When Are Red Eyes a Medical Problem?

Eye redness isn't usually something you have to worry about. Various environmental factors or irritations can cause your eyes to take on a pink or red hue. However, in some instances, you may need to seek treatment for red eyes.

At Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge, our team offers treatments for issues like red eyes, dry eyes, and floaters. Our four experienced ophthalmologists provide general eye exams and other procedures to eliminate eye redness at the cause.

Causes of red eyes

Eye redness is a prevalent problem among kids and adults. You may notice it as spring approaches or after sitting at a campfire from all the smoke.

In many cases, red eyes result from irritation from an outside source. Dryness and exposure to dust or smoke may cause eye redness. Eyes may even become red after looking at a computer and straining for too long.

However, other causes of eye redness can be concerning. Serious causes of eye redness include the following:

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the whites of your eyes and eyelids, often caused by bacteria or a virus.

Uveitis

The uvea is in the middle portion of your eye. Inflammation causes uveitis, leading to eye redness, pain, and sensitivity.

Blepharitis

This condition causes redness, swelling, and irritation of your eyelids from irritation of your tissues.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma leads to increased eye pressure, which strains your optic nerve. Without treatment, this can cause eye redness and increase the risk of vision loss.

Corneal ulcer

Severe infections or eye injuries can lead to a corneal ulcer, a sore on the clear part of your eye. Redness, pain, or vision changes are familiar with a corneal ulcer.

You may also notice eye redness after you wear a pair of contact lenses for too long, which may result in a corneal abrasion or other injuries. It's a good idea to seek treatment for red eyes if they don't clear up independently.

When to see a doctor

If red eyes aren't anything serious, they should clear up within a day or so with home care and eye drops. However, if they persist, you should book an appointment with our team.

Eye redness can be a cause for concern, so get help if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Tenderness
• Pain
• Worsening redness
• Vision changes
• Light sensitivity
• Known injury
• Pus or other discharge

You should also seek treatment if you have something in your eye or experience welder's flash. A foreign object can lead to infection and other serious eye issues without proper care.

Available treatments for red eyes

At your appointment, we’ll perform an eye exam to determine the root cause of eye redness. The treatment we suggest depends on the cause of the redness. For instance, if you have conjunctivitis, we’ll offer antibiotics and eye drops to clear the infection.

If the redness is from contact lenses, you should take a break from wearing them or change your solution. Other treatments we offer for red eyes include:

• Eye drops
• Cool compresses
• Artificial tears for dryness
• Allergy drops
• Eyelid scrubs
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Eye drop changes
• Eyelid surgery

More serious conditions may require surgical intervention. If you can't wear contacts, we offer Lasik eye surgery and laser vision correction to relieve red eyes and improve vision.

Call us at Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge today to make an appointment for red eyes, or click here to book online.