Redness in the eye can be a serious warning sign.
Eye irritation and redness are particularly common during the winter season.
At some point, everyone experiences redness in the eye for various reasons. Besides being irritating, especially if accompanied by itching, pain, or a feeling of a foreign object in the eye, it’s challenging to determine whether a visit to the doctor is necessary.
Frequent but sometimes not benign
Eye irritation and redness are particularly common during the winter season and can be caused by various conditions outlined below.
Bacterial infection
One of the causes of eye redness can be a bacterial infection or conjunctivitis accompanied by a white discharge from the eye. It’s essential to consult a doctor for advice on the appropriate therapy.
Allergy
Redness accompanied by itching is often a sign of an allergy. Rubbing the eyes intensifies the redness. Symptoms can be alleviated by using common antihistamines.
Eye injury
Redness can also accompany an eye injury, and in such cases, seeking medical assistance is advisable.
Screens
Those who spend a lot of time in front of a computer, as well as individuals wearing glasses or especially contact lenses, may experience eye redness. This occurs because the eyes lack sufficient moisture, leading to stinging and redness. Artificial tears and regular breaks from screen time can help alleviate discomfort.
Medications
Some medications may have red or bloodshot eyes as a side effect. Among such medications are blood thinners and topical medications like corticosteroids used for eye inflammation, which may cause eye redness as a side effect.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Spontaneous rupture of blood vessels in the eye leads to bleeding between the sclera and the conjunctiva, resulting in the appearance of red spots on the sclera. This is harmless and temporary, similar to a bruise on the skin, and will disappear spontaneously within one to two weeks.
Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelids or eyelash follicles, accompanied by eye redness, swelling of the eyelid, sensitivity to light, and tearing. Scales may appear on the eyelashes. Medication therapy is not necessary, and warm compresses, e.g., with chamomile, can help.
Uveitis
Inflammation of the middle eye layer (uvea) manifests as eye redness but can also involve eye pain, the appearance of spots in the field of vision, and a lack of iris coloration, which is a characteristic symptom of this disease. It is essential to visit an ophthalmologist.
Acute glaucoma
When redness in the eye is accompanied by severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, a specific appearance of rainbow colors around light sources, and tunnel vision, it could indicate acute glaucoma. Seek immediate medical help.
