While red eyes can be a sign of tiredness or allergies, they may also indicate infections, chronic dry eye, or more serious conditions such as glaucoma or uveitis.
Our team at Marano Eye Care can solve the riddle of what’s causing your eye redness and develop a treatment plan focused on protecting your vision.
Here are a few potential causes of red eyes and what that might mean about your eye health.
If you've been burning the midnight oil or spending too much time staring at screens, your eyes may respond with redness. Fatigue reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes, causing blood vessels to dilate and leading to a bloodshot appearance.
Try the 20-20-20 remedy to reduce screen strain. Look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. It may take time for this to become a habit. Setting an alarm on your phone might help. It’s well worth the effort to give your eyes a break.
Seasonal allergies or sensitivities to pet dander, dust, or pollen can trigger itchy, red, watery eyes. This happens when your immune system releases histamines in response to allergens.
Watch for sneezing, runny nose, or itchy skin along with red eyes, and check with your physician for allergy testing and treatment if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Dry eye occurs when your tear ducts aren’t producing enough or the correct balance of lubrication. The lack of a healthy tear layer can cause eye inflammation and redness.
Environmental issues, such as air conditioning or a windy day, can cause temporary symptoms. However, chronic dry eyes may be related to an underlying medical condition such as Sjögren’s syndrome, certain medications, or a blockage of the tiny meibomian oil glands that line the eyelids.
Chronic dry eyes can lead to blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and problems wearing contact lenses. Your Marano Eye Care specialist may recommend treatments such as prescription-strength eyedrops or a LipiFlow® procedure to clear blocked oil glands
Best known as “pink eye,” bacterial or viral infections can cause conjunctivitis or be related to allergies. Symptoms include eye redness, pain, and discharge.
Eye redness accompanied by yellow/green discharge or severe discomfort requires medical attention.
Wearing contact lenses too long or not cleaning them properly can irritate your eyes, cause redness, and even lead to serious infections. Follow proper lens hygiene and schedule a visit if wearing your lenses as directed is causing discomfort, blurred vision, or excessive tearing.
Red eyes and pain? Don’t ignore it. These may be signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency that can lead to vision loss if untreated. Other signs include blurred vision, blind spots (scotomas), or halos around lights.
This is inflammation inside the eye that can cause redness, pain, and light sensitivity. Uveitis is often associated with autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and requires prompt medical treatment to protect your vision.
Sometimes a red eye is caused by a small blood vessel bursting, which can look alarming but is usually harmless and typically clears on its own. Causes include coughing, sneezing, or straining.
Schedule a visit at Marano Eye Care today for a comprehensive eye exam and personalized care. We’re conveniently located in Denville, Livingston, and Newark, New Jersey.
