Understanding the Red Eye Problem

Even after so much progress in the medical science, the eye problems haven’t been one of the many problems that have become uncommon with time. Speaking specifically about eye problems, one of the most common eye problems that are faced by people is the red eye problem. Almost in every circle of people, some people are often found carrying eye drops for red eyes.

As the name says, a ‘Red Eye’ is simply a red hue added to the eye that is visible to the naked eyes. The problem is caused due to swollen or dilated blood vessels on the white part of the eye.

Its severeness often varies. It could come with mild irritation or itching one can hardly avoid. To be free from this problem, people generally keep eye drops for red eye relief. Often, the blood vessels on the surface of the eyes become irritated which results in enlarged and dilated blood vessels. 

There are numerous red eye medicines available over the counter that come with the label- ‘Red Eye relief’ but choosing them carefully is also important. And to do that, you need to first know the about type of red eye problem that you’re facing and the right medicine, or simply the eye drop for red eyes you should be using.

Symptoms:

As mentioned above, the right understanding of red eye problem is more important than the right treatment. Let’s have a look at the symptoms that can help us identify the red-eye problem:

•    Painful red eye

•    Itchy eyes

•    Watery eyes

•    Swollen eyelid

•    Foreign body sensation

•    Eyelashes flashing out. (Typically associated with Blepharitis)

•    Burning sensation in the eyes

•    An eye injury

•    Other symptoms: sensitivity to the light, headache, reduced vision.

Some of the major causes:

So far we have understood that red eye is caused due to the expansion of the tiny blood vessels in our eyes. There could be many possibilities responsible for it. Most of the times, the problem is solved with eye drops for red eye relief that are available over the counter of any pharmacist store.

Here are a few of the major causes of it:

1. Broken Blood vessel: It happens due to the breakage of the tiny blood vessels beneath the surface of the eye. Hence, the white part of the eyes starts turning reddish. Though it isn’t as serious as it appears. Eye drops for red eye relief could be used to get rid of this problem.

It could be a consequence of an eye-injury, heavy-lifting or just by rubbing the eye too hard. 

2. Dry eyes: Dry eyes occur due to the inadequate production of tears through our tear glands. Generally, the syndrome is not totally curable. Though, it could be managed by lubrication of eyes with the application of “artificial tears” or by using the dry eye drops prescribed by the doctor.

3. Contact lenses: Even though contact lenses are used for the betterment of the eyes, the flip side of the scenario could be disastrous for the same cause. The appearance of red eyes after wearing the contact lens could be a bad sign. It can be an indication of fungal eye infections or other eye infections.

One of the major problems arises when the amount of oxygen reaching the eyes starts getting reduced due to the contact lenses. This could severely affect your tear production and make the dry eye problem even worse.

4. Conjunctivitis: It is one of the most contagious problems related to red eyes. It generally occurs due to the infection of the transparent membrane that covers the sclera and lines the eyelids. The blood vessels within it become irritated and swell due to the infection in the conjunctiva due to which, the eye starts appearing reddish-pink.

The treatment for the relief varies with the seriousness of the problem. It is strongly advised to consult a doctor as soon as the problem comes.

5. Allergy: Allergies are also one of the most common causes of red eye. It generally occurs due to the exposure to the allergy triggers like pollen, pet dander, dust or certain chemicals. In response to the exposure, our body releases histamine which causes enlargement of the blood vessels of the eyes and hence the eye becomes red & watery. 

Solution:

There’s no specific panacea for all problems related to the red eye. Sometimes the problem could be solved with the red eye medicines available over the counter. If the problem is because of the contact lenses, it is time to get rid of them. 

Other factors like environment and diet of an individual are also responsible for the problem. Foods that are rich in omega-3-fatty acids could also reduce inflammation.

Artificial tears could be used in case of dry eyes. Generally, the problem is treated with the eye drops available at drugstores for red eye relief. But if the problem appears serious, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor as soon as the problem arrives.