Summary about Disease
"Red eye" refers to redness or bloodshot appearance of the eye. It's a common condition that can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor irritations to more serious infections or injuries. The redness is typically due to dilated blood vessels on the surface of the sclera (white part of the eye). While often harmless and self-limiting, persistent or severe red eye can indicate a condition requiring medical attention.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with red eye can vary depending on the underlying cause and may include:
Redness in one or both eyes
Itching or burning sensation
Gritty feeling (like something is in the eye)
Watery or discharge from the eye (clear, yellow, or green)
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Blurred vision
Pain in the eye
Swelling around the eye
Causes
Red eye can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including:
Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye): Viral, bacterial, or allergic infection of the conjunctiva.
Dry Eye: Insufficient tear production, leading to irritation.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc.
Irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, chemicals, or foreign objects.
Corneal Abrasion: Scratch on the cornea.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Broken blood vessel under the conjunctiva.
Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea).
Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye (angle-closure glaucoma).
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids.
Styes: Infected oil gland on the eyelid.
Medicine Used
The medications used to treat red eye depend entirely on the underlying cause:
Artificial Tears: For dry eye, to lubricate the eye.
Antihistamine Eye Drops: For allergic conjunctivitis, to relieve itching and redness.
Decongestant Eye Drops: For minor irritations, to constrict blood vessels (use sparingly).
Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointment: For bacterial conjunctivitis, to kill the bacteria.
Antiviral Eye Drops: For viral conjunctivitis (in some cases).
Steroid Eye Drops: For inflammation (used cautiously and under doctor's supervision).
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used for pain relief.
Medications for Glaucoma or Uveitis: Prescription medications to address the underlying condition.
Is Communicable
Whether red eye is communicable depends on the cause.
Viral and Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Highly contagious and easily spread through direct contact or contaminated objects.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Not contagious.
Red eye due to Irritants, Dry Eye, Corneal Abrasion, Subconjunctival Hemorrhage, Uveitis, Glaucoma, Blepharitis, Styes: Not contagious.
Precautions
To prevent the spread of contagious red eye and minimize irritation:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoid touching your eyes.
Do not share towels, washcloths, makeup, or eye drops.
Clean eyeglasses regularly.
Use clean tissues to wipe your eyes.
If you wear contact lenses, follow proper cleaning and wearing instructions. Discontinue use if you have an infection.
Avoid known allergens.
Protect your eyes from irritants such as smoke, dust, and chemicals.
If you have a communicable form of red eye, stay home from school or work until it clears up.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of red eye depends on the cause:
Viral Conjunctivitis: Typically lasts 1-3 weeks.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Usually clears up within 2-5 days with antibiotic treatment; without treatment, it may last 1-2 weeks.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Lasts as long as the allergen exposure continues. Symptoms improve with antihistamines and avoidance of the allergen.
Red eye due to Irritants: Resolves quickly once the irritant is removed.
Dry Eye: Chronic condition; symptoms may fluctuate.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Redness usually disappears within 2-3 weeks as the blood is reabsorbed.
Other causes (Uveitis, Glaucoma, etc.): Duration varies depending on the underlying condition and treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Red eye is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a doctor, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. The doctor will:
Ask about symptoms and medical history.
Examine the eye for redness, discharge, and other abnormalities.
Check vision.
Examine the conjunctiva, cornea, and eyelids.
In some cases, a sample of discharge may be taken for culture to identify the cause of infection.
Eye pressure check, especially if glaucoma is suspected.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly depending on the cause:
Conjunctivitis (Viral/Bacterial): Symptoms may appear suddenly within 12-24 hours of exposure. Redness, discharge, and discomfort gradually increase over the next few days, then slowly improve over 1-3 weeks (viral) or with antibiotics within a few days (bacterial).
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Symptoms appear rapidly upon exposure to the allergen (pollen, dander). Symptoms will disappear when the allergen exposure stops.
Dry Eye: Symptoms develop gradually over time, characterized by chronic dryness, irritation, and fluctuating vision.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Redness appears suddenly, often without any other symptoms. It then gradually fades over 2-3 weeks.
Corneal Abrasion: Immediate pain and discomfort after injury, followed by redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
Important Considerations
See a doctor if you experience severe eye pain, vision changes, sensitivity to light, or if your symptoms do not improve after a few days of home treatment.
Newborns with red eye should be seen by a doctor immediately.
People who wear contact lenses and develop red eye should remove their lenses and consult a doctor.
Red eye can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as glaucoma or uveitis, which require prompt medical attention.
Self-treating red eye without knowing the underlying cause can be harmful.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for treatment.