Common Triggers of Red Eyes

Red eye is not usually an indication of a severe medical problem. Still, it is advisable to see a doctor, especially if you experience pain and a vision change. If you have persistent Beverly Hills red eyes, you may benefit from the individualized care at Beverly Hills Optometry: Advanced Dry Eye Center.

What you should know about red eyes

Red eyes, also known as bloodshot eyes, can indicate an underlying medical condition. Although some of these conditions are benign, others may be severe and prompt medical attention to prevent future complications like loss of sight. While eye red redness may cause alarm, severe eye problems often occur with a change in your vision and pain. This condition may occur in one or both eyes and can develop suddenly or over time. In most cases, a red eye looks worse than it feels, but to be safe, consult your provider about your red eyes. Red eyes often respond to over-the-counter medications and home remedies, but if they persist, seek medical attention.

Factors contributing to red eyes

Red eye can be due to several factors, including leaving contact lenses on for too long or working on your computer for several hours without taking a break. The most prevalent causes of this condition include:

• Allergies

When foreign objects like dust, pet dander, or chemicals found in contact lens solutions and makeup get into your body, your immune system launches an attack. Your body produces histamine to fight off the foreign substances, causing the enlargement of the blood vessels in your eyes.

•  Inflamed eyelid

Many people experience eyelid inflammation, which may cause the eye to burn, itch, have excessive tears, and be extra sensitive to light.

• Pink eye

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an eye infection that commonly affects children. It develops when the thin, transparent membrane covering you are the white of your eye gets infected. The condition causes the blood vessels inside the conjunctiva to swell, making your eye appear pink or red. Sometimes you may notice a stick discharge that makes your eyelashes stick together. Viral eye infections often resolve without prescription medications, while bacterial infections improve with antibiotics. Both eye infections are contagious and can be passed from one person to another.

• Dry eye

When your eye produces tears that lack the lipid part, you may develop dry eye. Your eyes need adequate and well-functioning tears to be healthy and function well. If you have dry eyes, you may experience a burning or stinging sensation, mucus discharge, or periods of dryness. As you age, your risk of developing dry eyes increases because your eyes produce less lipid part of tears. You may also get dry eyes as a side effect of specific medications.

• Eye injury

An injury or trauma to your eye may result in red bloodshot eyes. The blood vessels in the affected eye dilate, allowing blood to flow to the injury site to facilitate healing. The dilated blood vessels make your eye appear red.

Call Beverly Hills Optometry: Advanced Dry Eye Center office to learn more about red eyes or schedule an appointment online.