Red eyes– symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention
Red eye is a common eye condition that can affect anyone, from children to the elderly. It refers to the appearance of redness in the white part of the eye, caused by inflammation or dilation of blood vessels. While most cases of red eye are minor and resolve on their own, some may indicate a more serious issue requiring medical attention.
Understanding your eye health is essential for making informed decisions and seeking timely care. In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know about red eye, including its symptoms, common causes, available treatments, and effective ways to prevent it.
What is a red eye?
Red eye (or bloodshot eye) is not a specific disease but a symptom of various underlying conditions. It occurs when tiny blood vessels in the eye become inflamed or irritated, giving the eye a pink or red appearance. The redness can affect one or both eyes and may be accompanied by other symptoms like irritation, discharge, pain, or blurred vision.
Common symptoms of red eye
Red eyes can present with a variety of symptoms, depending on the cause. Some common signs include:
- Redness or pink appearance in the white of the eye.
- Itchiness or burning sensation.
- Watery eyes or excessive tearing.
- Discharge (clear, yellow, or green).
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Blurred or decreased vision.
- Gritty or foreign body sensation.
- Eye pain (mild to severe, depending on the cause).
If you experience sudden vision loss, intense pain, or persistent redness, it is important to consult an eye specialist immediately.
Causes of red eye
There are several potential causes of red eye, ranging from minor irritants to serious infections. The most common include:
1. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Cause: Viral or bacterial infection, allergies.
- Symptoms: Redness, watery discharge, itchiness, contagious in viral/bacterial forms.
2. Dry eye syndrome
- Cause: Reduced tear production or tear quality.
- Symptoms: Redness, stinging, gritty feeling, temporary blurred vision.
3. Allergic reactions
- Cause: Pollen, dust, pet dander, cosmetic products.
- Symptoms: Red, itchy, watery eyes, often accompanied by sneezing or nasal congestion.
4. Foreign body or irritants
- Cause: Dust, smoke, chemical exposure, contact lens misuse.
- Symptoms: Redness, discomfort, tearing, foreign body sensation.
5. Blepharitis
- Cause: Inflammation of the eyelid margins.
- Symptoms: Redness, swelling, crusting on eyelids, burning sensation.
6. Uveitis
- Cause: Autoimmune conditions, infections, trauma.
- Symptoms: Deep eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision.
- Note: This is a serious condition that needs urgent attention.
7. Glaucoma (Acute Angle-Closure)
- Cause: Sudden increase in eye pressure.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, nausea, halos around lights, red eye.
- Note: Medical emergency requiring immediate care.
Diagnosis
A comprehensive eye examination is essential to determine the underlying cause of red eye. This may include:
- Detailed history and symptom analysis.
- Slit-lamp (microscopic) examination.
- Visual acuity testing.
- Eye pressure measurement. (tonometry)
- Fluorescein assessment. (to detect corneal damage or dryness)
- Swab culture. (in case of infection)
Treatment options
Treatment depends entirely on the cause of red eye:
For bacterial infections:
- Prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
For viral conjunctivitis:
- Usually self-limiting.
- Cold compresses and lubricating drops can ease discomfort.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.
For allergies:
- Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops.
- Avoiding known allergens.
For dry eyes:
- Artificial tears.
- Prescription medications in severe cases.
For uveitis or glaucoma:
- Requires urgent medical treatment.
- May involve steroid drops, oral medications, or surgery.
When to see a specialist?
Seek immediate care if you notice:
- Sudden or severe eye pain.
- Vision loss or blurred vision.
- Light sensitivity.
- Intense redness with swelling.
- Symptoms lasting more than 2–3 days despite basic care.
Prevention tips
While some causes of red eye are unavoidable, many cases can be prevented with proper hygiene and eye care:
Practice good hygiene
- Wash hands regularly.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- Do not share towels, eye drops, or cosmetics.
Use contact lenses safely
- Clean and store lenses properly.
- Do not wear them overnight unless advised.
Manage allergies
- Use air purifiers and keep surroundings dust-free.
- Use protective eyewear when outdoors.
Give your eyes a break
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using screens: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Get regular eye check-ups
- Early detection helps prevent complications.
- Schedule periodic eye exams, especially if you have existing eye conditions.
Conclusion
Red eye may seem minor, but it could indicate an underlying condition that requires expert treatment. At Clarity Eye Surgeons, our experienced team is dedicated to providing accurate diagnosis, personalised care, and long-term solutions for all your eye health needs. If you are experiencing persistent redness or discomfort, do not ignore it—book an appointment with us today
Author bio
Dr Parth Shah is a director and principal ophthalmologist at Clarity Eye Surgeons in Canberra. With extensive training and experience, he is renowned for his expertise in the field. Dr Shah is dedicated not only to performing successful surgeries but also to patient education. His compassionate approach, combined with technical proficiency, has earned him the trust and gratitude of countless patients. He is a true advocate for eye health and a trusted name in the Canberra ophthalmology community.
FAQs
Yes, sleep deprivation can lead to eye strain and blood vessel dilation, resulting in red eyes. Ensuring proper rest is important for eye health.
Red eyes due to viral or bacterial conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, while other types (like those caused by allergies or dry eyes) are not.
Yes, prolonged use of over-the-counter “whitening” drops (vasoconstrictors) can cause rebound redness when the effect wears off.
In some cases, red eye has been reported as an ocular symptom in viral illnesses like COVID-19, though it is rare and usually mild.
While stress does not directly cause red eyes, it can lead to habits like eye rubbing, fatigue, or poor sleep—all of which may contribute to redness.
Depending on the cause, red eye can last from a few hours (mild irritation) to several days or even weeks (infection or inflammation).
Yes, it is advised to avoid makeup and contact lens use until the redness subsides to prevent worsening the condition or introducing bacteria