the infection. Your physician may recommend antibiotics or oral medications to help with the infections based on the initial cause.
Whether it’s pet dander, pollen, or mold, allergies affect more than just your nasal passages. Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of your eyes due to allergens that cause the blood vessels in the eye to dilate. You might experience a reddish hue as well, and constantly rubbing your eyes could make it even redder and perpetuate the itching. Treating your allergy symptoms with OTC antihistamines like Pataday or Zaditor, might help.
As we mature or when we take decongestants, our eyes can become dry. Symptoms include eyes feeling tired, gritty, or like something is in them. Many times, the eye can be red, but sometimes it may not. Use of branded OTC preservative free artificial tears used 3-4 times a day can help with these symptoms. Prescription eye drops with immunotherapy properties like Restasis or Xiidra can tackle more serious dry eye patients.
This eye condition is an inflammation of the middle part of the eye known as the uveal, a segment between the scleral and the retina. Since it contains many blood vessels, this inflammation can cause the eyes to become noticeably red and create blurry vision along with light sensitivity. Uveitis can be a symptom of autoimmune disorders or other significant illnesses, so it is important to have your eyes examined by an eye care professional for additional clarity.
Red eye can be unsightly to guests and to yourself, but figuring out what’s causing it can give you peace of mind and sight. At CEENTA, our ophthalmologists can examine your red eye and help determine potential causes and possible treatment options for you. If you’re constantly dealing with red eye, schedule your next appointment with Dr. Kansupada at our Belmont or Huntersville offices today.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our eye doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
