Red eyes

Red eyes

Red eyes are a common phenomenon and something everyone experiences from time to time. Red eyes occur because the blood vessels in the eye dilate. The causes of red eyes can be many. In most cases, red eyes are temporary and completely harmless, but it can also be a sign of an underlying disease.

Causes of red eyes

Red eyes occur because the blood vessels in the eye expand due to irritation, inflammation or damage to the eye. Most often, red eyes are the result of the eyes being overworked. This can be due, for example, to too little sleep, poor air quality, dim lighting, or long days in front of a screen. Red eyes can also be a sign of underlying disease such as:

• Conjunctivitis (acute conjunctivitis)

• Inflammation of the cornea (keratitis)

• Acute glaucoma (narrow-angle glaucoma)

• Ulcers on the cornea (corneal erosion)

• Dry eyes

• Path on the eye

• Inflammation of the eyelid (chalazion)

• Allergy (allergic conjunctivitis)

• Inflammation of the iris (iridocyclitis)

• Inflammation of the outer layer of the tendon sheath (episcleritis)

• Bleeding in the tissue of the eye

• Foreign body

• Snow blindness

• Inflammation of the rim of the eyelid (blepharitis)

Good advice for red eyes

If you are often bothered by red eyes, you should see a doctor. The doctor can assess and find out whether the redness is due to an underlying disease that needs treatment. Here are some simple measures that can prevent and counteract red eyes and that can improve eye health in general:

Blink more often. The tear film that moisturizes and protects the surface of the eye naturally evaporates from the surface of the eye after about 10 seconds. When you blink, the tear film is renewed.

• Avoid nicotine (smoke & snuff) and passive smoking.

• Lack of sleep can cause red eyes. The eyes need rest and recovery.

• Stare less. Give your eyes a chance to rest by varying the distance to what you are focusing on, and take frequent breaks.

• Good lighting is important when reading or working with the eyes. This prevents the eye from being overstrained.

• Check your vision if you experience poor vision - you may need glasses/lenses. Going over time with uncorrected vision is taxing on the eyes and makes them overworked.

• Using contact lenses can cause dry and irritated eyes. If you wear contact lenses, it is important to change glasses from time to time.

How to treat red eyes

Red eyes usually go away on their own. Here are some safe products that can help reduce and relieve redness on the eye:

• Red eyes can be alleviated with eye drops that constrict the blood vessels in the eye, such as Clear eyes and RED-I.

• Eye drops with artificial tear fluid lubricate the surface of the eye and add moisture. Artificial tear fluid is also believed to be able to reduce the amount of inflammatory substances on the surface of the eye.

• Rinsing the eye with sterile physiological saline can have a soothing effect on the eye in addition to cleaning and moisturizing.

When should you contact a doctor for red eyes?

• If you suspect that the redness of the eyes is due to an underlying disease.

• If the redness persists for a long time.

• If you experience photophobia.

• If you experience pain in the eye.

• If you experience impaired vision.