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What causes redness in the eyes?

Apr 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In general, red eyes may be caused by eye strain, overuse of eye drops, eye injury, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and follow the doctor's advice for appropriate management. Hands may carry bacteria or viruses, and rubbing the eyes can lead to eye infections. Therefore, avoid rubbing your eyes as much as possible, especially when experiencing eye discomfort.

Under normal circumstances, red eyes may be caused by eye strain, overuse of eye drops, eye injury, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and follow the doctor's advice for appropriate management. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Eye strain: Prolonged and continuous use of the eyes, especially when working or reading in front of electronic devices, can put pressure on blood vessel walls, leading to vasodilation and congestion, making the eyes appear red. To prevent this, avoid excessive eye use and periodically close your eyes to allow them to rest.

2. Eye drops: Some eye drops containing irritating chemicals or preservatives may cause adverse reactions in ocular tissues. Long-term or improper use of eye drops can increase the sensitivity and reactivity of ocular blood vessels, resulting in vasodilation and congestion. Use eye drops only as prescribed and avoid overuse.

3. Eye injury: Trauma to the eye may cause rupture or damage to ocular blood vessels. Once blood vessels rupture, blood leaks into surrounding tissues, causing local congestion and redness. Seek immediate medical attention to check for globe injury or bleeding, and have the area disinfected by a healthcare professional.

4. Allergic conjunctivitis: This is an allergic eye condition triggered by allergens. When allergens such as pollen or dust mites enter the eye, they activate the ocular immune response, prompting the release of inflammatory mediators from ocular tissues. These mediators cause blood vessel dilation and congestion, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, and tearing. Follow medical advice to relieve symptoms with medications such as epinastine fumarate ophthalmic solution, olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets.

5. Keratitis: Keratitis is typically an inflammation caused by infection of the cornea by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It often leads to corneal vascular congestion and edema, resulting in red eyes. Under medical guidance, medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, tobramycin ophthalmic solution, or fluconazole ophthalmic solution may be used to alleviate discomfort.

Hands may carry bacteria or viruses, and rubbing the eyes can lead to ocular infections. Therefore, avoid rubbing your eyes, especially when experiencing eye discomfort.

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