Red Eye: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Home Remedies

What is Red Eye?

Itching or damage might cause your eye to turn red. Some cases of eye redness can be treated at home, while others need medical attention. An eye care professional can treat your red eye, especially if it is accompanied by pain, fever, impaired vision, discharge, or other symptoms.

The term "red eye" is used to describe eyes that are red, inflamed, and/or bloodshot. Tiny blood vessels under your eye's surface enlarge or become irritated, which causes the redness. It typically occurs as a response to something bothering your eye. Both eyes or just one of them may be red. Red eyes can emerge suddenly or gradually, as in the case of allergies or an eye injury.

Symptoms of Red Eye

In addition to your eye turning red, some other symptoms of red eye may include the following:

• Eye(s) discomfort
• Itching
• Eye(s) discharge
• Enlarged eye(s)
• Vision changes, such as blurry vision

Therefore, depending on the circumstances, your red eye may feel like:

• Feels uncomfortable or itchy, as if something is in your eye
• Tender
• Very wet or dry
• Goopy or crusty, especially if an infection's pus is present

When to see a doctor for Red Eye?

Redness of the eye might occasionally indicate a more serious eye ailment or disease, even though red eye normally goes away on its own. To get a diagnosis and receive treatment, consult an ophthalmologist if you experience any of the following:

• Your eyes are delicate.
• You experience visual issues.
• Your eyes become more light-sensitive.
• You experience symptoms that last a week or longer or that are getting worse rather than better.
• Much of the pus or mucus coming from your eye dries into crusts.
• You also feel pain in your eyes and may have a fever.

If you have red eye and any of the following other symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye care professional right away to receive treatment:

• Eye discomfort
• Sensitivity to light
• Swelling
• Unclear vision