Causes and Treatments for Red Eye
You look in the mirror and see that your eyes are "bloodshot". No recent eye injury. You are getting plenty of sleep. What is happening? What is causing your eyes to be red? What can you do about it? All are good and important questions to ask. Along with this brief article, the skilled and experienced optometrist at the Family Vision Clinic in Farmington, MN is able to evaluate your condition and provide the best treatment for it.
What is Causing My Red Eye?
Your eyes turn red, or pinkish, because the tiny blood vessels on the surface of your eyes become swollen. We often refer to this condition as our eyes being "bloodshot". Some common causes of red eye are:
- Allergies: You could be allergic to something in bloom, chemicals that you use or work around, or a fragrance that someone is wearing.
- Over wearing contact lenses: Are you exchanging and cleaning your contacts as prescribed.
- Eye fatigue: Are you getting enough sleep? Do you spend much of the day staring at a digital screen?
- Environmental conditions: Cigarette smoke, pollution, excessive dust, dry air conditions.
- Overexposure to sunlight without wearing sunglasses.
- An eye infection
- Inflammation: Both pink eye and uveitis are inflammation conditions occurring near the surface of the eye.
- Severe glaucoma
- Corneal ulcer
- Eye injury or eye trauma
- Smoking or an exceptional intake of alcohol
Symptoms That Indicate That My Red Eye is Serious
Some causes of red eye can be alleviated fairly easily. If you work in front of a computer, look away at least every 20 minutes and take a break every couple of hours. If you are not getting enough sleep, then work on getting more sleep. If chemicals or fragrances are irritating your eyes, then you may have to make some life adjustments.
But you may be experiencing some symptoms that indicate that what is causing your red eye is more serious. They include:
- Blurry vision
- Eye pain
- Constant dry eye
- Constant itching and irritation
- Constant burning
- Sensitivity to light
- Constant watering or discharges
Some conditions causing red eye need to be treated by a doctor. If you are experiencing one of the above symptoms or you have had an eye injury, schedule an emergency appointment with your eye doctor.
Optometrist at Family Vision Clinic Can Determine Your Cause of Red Eye
Evaluation and treatment are important to protect your eyes and vision. The right treatment for your condition is what will save your sight. Trust the skilled and trained staff at the Family Vision Clinic in Farmington, MN to know how to treat your specific condition. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. We are committed to providing the care you need.