Red eyes are caused by enlarged, dilated blood vessels leading to the appearance of redness on the surface of the eye.
General considerations
General considerations
There are many possible causes of a red one or both eyes and some of them may be of concern or medical emergencies, while others offer no consequence or concern at all. In general, the degree of redness or appearance of blood does not correlate with the severity of the situation. It is generally more important whether you have eye pain or impaired vision.
Common Causes
Common Causes
Bloodshot eyes appear red because the vessels on the surface of the white portion of eye (escleróticaesclerótica) become enlarged and irritated, which may occur due to extremely dry air, sun exposure, dust, a foreign body, an allergic reaction, infection, trauma or other conditions.
A common cause of a red eye is straining or coughing. This can lead to this bloody area bright red, uniformly dense in the sclera, called subconjuntivalhemorragia subconjunctival hemorrhage. Although this area with the presence of blood may seem alarming, it is quite common and of little significance. If you notice a bloody blotch in one eye that does not hurt, but it looks bad, do not worry, as it usually goes away by itself within one or two weeks.
Infections or inflammation of the eye may occur in different places and cause redness as well as possible itching, discharge, pain or vision problems.
* BlefaritisBlefaritis inflammation of the eyelash follicles along the eyelid, caused by skin bacteria. This is common itchy eyelids may appear greasy or crusty.
* ConjuntivitisConjuntivitis: inflammation or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids and covers the surface of the eye (conjunctiva). This condition is often called “pink eye” and can be caused by a virus, bacteria, allergy or irritation. If it is caused by an organism is highly contagious.
* CornealesÚlceras corneal ulcers: often caused by bacterial or viral infection. (The cornea is the outer covering of the eye.)
* UveítisUveítis: inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid is usually related to an autoimmune disorder, infection or exposure to toxins. Often, only the iris is inflamed, which is called iritis.
Other potential causes include:
* Cold or allergies
* Objects in the eye that cut or harm. (See eye emergencies ocularesemergencias)
* Acute Glaucoma agudoGlaucoma a sudden increase in eye pressure that is extremely painful and causes serious visual disturbances. This is considered a medical emergency and most times, glaucoma is chronic and gradual.
* Corneal scratches caused by sand, dust, or overuse of contact lenses.
* Bleeding problems (for example, excess use of blood thinning drugs)
Home Care
Home Care
For fatigue or eyestrain, try to rest your eyes. Not require any treatment.
If you have conjunctivitis:
* Avoid touching the infected eye and then rubbing the other eye, because the infection can spread from one eye to another.
* Apply cool or warm compresses throughout the day.
* Homeopathic eye drops may provide relief counter.
* Do not wear makeup or contact lenses until the infection has disappeared. Throw away items like these that you used in your infected eye.
* Wash hands frequently.
If you have blepharitis:
* Apply warm compresses to your eyes for 5 minutes, at least two times a day.
* Using a cotton swab, gently rub a solution of warm water and baby shampoo to produce tears, where the lash meets the lid. Do this in the morning and before going to bed.
Call your doctor if
Call your doctor if
Go to the emergency room or call your local emergency number (911 in the U.S.) if:
* The eye is red after a penetrating injury.
* You have a headache along with blurred vision and confusion.
* You are seeing halos around lights.
* You have nausea and vomiting.
Call your doctor if:
* The eye redness persists for more than one or two days.
* Eye oculardolor have pain or changes in vision.
* Take-thinning medications like warfarin.
* You can have an object in the eye.
* It is very sensitive to light.
* It has a yellow or greenish discharge from one or both eyes.
What to expect at the doctor’s office
What to expect at the doctor’s office
Your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination that includes a detailed eye exam.
To help diagnose the problem, the doctor may ask medical history questions such as:
* Are they affected? If only one eye is affected, which one is it?
* What part of the eye is affected: the white part, or something else?
* Did the redness come on suddenly?
* Did he before?
* Is there eye pain? Is it worse after you move your eyes?
* Do you have other symptoms like eye discharge, burning or itching? “Nausea or vomiting? “Headache?
It may be necessary to irrigate the eyes with normal saline and should remove any foreign objects. May be prescribed eye drops.
Prevention
Prevention
To prevent conjunctivitis:
* NOT share anything that has been in contact with the eye of someone with this contagious condition, such as pillowcases, sheets, towels or eyeliner.
* Wash your hands immediately if you have been in contact with someone with conjunctivitis.
* Wash out any chemicals or objects from your eye immediately.
Tags: allergic reaction, Bloodshot eyes, Eye Infection, Red Eyes
