Eye Redness

Eye Redness: Understanding the Irritated Eyes

Eye redness, also known as red eyes or bloodshot eyes, refers to the condition where the white part of your eye (sclera) appears reddened or inflamed. This redness occurs when tiny blood vessels on the eye's surface become swollen or dilated.

Causes of Eye Redness

Many factors can irritate your eyes and cause redness. Here are some common culprits:

• Dry Eyes: This is a frequent cause, especially with prolonged computer use or exposure to dry environments.
• Allergies: Seasonal allergies or allergens like dust or pet dander can trigger eye redness, itching, and watering.
• Eye Strain: Staring at screens for extended periods, reading in dim light, or focusing on close objects for a long time can strain your eyes and lead to redness.
• Irritants: Smoke, dust, wind, chlorine in swimming pools, and certain chemicals can irritate the surface of your eye, causing redness.
• Contact Lens Overuse: Wearing contact lenses for too long or not following proper hygiene practices can irritate the eyes and cause redness.
• Eye Infection: Conjunctivitis (pink eye), a viral or bacterial infection of the conjunctiva (the clear tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye), is a common cause of red eyes, often accompanied by itching, discharge, and irritation.
• Injury: A minor scratch or injury to the cornea (the clear outer surface of the eye) can cause redness, pain, and light sensitivity.
• Underlying Conditions: In some cases, eye redness can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), uveitis (inflammation of the inner layer of the eye), or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).

Symptoms of Eye Redness

Along with the red appearance of your eye, you may experience other symptoms depending on the cause:

• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Increased tearing
• Discharge from the eye (may be clear, mucus-like, or pus-like depending on the cause)
• Pain (more likely with injury or infection)
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity