Introduction
Red eye is a common condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the eye become inflamed or irritated. It can be accompanied by discomfort, itching, tearing, or vision disturbances. While occasional redness is harmless, persistent or painful red eyes may indicate an underlying eye problem that requires medical attention. At Shreya Eye Centre, Dr. Rakesh Gupta provides specialized care to diagnose and treat red eye effectively.
Causes of Red Eye
Red eye can result from various factors, including:
- Allergies – Pollen, dust, pet dander, or smoke can trigger eye redness and irritation.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens leading to inflammation of the conjunctiva.
- Dry Eye Syndrome – Insufficient tear production can cause irritation and redness.
- Eye Irritants – Exposure to smoke, chemicals, or contact lenses can lead to red eyes.
- Corneal Ulcers or Infections – Bacterial or viral infections affecting the cornea.
- Blepharitis – Inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacterial infections or skin conditions.
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage – A small blood vessel break under the conjunctiva, causing a red patch in the eye.
- Glaucoma – A sudden increase in eye pressure can lead to redness, pain, and vision problems.
- Uveitis – Inflammation inside the eye, affecting the iris and other structures.
- Eye Fatigue – Prolonged screen use or lack of sleep can cause temporary redness.
Symptoms to Watch For
- 1. Persistent eye redness
- 2. Pain or discomfort in the eye
- 3. Excessive tearing or discharge
- 4. Itching or burning sensation
- 5. Blurred vision
- 6. Swelling of the eyelids
Diagnosis and Treatment
At Shreya Eye Centre, Dr. Rakesh Gupta conducts a detailed eye examination, including slit-lamp evaluation, tear film analysis, and bacterial or viral testing if necessary. Treatment depends on the cause of red eye and may include:
- Artificial Tears & Lubricants – To relieve dryness and irritation.
- Antibiotic or Antiviral Eye Drops – For bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.
- Antihistamines & Allergy Medications – To reduce allergic reactions.
- Warm Compresses & Eyelid Hygiene – To manage blepharitis.
- Steroid Drops – For inflammatory conditions like uveitis.
- Glaucoma Treatment – If increased eye pressure is the cause.
If a red eye is accompanied by severe pain, sudden vision changes, excessive discharge, or light sensitivity, seek immediate medical care. For expert diagnosis and treatment of red eye, visit Dr. Rakesh Gupta at Shreya Eye Centre.