Red eyes is a very common presentation at our clinic and it can mean a plethora of things.
In most cases, the red eye presentations are non-threatening and only a few will be diagnosed as urgent and will require further examination at the specialist.
So how can you tell if your red eye is non-threatening?
Critical and urgent cases are indicated by:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden onset of flashes/floaters
- Foreign body
- Blunt trauma
- Severe pain
If you experience any of these symptoms it is recommended you visit your nearest optometrist as soon as possible, especially if you are a contact lens wearer.
Common causes of red eye include:
- Conjunctivitis: which can be caused by a bacterial infection, or a virus. Some symptoms presented in conjunctivitis cases include redness, sandpaper/gritty feeling like something is in the eye, yellow discharge and burning and stinging.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: which is caused by an inflammatory reaction to an allergen such as dust, pollen. Symptoms for allergic conjunctivitis are itching, swollen eyelids and watery eyes.
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage: which is caused by a rupture of a tiny blood vessel in the whites of your eye. It appears as a scary red spot but rest assured it is harmless and goes away on it’s own.
- Dry eyes: moderate and severe dry eyes can cause redness, irritation, grittiness and watery eyes. To find out which ocular lubricant is most suitable for your dry eyes, book in to see one of our optometrists.
In any case of red eyes, common or urgent, we recommend you to visit us at Eyecare Network as soon as possible for treatment. Any delays can lead to unwanted complications.
Having trouble with red eyes? Click the Book an Appointment button above to make an appointment today!
