Red Eyes

Red eyes develop when the blood vessels in the whites of your eyes dilate or swell, making the eyes bloodshot and red.

Most of the time, red eyes aren’t anything to worry about. However, in some instances, they can signify a more serious underlying condition.

If you have painful or severe eye redness or redness that persists or recurs, visit North Florida Eye Center for an expert assessment.

Causes of red eyes include:

• Eye or eyelid inflammation
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Allergies
• Dry eye
• Extended screen time
• Glaucoma
• Eye injuries
• Exposure to smoke or fumes
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Corneal ulcers
• Long-term sun exposure

If you develop light sensitivity, pain, swelling, or blurry vision in addition to eye redness, call North Florida Eye Center right away.

To find the cause of eye redness, your eye doctor assesses your eyes with a dilated eye exam and tests your vision.

They also review your medical history and discuss the symptoms and possible causes with you. For example, finding out if you’ve suffered smoke exposure or spent many hours on your computer. Your eye doctor may do imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and check for other problems.

Depending on what’s causing your red eyes and the condition’s severity, your North Florida Eye Center doctor might recommend:

• Eye drops: Eye drops have several uses. Some lubricate dry eyes, and others contain medicines that eliminate infection and treat eye diseases like glaucoma.

 

• Good eye hygiene: People often touch and rub their eyes, increasing the risk of infection. You should avoid this as much as possible and keep your eyes and hands clean. It’s important not to use old or contaminated eye makeup and to cleanse your face thoroughly before bed. Quit smoking and other unhealthy habits like drinking excessive quantities of alcohol.

 

• Use eye protection: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. If you use a computer or other screen for long periods, wear glasses that block blue light and take frequent breaks.

If your red eyes result from an eye disease like glaucoma, your eye doctor might recommend laser treatment. This involves using light energy to correct abnormalities in your eyes. In some cases, surgery might be necessary.