Red eye

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Red Eye

Red eye can be a symptom of various eye conditions, ranging from minor irritation to serious infections or diseases. It typically indicates inflammation or irritation of the eye's surface or deeper structures.

Possible Causes of Red Eye

  1. Conjunctivitis

    • Cause: Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eyeball).
    • Triggers:
      • Infection (viral or bacterial).
      • Allergies (pollen, dust mites, etc.).
      • Irritation (cosmetics, chlorine from swimming pools, etc.).

  2. Keratitis

    • Cause: Inflammation of the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye).
    • Symptoms: Can lead to redness, pain, and blurred vision.

  3. Uveitis

    • Cause: Inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye, containing the most blood vessels).
    • Symptoms: Redness, pain, and light sensitivity.

  4. Dry Eye

    • Cause: Insufficient tear quantity or quality leads to dry, irritated, and red eyes.
    • Affects: Around 20% of the population, often due to hormonal changes, environmental factors, systemic diseases, or other eye conditions.

  5. Incorrect Use of Contact Lenses

    • Cause: Improper cleaning, wearing lenses for too long, or sleeping with them in can cause irritation or infection.
    • Risks: Can lead to corneal ulcers, which are potentially sight-threatening.

  6. Corneal Ulcers

    • Cause: Infection of the cornea, often associated with contact lens misuse or trauma.
    • Symptoms: Redness, pain, and potential vision loss if not treated.

  7. Glaucoma

    • Cause: Sudden increase in intraocular pressure due to blocked drainage of eye fluid.
    • Symptoms: Red eye, severe pain, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. A medical emergency.

  8. Endophthalmitis

    • Cause: Infection of the entire eyeball, potentially from surgery or trauma.
    • Symptoms: Severe redness, pain, and vision loss.

  9. Trauma

    • Cause: Foreign bodies, corneal erosions, chemical burns, or ocular perforations.
    • Symptoms: Redness and pain depending on the type of injury.

  10. Rejection of a Corneal Transplant

    • Cause: Immune response following a transplant.
    • Symptoms: Redness, pain, and potential vision issues.

How to Act

When experiencing red eye, it is important to assess additional symptoms:

  • Vision impairment and pain are significant warning signs that require immediate attention from an ophthalmologist.
  • Occasional redness that resolves with eye drops within 24 hours is usually not concerning. However, if the redness persists or worsens, see an ophthalmologist.

Diagnosis and Treatment

An ophthalmic examination is essential to identify the underlying cause of red eye and begin the appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis helps avoid complications and ensures the correct treatment.

While red eye is often due to minor conditions like conjunctivitis, it can also indicate more serious pathologies like glaucoma or corneal ulcers. If you are unsure, it's always best to seek professional help.

Key Takeaways

  • Red eye can result from various causes, including infections, dry eye, trauma, or more serious conditions.
  • Symptoms like pain and vision loss require an urgent visit to an ophthalmologist.
  • An eye exam is crucial to determine the exact cause and prevent complications.