Red eye is a common eye condition that can either affect one or both eyes. Red eye is often caused by blood vessels on the eye's surface expanding due to irritation or infection. Most cases of red eye are not serious and can improve with home remedies. However, if red eye is accompanied by other symptoms such as blurry vision or sensitivity to light, you should see our eye doctors right away. At Epic Vision Eye Center, we understand how vital maintaining your eye health is. So whether you're suffering from mild or severe eye discomfort, our optometrists can diagnose the root cause of your condition and provide the treatment needed to reduce your pain or discomfort.
Causes of Red Eye
There are a few things that can cause red eye. We often see patients suffering from this condition due to wearing contact lenses for too long or even staring at a computer screen for too long without a break. Other common causes of red eye include:
- Allergies
- Blepharitis
- Pink eye
- Dry eye
- Eye injury
- Uveitis
- Glaucoma
When to Seek Help for Red Eye
Typically, red eye symptoms will go away on their own. However, eye redness can also mean a more serious condition is present. If you experience any additional symptoms with your red eye, you should contact us for immediate treatment:
- Loss of vision
- Extreme eye pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Mucus or pus from the eyes
- Aches or fever
- Symptoms that last for more than a week or symptoms that have gotten worse
Treatment
Home remedies for redness of the eye include using cool compresses over closed eyes, resting, washing the eyelids, using over-the-counter eye drops to help relieve symptoms. Depending on your condition, our optometrists may prescribe ointments or medical eye drops to use.
If you have red eyes due to allergies, this is usually treated using over-the-counter drops or decongestant drops. Blepharitis treatment involves keeping your eyelids clean using a warm washcloth. Antibiotics may also be prescribed. If you have eye redness due to pink eye, you can also use a warm washcloth and drops to keep the eyes lubricated.
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding red eye. Always be sure to avoid rubbing your eyes since germs and dirt on your hands and fingers can create more irritation and redness. Always be sure to keep your contact lenses clean and avoid keeping them in for long periods of time. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, be sure to take regular breaks in between. Make sure to keep your eyes clean and properly remove any makeup before bed.
Contact Us for Your Next Eye Exam from Our Optometrists in Smithville, MO
For more information about red eye and proper eye treatment, contact our team at Epic Vision Eye Center today. With locations in Baldwin City, Bonner Springs, Clay Center, Dodge City, Manhattan, North KC, Parkville, Smithville, and Washington, our optometrists are dedicated to providing patients the eye care they need at any stage of life. Whether you need a routine eye exam or emergency eye care, we are here for you. Contact us today to schedule your next eye exam or to learn more about how we can help red eye.