Seeking Treatment for Red Eyes

Posted by fortworth on February 26th, 2015

Red eyes are something that all of us have experienced at some point in our lives, whether mild or severe and the result of a variety of circumstances. Sometimes red eyes are temporary, the result of lack of sleep, eye strain, prolonged coughing, or external factors such as allergies or exposure to dust, dry air, smoke, or other irritants. In other cases, red eyes may last longer and are the result of more pronounced causes that may require more involved treatment from an eye doctor. The general rule of thumb is that if red eyes are accompanied by pain or any loss of vision, then you should see your doctor immediately. Even the reddest of eyes may not be cause for any alarm as unsettling as they may appear. It’s when this redness is one symptom among others that it can require treatment.

Red eyes occur when vessels in the surface of the eye (the white portion) become irritated and enlarged. In many, many cases this is a temporary condition that is due to common irritants, is not accompanied by pain or other symptoms, and will resolve itself very quickly.

In other cases, red eyes are the result of more complex conditions that need to be addressed by your eye doctor. Some of these conditions include:

Conjunctivitis. Known more commonly as pink eye, conjunctivitis is a highly contagious infection that causes inflammation in the membrane that lines the eyelids as well as the surface of the eye itself. Causing red eyes, itching, and discharge, pink eye is treated with antibacterial drops prescribed by your doctor.

Corneal Ulcers. Typically caused by a virus or bacteria, ulcers can develop on the surface of the cornea and need to be treated by an eye doctor.

Blepharitis. Caused by bacteria, blepharitis causes inflammation of the eyelash follicles. Along with itching and red eyes, the patient will often experience crustiness.

If red eyes are unrelated to any environmental irritants and are accompanied by pain or any loss of vision, your eye doctor should be consulted for treatment as soon as possible.

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The physicians at Ophthalmology Associateshave offered eye care services in Fort Worth, HEB, Weatherford, and Granbury for over 40 years. For more information call us at (817) 332-2020 or Contact Us Online to request an appointment by simply filling out the on-line form. It's a beautiful world; you deserve to see it well!