Red eye can appear from numerous causes. Often, short periods of eye redness should not worry us. There are common situations that can lead to temporary eye redness and that don't necessarily require ophthalmologic examination: wearing contact lenses, prolonged computer activity, common colds, cigarette smoke, prolonged periods of sleeplessness, etc.
But when redness persists and is accompanied by discharge or eye pain, the cause may be serious.
What Could Be the Causes?
Conjunctivitis – represents the most common cause of eye redness. It can be of viral, bacterial or allergic etiology and represents inflammation of the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye, which becomes pink-reddish; it is not accompanied by vision loss, but by redness, watery, mucous or purulent discharge; if untreated, it can be complicated by keratoconjunctivitis, which leads to vision loss.
Keratoconjunctivitis – represents inflammation of the transparent membrane at the front of the eye; it is accompanied by vision loss, photophobia, intense eye discomfort; if untreated, it can leave scars that permanently affect vision.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage – can appear spontaneously after a coughing fit, sneezing, various traumas or following a spike in arterial blood pressure, in diabetes or hematological conditions; it is not painful, does not lead to vision loss, but is impressive in appearance.
Uveitis – is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye; a severe condition, accompanied by pain, vision loss; if untreated, it leads to permanent sequelae accompanied by vision loss, increased intraocular pressure.
Acute glaucoma attack – is the most severe form of glaucoma which, if untreated, can lead to irreversible vision loss; it is accompanied by intense eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting. It requires emergency treatment.
Dry red eye – can be accompanied by redness, foreign body sensation, sometimes vision impairment.
Presence of a conjunctival or corneal foreign body – is accompanied by photophobia, excessive tearing, redness and eye discomfort, with or without vision loss; requires extraction of the foreign body.
When Is It an Emergency?
In conclusion, urgently request a consultation if one of the following situations occurs:
- Vision loss
- Intense eye pain, accompanied by headache, nausea and excessive light sensitivity
- Foreign body sensation
- Abundant mucous or purulent discharge.
References: AAO Conjunctivitis
