Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva and causes by various things, including allergens, viruses, and bacteria. It can be acute or chronic. Acute conjunctivitis is usually characterized by redness and watery discharge in the eye. Symptoms of this condition may last anywhere from three to four weeks. If the condition persists for four weeks or longer, it is considered chronic.
There is no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis. However, you should visit a doctor if you experience increased swelling and redness of the eyelids. In rare cases, you may experience a fever. This may indicate that the infection has spread beyond the conjunctiva and requires more treatment.
A doctor can treat conjunctivitis with topical corticosteroids or omega-3 fatty acids. If the redness and discharge persists, you may want to consider taking antibiotics. This is a last resort treatment that may help your eyes recover faster. However, there are a number of causes of red eyes. Some of them are infectious, bacterial, or allergic. There are also some noninfectious causes, including glaucoma, foreign bodies, and eyelid problems.
Viruses are the most common cause of conjunctivitis. They are highly contagious and can affect multiple people within the same family or in the same classroom. They can spread through direct contact and through objects that have touched an infected eye. The infection can also spread from one eye to another through coughing and sneezing.
Episcleritis
Episcleritis is a common eye disorder characterized by redness and irritation of the eye. Patients may also experience pain and burning. These symptoms can start suddenly and recur often. Patients should visit an eye doctor for an examination. If the redness and irritation lasts more than a week, it’s probably not episcleritis. In some cases, eye drops can help relieve the discomfort.
Episcleritis often cause by another inflammatory condition. People with other autoimmune conditions, systemic lupus erythematosus, or diabetes are more likely to develop it. It can also result from an infection with germs. A doctor can prescribe steroid eye drops to help alleviate symptoms.
Episcleritis affects the thin layer of connective tissue on the white part of the eye. This layer contains a thin network of blood vessels. The sclera is the outer white coating of the eye. Typically, episcleritis resolves on its own, but it can become chronic and require aggressive treatment. If left untreated, episcleritis can lead to vision loss and blindness.
Episcleritis is most common in women and in people over the age of 50. There are no specific risk factors for the onset of the condition, though about a third of patients have an underlying systemic disease. Episcleritis symptoms can be difficult to differentiate, but proper diagnosis is critical. The treatment of episcleritis is focused on relieving discomfort, while reducing pain. In more severe cases, patients may receive oral anti-inflammatory medications or topical corticosteroids. Symptoms of episcleritis may include eye pain, eye itch, and inflammation of the eye.
Trauma
Trauma is one of the leading causes of red eyes. There are a number of different causes of red eyes, and each of them may require different treatment. Among the most common causes are eye injury and chemical burns, but other causes can also cause red eyes. In fact, trauma is more common in older people than in younger people.
Blunt eye trauma, also known as ocular trauma, occurs when the eye is suddenly struck by something that is sharp or blunt. In young men, the injury is most likely to be a result of interpersonal violence, while older patients are more likely to be the victims of falls. Trauma can also occur at home.
Other causes of red eyes include air, dust, and household cleaning products. In addition to these, trauma can cause broken blood vessels in the eye. The redness may disappear on its own, but if it persists, it’s best to see a doctor. This is because trauma can lead to serious complications, such as loss of sight.
Trauma to the eye can also result in bleeding in the front of the eye, called hyphema. This clear liquid passes through the pupil and into the anterior chamber of the eye. This is called a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care.
Allergies
Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, food, and drugs can cause swollen eyes. People with allergies should visit a doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. While some allergies are mild and manageable, others are debilitating. Symptoms of hay fever may include red eyes, stuffy nose, and sneezing. There are ways to avoid the allergy triggers and keep your eyes as clean as possible.
Hay fever is one of the most common allergies, affecting about 10% of adults. Allergies can cause by many different things, including food, drugs, latex, grass seeds, and pet dander. If untreated, allergies can cause permanent damage to your eyes. These symptoms may make it difficult to see properly and can even lead to infections.
Allergic conjunctivitis is another common allergy that causes red and itchy eyes. While these symptoms vary in severity, most people experience some sort of eye irritation. The itchy eye may persist even after allergy season is over. To combat this itchy condition, you can use over-the-counter eye drops. It’s best to begin using these drops a week before allergy season begins so that you can get enough relief before the allergen becomes active.
Allergies in your eyes are caused by an adverse immune response to a certain allergen. You can easily treat eye allergies at home with over-the-counter eye drops, or you can seek additional treatment if the allergy is more severe. In most cases, the eye allergy will only affect one eye, but you will be able to treat it quickly by avoiding the triggering allergen.
Cold/flu
Cold/flu causes red eyes, conjunctivitis, and watery eyes. These symptoms are usually caused by a virus, so it’s important to prevent the spread of the virus by washing your hands frequently. Applying warm or cool compresses to the eyes can also relieve symptoms. However, if these symptoms persist or do not go away after several days, see a doctor.
While most cold and flu medicines are effective, they may cause eye dryness and irritation. Over-the-counter decongestants also contain antihistamines, which can further dry the eyelids. Also, rare complications of the flu can also lead to serious eye problems. One of these is acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a rare but life-threatening complication of acute viral infections. Severe cases may also result in vision problems and organ damage.
If you’re unsure whether you have a cold or flu, a visit to your doctor is your best bet. The symptoms usually clear up within a week, but it may take as long as three weeks. You can also try to reduce your risk of spreading the illness by washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face. In addition, you should take lots of rest and limit your alcohol intake.
Viral conjunctivitis is contagious and can spread from person to person and through touching an infected object. A person with a cold can also pass the virus to another person by coughing into their hand. Antibiotics are not an effective treatment for eye cold, but over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve symptoms.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s reaction to injury, infection, or irritation. It can also occur in response to normally harmless substances. For example, in some cases, the immune system can mistake certain foods and chemicals as harmful, causing inflammation. Inflammation in the eye can lead to a variety of different eye conditions.
Some of these conditions cause by bacterial or viral infections. These can cause red eyes and can cause pus and crusting of the eyelashes. Viral conjunctivitis is another cause of red eyes, and is often accompanied by a watery discharge. It is contagious, and can spread easily from one person to another. For this reason, it is important to clean your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection.
Another common cause of red eyes is an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the lining of the eye. This causes redness and often accompanies other symptoms, including pain, blurred vision, and itchiness. The condition is typically treated with topical steroid eye drops, but can also be a symptom of a more serious disease.
There are many different red eye causes, and some of them require medical attention. Some are minor, and go away on their own. Other red eye causes can be dangerous, and your healthcare provider should consult as soon as possible.
