Eye Health Problems & Glaucoma > Red and Pink Eye Causes
Why Are Your Eyes Red?
A red or pink eye -- although usually painless -- is visually disturbing. When people look at you, they look mainly at your eyes. People judge your health and well being by how your eyes look.
Eyes look red when blood vessels near the surface of the eye become enlarged and dilated. If you have red eyes, it is important to find out why. Red eyes have several primary causes including: irritation, infection, allergies, or underlying health problems.
There are many possible causes of red eyes, therefore, it is important to have Dr. Robert Monetta examine your eyes to determine the cause and best treatment. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Allergies: Dust, pollen, mold and environmental (smog, pollution etc).
- Infections: Bacterial (discharge and crusting), viral (runny nose, sinus congestion or swollen eyelids). Both are very contagious.
- Sexually Transmitted: Herpes Simplex, Chlamydia
- Dry Eye: Insufficient tear production, hormonal, age or system health problems.
- Excessive UV/Sun Exposure: Tanning beds and over exposure during sports like skiing, surfing, etc…
- Environmental: Smog, chemicals, wind or active dust.
- Eyes strain: Prolonged computer work or visual tasks that decrease blink rate.
- Contact Lens Wear: Wearing contact lenses too long or not replacing lenses as prescribed.
- Uveitis: An inflammation of the middle layer of the eye where most of the blood vessels are located. Symptoms include redness, pain, blurry vision, floaters and light sensitivity. Uveitus can be caused by health problems such as the auto immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Uveitis can also be associated with AIDS, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, herpes zoster and syphilis. Uveitis should be treated quickly because other complications such as glaucoma, cataracts or retinal and choroidal scarring may occur if left untreated.
- Blepharitis: A chronic infection and inflammation of the eyelids.
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a serious medical emergency and must be treated immediately.
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: This can be caused by sneezing, coughing, intense training, vomiting, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain blood disorders.
- Corneal Ulcer or Infection: The cornea has no blood vessels of its own. When the cornea becomes infected, surrounding blood vessels enlarge to bring immune system-related cells to help fight the infection.
- Frequent Use of Eye Drops: Constant use of one of the "get the red out" eye drops can cause over dilation of the eyes' blood vessels. A rebound hyperemia affect can occur when you stop using the drops because the body becomes accustomed to being chemical constricted by the eye drops. After the effect of the eye drop wears off, the blood vessels sometimes dilate larger causing the eyes to appear even more blood shot.
- Injury: Corneal abrasion, ocular trauma and sports injury.
- Smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.
- Lid Lice.
- Lack of sleep.
If you have a red or pink eye, make an appointment with Dr. Robert Monetta immediately. In case your red eye is contagious, be careful not to spread the infection. Wash your hands often, do not share linens, make up or go swimming. Discard any used liquid make-up and soft contact lenses.
Do not use medications prescribed for someone else or leftover from an old infection. The medication may not be appropriate for your current condition and the bottle may be infected from touching the eye during previous use. If you, or your child, are experiencing other symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, earache, then the symptoms may be caused by the same bacteria. You may need an oral antibiotic in addition to the treatment for your eyes.