Everyone is susceptible to experiencing red eye syndrome. When this happens, most people will usually take over-the-counter allergy medicine, apply warm compresses, or use eye drops. However, having red eye, especially on a frequent basis, may indicate an underlying issue. That's why our professional staff at Family Vision Clinic in Farmington is here to provide the testing and care you need for red eye syndrome. It's important to be aware of the symptoms of red eye to understand when you need to see our optometrist.
Common Symptoms & Causes of the Red Eye
There are tiny blood vessels under the surface of the eyes. When these small blood vessels become inflamed, they give the eye a reddish appearance. A red eye syndrome is typically a reaction to something irritating the eyes. Irritants, eye infections, changes in eyesight, and health problems can cause red eyes. Red eye syndrome can happen in one eye or both eyes.
Changes in eyesight accompanied by pain and redness are usually serious. Also, many serious eye redness conditions include infections. Infections may be in various structures of the eye. Other symptoms usually include discharge, pain, vision changes, or others. Infections causing red eyes include eyelash follicles' inflammation, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and uveitis.
Possible causes of red eye include wearing contact lenses over a long time, excessive screen time, eye injury, inflamed eyelid, dry eye, glaucoma, or conjunctivitis. As previously mentioned, various irritants also cause inflamed eye vessels. These irritants include dry air, sun exposure, dust, colds, allergic reactions, viral infections (like measles), bacterial infections, and coughing.
Coughing or eyestrain can also cause a condition referred to as subconjunctival hemorrhage. The symptoms of this condition consist of an appearance of a blood blotch in the eye. This may be a serious condition, but it usually clears up in seven to 10 days if it is not accompanied by pain.
Contact Our Optometry Office for Eye Care in Farmington
For more information about red eye and proper eye treatment, contact our team at Family Vision Clinic today. Located in Farmington, MN, Family Vision Clinic has been providing top-notch eye care for patients in Farmington and surrounding areas since 2007. Our team is dedicated to providing our patients the eye care they need to function throughout daily life. Contact us today to schedule your next eye exam or to learn more about how we can help.