Common Causes Of Red Eye Conditions

There can be many different reasons why eyes become red, sore and inflamed. The most common reasons include:

Infections

The most common eye infection is conjunctivitis. This can affect both children and adults with symptoms such as discharge, swellings, itching and burning sensation. Some forms of conjunctivitis are very contagious, whilst others are not. If someone has allergic conjunctivitis this is not a contagious condition, however, conjunctivitis caused by viral or bacterial infections can be passed onto others very easily. Whenever children or adults have pink or red eyes with one or more of the symptoms medical attention should be sought to make a correct diagnosis and provide any necessary medication and treatments.

Children in particular may have trouble stopping themselves from rubbing their eyes if they are itching of burning, this should be discouraged along with ensuring that toiletries such as flannels are only used by the person with the condition. It is also advisable to use a different piece of clean cloth or cotton pads for each eye to try and avoid transmission to both eyes or others within the household. Hands should be thoroughly washed after the eyes have been touched to further reduce the risk of contamination to others.

Allergies.

Many people suffer with eye allergies, these may be a year round allergy such as to pet fur, in particular cats, dust mites, moulds and fumes such as cigarette smoke or they may be season allergies as with some types of hay fever. If eyes very quickly become red, swollen and watery this usually indicates an allergy.

To relieve the itching and puffiness a wet compress placed on the outside of closed lids may provide relief. If the cause of the allergy is known you could also use over-the-counter antihistamine orally. However, if the condition is persistent it is advisable to consult a doctor for medical advice and treatment.

Broken blood vessels.

The medical name given to a broken blood vessel in the eye is subconjunctival haemorrhage. This can occur due to a number of reasons including excessive eye rubbing, lifting heavy objects or for no apparent reason at all. These broken blood vessels are usually harmless and are not considered to need urgent medical attention. However, if there is no apparent cause and the condition develops further or worsens over a couple of days it would be advisable to get the doctor to check out the affected eye.

Trauma

If you have been hit in the eye it will undoubtedly cause redness, pain and possibly blurred vision. The eye may have also suffered from scratching or gouging as well as hidden damage inside the eye such as retinal detachment. This can be very serious and requires prompt medical attention. Unless the eye has only been hit lightly it would be wise to seek medical attention immediately either via a doctor or accident and emergency unit.

Foreign objects

Foreign objects in eyes refers to anything which has entered onto the outer surface of the eye such as sand, small insects, grit or metal. Washing the eye with sterile eye solution may dislodge the object or it may be possible to gently remove the object with a clean tissue. Rubbing should be avoided as this may cause scratching and further irritation.
If you are in any doubt as to the cause of red and irritated eye conditions medical attention and advice should be sought.