Red eye

When does an eye become red?

A red eye can be due to multiple reasons, but the common ones include infections such as conjunctivitis which is usually obvious due to a mild discharge from the eye.

Dry eye and blepharitis can also cause redness of the eye and can be treated by using ocular lubricants or specially targeting the cause of blepharitis.

Redness can also be caused by inflammation of the eye such as scleritis or uveitis. These can be associated with systemic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions. A specialist with an interest in uveitis is the best person to manage treatment of eye redness due to inflammatory eye conditions.

A red eye can also be due to a sudden rise in eye pressure called acute angle closure glaucoma which is an eye emergency. The eye becomes red and painful and often associated with a headache and nausea. Medication is required to bring the eye pressure down.

At VISIO Health, we have Consultant led emergency eye care.

Do I need to be concerned if have a red eye?

The treatment for eye redness is not complex but occasionally, it may be, due to infections of the front of the eye, and can be sight threatening especially if related to wearing of contact lenses. These need to be treated promptly to prevent complications and long term sight loss.

Rarely, late complications of rubeosis due to neovascularisation, can lead to a red painful eye. Neovascularisation or new vessel formation can occur as a complication of advanced diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion. This needs specialist care and management.