Red Eye

Some Basics...

• New blurry eyesight or loss of vision is almost always serious. A doctor's exam is needed right away.
• Pain in the eye can also be serious. If eye pain is more than just mild irritation or discomfort, a doctor's exam is needed.

Causes

There are many possible causes of eye redness or "red eye." Some common minor causes are:

• Allergies
• Blepharitis
• Mild irritants (sunscreen, soap, chlorinated pool water, smoke, or smog)
• Virus such as a cold (also called pinkeye)
• Wearing contacts too long

Other causes of eye redness are:

• Abrasion (scratch) of cornea
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Corneal ulcer
• Eye injury
• Episcleritis and scleritis
• Glaucoma
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Uveitis (iritis, iridocyclitis)

When to Call for Red Eye

Care Advice for Eye Redness without Pus

Pinkeye

1. What You Should Know:
   • Viral conjunctivitis is a common eye infection caused by a virus.
   • The main symptom is eye redness. The eye may also itch and feel irritated. Sometimes there can be some eye tearing or a white discharge.
   • It is more commonly called pinkeye (because the white of the eye is pink-red).
   • It can occur with a cold. It usually is not serious.
2. Remove Contacts:
   • Take out your contacts. Switch to glasses until your eyes are better.
   • This will help prevent any harm to your eye.
   • Clean your contacts before wearing them again.
   • Throw away used contacts if they are meant to be thrown away.
3. No Rubbing:
   • Do not rub your eye(s).
   • Rubbing your eye(s) can cause a scratch on your cornea.
4. How It Is Spread:
   • Pinkeye is very easy to spread to other people. You can spread it by shaking hands.
   • Try not to touch your eyes.
   • Wash your hands often.
   • Do not share towels.
5. What to Expect:
   • Most cases of viral pinkeye are mild.
   • It should get better in 7 to 10 days.
   • No antibiotic treatment is needed.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Yellow or green discharge or pus in the eye(s)
   • Blurred vision or increasing pain
   • Not getting better after 7 days
   • You think you need to be seen
   • You get worse

Eye Redness Caused by Contacts

1. What You Should Know:
   • Eye redness may simply mean that you have left your contacts in too long.
   • Eye redness can also happen if the contacts do not fit well or if you are allergic to the contact lens solutions.
   • Sometimes eye redness can be the first sign of a more serious problem, like an infection.
   • Do not wear contacts when your eyes are red or irritated.
2. No Rubbing:
   • Do not rub your eye(s).
   • Rubbing your eye(s) can cause a scratch on your cornea.
3. Remove Contacts:
   • Take out your contacts. Switch to glasses until your eyes are better.
   • This will help prevent any harm to your eye.
   • Clean your contacts before wearing them again.
   • Throw away used contacts if they are meant to be thrown away.
4. Expected Course:
   • The redness and irritation should go away over the next 12-24 hours.
   • If it does not, you will need an eye exam. The doctor will want to check for an infection, a corneal abrasion, or an ulcer.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Yellow or green discharge or pus in the eye(s)
   • Blurred vision or increasing pain
   • Eye symptoms are not getting better after 24 hours
   • You think you need to be seen
   • You get worse

Eye Redness Caused by Mild Irritants

1. What You Should Know:
   • Eye irritation can be caused by even mild substances.
   • Some common causes are perfume, eye make-up, smoke, and contact lens cleaner.
   • The main symptoms are eye redness, swelling, watering, and pain.
2. Wash Face:
   • Wash the face, then the eyelids, with a mild soap and water.
   • This will remove any chemicals or irritants.
   • Also try to avoid the irritant in the future.
3. Rinse Out Eyes:
   • Rinse out your eyes with water for 2-3 minutes.
   • Slowly pour lukewarm water into your eye(s) from a pitcher or glass.
   • Or, put your head under a gently running faucet or shower.
   • Keep your eye open while you do this.
4. Remove Contacts:
   • Take out your contacts. Switch to glasses until your eyes are better.
   • This will help prevent any harm to your eye.
   • Clean your contacts before wearing them again.
   • Throw away used contacts if they are meant to be thrown away.
5. No Rubbing:
   • Do not rub your eye(s).
   • Rubbing your eye(s) can cause a scratch on your cornea.
6. Expected Course:
   • The redness and irritation should go away over the next 12-24 hours.
   • If it does not, you will need an eye exam. The doctor will want to check for a corneal abrasion (scratch) or other problem.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Yellow or green discharge or pus in the eye(s)
   • Blurred vision or increasing pain
   • Eye symptoms not getting better after 24 hours
   • You think you need to be seen
   • You get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.