What Causes Redness at the Inner or Outer Corners of the Eyes?
Aug 31, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
Redness at the inner or outer canthus of the eye may result from physiological causes, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and other conditions. Eye fatigue can cause redness, dryness, and aching sensations at the canthus. Conjunctivitis—triggered by foreign-body irritation or pathogen infection—can also lead to canthal redness. Keratitis, characterized by inflammation of the cornea, may arise from spread of inflammation from adjacent tissues, pathogen infection, or immune-mediated diseases; it too can cause redness at the canthus.
Redness in the corner of the eye may be caused by physiological reasons or conditions such as conjunctivitis or keratitis.
1. Physiological causes
Improper sleeping posture causing pressure on the eye, external trauma to the eye, or prolonged eye strain due to staying up late or frequent use of electronic devices can lead to redness, dryness, and aching or swelling sensations in the corner of the eye.
2. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis may result from irritation by allergens, chemical substances, windblown sand, or other foreign bodies, or from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, and other pathogens. This condition leads to redness in the corner of the eye, accompanied by symptoms such as photophobia, tearing, a foreign body sensation, and itching.
3. Keratitis
Keratitis can occur when inflammation spreads from adjacent tissues to the cornea, or when the cornea is infected by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens. It may also be associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. These factors can cause corneal damage, resulting in redness in the corner of the eye along with eye pain, photophobia, tearing, and decreased vision.
