Red Itchy Eyes

What is a red eye?

In general, a “red eye” refers to irritated, red, and inflamed eyes. This redness occurs due to the enlargement or inflammation of the small blood vessels beneath the surface of the eye, often as a response to irritation.

One or both of your eyes can become red. This can develop gradually or appear suddenly, as in the case of allergies or injuries.

Red eyes may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Eye pain
• Itchiness
• Discharge
• Swelling
• Eyesight changes, such as blurry vision

Do red eyes have stages and varying levels of severity?

Red eyes often seem worse than they feel. Most cases of eye redness are mild and harmless, and tend to improve with over-the-counter medications and at-home remedies.

However, if redness persists for over a week or is accompanied by discomfort or sight problems, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a professional such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist. In some cases, severe red eye could indicate another condition.

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Possible Causes

What are the common causes of red eyes?

Red eyes can result from various factors. At times, your eyes may become red if you wear contact lenses for an extended period or if you stare at a computer screen for hours without breaks.

Other common reasons for eye redness include:

• Allergies
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Blepharitis
• Dry eyes
• Eye injuries
• Glaucoma

How does a red eye feel and look?

The normally white areas of the eyes sometimes become red due to swollen blood vessels caused by irritation. In some cases, a small blood vessel may even rupture.

If an injury causes the redness, the blood vessels inside the eyes dilate or open to increase blood flow for faster healing. The dilated vessels result in red eyes.

Depending on the cause, your red eye might feel:

• Completely normal – until you see it, you may not realise your eye is red.
• Irritated or itchy, as if there’s something in the eye.
• Tender.
• Too watery or overly dry.
• Crusty or sticky, especially when infection is present and producing pus.

Care and Treatment

How are red eyes treated?

There is a wide range of treatments for eye redness, most of which you can try at home. These measures can often help manage and relieve symptoms:

• Resting.
• Applying a cold compress to closed eyes.
• Gently massaging your eyelids.
• Cleaning your eyelids carefully.
• Using over-the-counter eye drops.

In some cases, an eye care professional may recommend antibiotics or prescribe special ointments or eye drops.

Complications

What are the possible complications of untreated red eye?

While most cases of red eye aren’t serious and may not require treatment, some conditions causing redness can be more severe.
If redness lasts for more than one or two days, or if a young child develops red eyes, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. You should also seek medical attention if the condition is accompanied by pain or discharge.
If red eye is a symptom of a serious health issue, failure to address it could lead to vision loss.

Prevention

How can you prevent red eyes?

Although not all cases of red eyes are preventable, you can take the following steps to reduce the risk of developing the condition:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes, as germs or dirt from your hands can worsen redness and irritation.
• Always clean your contact lenses and avoid wearing them for longer than instructed.
• Properly remove eye makeup and ensure your eyes are clean.
• Take regular breaks if you spend long hours staring at a computer screen.
• Avoid known irritants such as smoke, dust, or pet dander.
• Use a dehumidifier to prevent mould and moisture in your home.
• Practise proper hand-washing techniques to prevent infections.

If your eyes are frequently red or the redness doesn’t resolve, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

When should I contact my doctor about eye redness?

While red eyes often resolve on their own, they can sometimes indicate a more serious eye problem or illness. You should see an ophthalmologist for evaluation and treatment when:

• Your eyes become tender.
• Your eyesight is affected.
• Your eyes are extremely sensitive to light.
• Symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen instead of improving.
• Your eyes produce excessive mucus or pus that dries and forms crusts.
• Your eye pain is accompanied by body aches or fever.

Schedule an appointment right away with your eye doctor if you develop red eyes along with any of the following symptoms:

• Eye discomfort.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Swelling.
• Blurred vision.

A Note from MD.co.uk

Nearly everyone will develop red eyes at some point in their life. Generally, red eyes aren’t a serious condition. They mostly result from irritation and resolve when the irritation subsides. However, if you experience pain or vision problems, it’s important to have your eyes examined by a specialist. If you have any concerns about your eyes, it’s always advisable to seek help from a medical expert.