Basic causes of red, irritated eyes

At one point or another, most of us have experienced red, bloodshot or itchy eyes. If the whites of your eyes, otherwise known as the sclera, are noticeably reddened, there could be several potential causes.  Some of the most common causes include inflammation, broken blood vessels, infection, allergy or trauma.

Allergies: You may think of allergies as a seasonal problem, mainly occurring in the spring and fall, but they can happen anytime an allergen irritates your eye. Things like cat dander, or chemical fumes are often the culprit. Allergy symptoms frequently include red, watery, itchy or puffy eyes. The time of year and types of plants in your environment can also have a significant impact. In Rochester, we tend to have more allergy-relates issues in the spring and fall, but year-round allergies are also common, due to molds, dust, mites and other household irritants.

Broken Blood Vessel: Have you ever seen someone who has what looks like a spot of blood on the white of their eye? This is what happens when one of the itty-bitty blood vessels in the sclera break.  This can be caused by rubbing your eyes, lifting, straining, or for seemingly no particular reason at all. What you see may look scary, but it is just a tiny amount of blood that has leaked under the clear outer layer covering the whites of the eye, known as the conjunctiva.

Pink Eye: If you have kids, you’re likely aware of the eye infection known as Pink Eye, but did you know that there are different types of infections that fall under the broad “pink eye” nickname, and that adults can get it too? One form, called conjunctivitis, is accompanied by itching or burning, discharge, swelling, excessive watering or a combination of these. While some forms are contagious, other forms of pink eye are not. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, while the bacterial and viral forms of pink eye can indeed be spread from person to person. If you suspect you have any of the above, we highly suggest you schedule an appointment with one of our eyecare professionals for diagnosis.

Eye Trauma: The redness associated with being hit in the eye, sometimes accompanied by pain and/or blurred vision, should be taken seriously. If your eye has sustained any form of trauma, be it a scratch or gouge, or a direct hit of any kind, there may be hidden damage on the inside of the eye. Some injuries, such as a detached retina, need to be treated as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage to your vision. A cold compress or ice pack on an injured eye can provide some immediate relief, but it is imperative to seek medical attention right away.

You’ve probably experienced red, itchy eyes at some point your life. In general, a cool or cold compress can provide temporary relief of your symptoms, but if the problem is persistent, you will need to schedule an exam at The Rochester Eye & Laser Center, to diagnose and treat any underlying issues that may cause discomfort and redness.