If your eye redness persists, it’s important to identify the cause and seek appropriate treatment. Discovering that the whites of your eyes are red when you look in the mirror can be alarming, making you wonder if you need to see a doctor immediately. However, eye redness doesn’t always require medical treatment. Understanding the causes and symptoms of eye redness can help you determine whether you need to visit an ophthalmologist.
Understanding Symptoms: Redness and Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Redness and subconjunctival hemorrhage can both cause the whites of the eyes to appear red, but there are differences between them:
- Redness: This occurs when the blood vessels beneath the conjunctiva expand, increasing the blood flow and making the whites of the eyes look red.
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: This happens when blood vessels under the conjunctiva burst, causing blood to pool and the whites of the eyes to appear red.
Various factors can cause eye redness. Let’s look at some common causes first.
Temporary Causes of Redness
- Physical Impact or Foreign Objects: Irritation can occur if the eye is hit or if foreign particles enter and aren’t properly expelled.
- Extended Use of Contact Lenses or Screens: Prolonged use of contact lenses or staring at screens can reduce blinking, leading to dry eyes and persistent redness.
- Fatigue, Excessive Drinking, Heavy Smoking, Lack of Sleep: These lifestyle factors can also contribute to temporary eye redness.
Typically, eye redness caused by these factors can improve with proper rest or the use of artificial tears to relieve dryness, without the need for specific treatment.
Infectious/Allergic Conjunctivitis
If redness is accompanied by pain, a foreign body sensation, or discharge, conjunctivitis might be the cause. Infectious conjunctivitis can spread from one eye to the other or to other people, so it’s important to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis, caused by allergens such as pollen, is accompanied by itching and discharge but is not contagious. An ophthalmologist can distinguish between infectious and allergic conjunctivitis and prescribe appropriate eye drops to alleviate the symptoms.
Additionally, eye redness can be caused by conditions such as uveitis and scleritis, which are linked to autoimmune responses, or acute glaucoma, which is accompanied by severe pain.
Given the difficulty in distinguishing between the causes of eye redness, it’s advisable to visit an ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you experience redness along with discharge, pain, or vision problems. This ensures safe and prompt care.