Eye redness

Eye redness can be a sign of mild conjunctivitis or another less serious condition, but if it becomes painful, the pain might be caused by a more serious problem—in which case, you should see a doctor.

If you have red eyes accompanied by pain or other symptoms such as blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, headache, or nausea, seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of Eye redness                                                           

The most common cause of eye redness is conjunctivitis. The second most significant cause is a rupture of blood vessels in the white part of the eye.

Conjunctivitis                               

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the front of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis causes swelling of the superficial blood vessels of the eye and a foreign body sensation. Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and causes severe itching, while viral conjunctivitis initially affects one eye (characterized by tearing) and after a few days, redness develops in the other eye. The most common cause of viral conjunctivitis is the common cold. Bacterial conjunctivitis is mainly characterized by mucous discharge from one eye and dryness of the skin around the eyelids.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis you have. In some cases, no treatment is needed, while in others, eye drops may be prescribed. You can relieve symptoms at home by following some tips:

• Do not touch one eye and then the other eye with your hand, as this spreads the infection.
• Avoid using makeup and contact lenses until the conjunctivitis has resolved.
• Do not share your towel, pillow, or other personal hygiene items with others if you have conjunctivitis.

Damage to the Blood Vessels on the Surface of the Eye 

A rupture of a blood vessel on the surface of the eye can be caused by straining or coughing, leading to a red spot known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This can be a concerning sign if you are taking medications like aspirin or warfarin (which reduce blood clotting ability and cause eye redness. However, this redness will disappear within a few weeks).

Common Causes of Eye Pain

If you experience eye redness along with pain or symptoms such as vision impairment, it could be due to one of the following conditions:

Iritis

Iritis is inflammation of the iris (the colored part of the eye), also known as anterior uveitis. Its exact cause is unknown, though it can be triggered by an underlying infection.

Iritis is characterized by eye redness, increased sensitivity to light, headache and blurred vision.

Acute Glaucoma

Acute glaucoma is a condition where there is a sudden increase in intraocular pressure, causing severe eye pain. You may also notice glare around a light source, worsening of eyesight.

Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection and creates a sensation of something foreign in the eye. Corneal bacterial ulcers often develop in people who wear contact lenses.

Corneal Abrasion or Small Foreign Object

If a particle, such as a grain of sand, gets into the eye, a doctor will try to remove it. Initially, a local anesthetic is used to numb the surface of the eye. If a particle scratches the cornea, you may experience discomfort once the anesthetic wears off, and you might be prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment for relief.