When your eye turns red, it is usually a sign of an underlying condition. The redness may be due to an infection, injury, or an underlying medical condition. It can be accompanied by pain, itching, and discharge. Here are some steps you can take when your eye turns red:
- Determine the cause: Try to determine the cause of the redness. Did you have an injury or get something in your eye? Did you recently switch to a new brand of eye drops or makeup? Understanding the cause of the redness can help you determine the best course of action.
- Wash your hands: Before touching your eyes, make sure your hands are clean. Wash them thoroughly with soap and warm water. This can help prevent the spread of infection or further irritation.
- Apply a warm compress: A warm compress can help soothe irritated eyes and reduce redness. Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes. Repeat several times a day.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can make the redness and irritation worse. If you feel the need to rub your eyes, try pressing a cold compress against them instead.
- Use eye drops: Over-the-counter eye drops can help relieve redness and irritation. Look for eye drops that contain antihistamines or decongestants. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label.
- Seek medical attention: If the redness is severe or accompanied by pain, sensitivity to light, or vision changes, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms can be signs of a more serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
Some common causes of eye redness include:
- Allergies: Allergies can cause the eyes to become red, itchy, and watery. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can help relieve these symptoms.
- Infection: An infection can cause the eyes to become red, swollen, and discharge pus. An antibiotic eye drop may be necessary to treat the infection.
- Injury: An injury to the eye can cause redness, swelling, and pain. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms after an injury to the eye.
- Dry eyes: Dry eyes can cause redness, itching, and burning. Artificial tears or prescription eye drops may be necessary to treat dry eyes.
- Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for too long or not cleaning them properly can cause redness and irritation. Make sure to follow the instructions for cleaning and wearing contact lenses.
In conclusion, when your eye turns red, it is important to take steps to determine the cause and seek medical attention if necessary. You can try some home remedies such as warm compresses or over-the-counter eye drops to relieve the symptoms. Avoid rubbing your eyes and make sure your hands are clean before touching your eyes. By following these steps, you can help reduce redness and promote healing. However, if red eye persists and is accompanied with other symptoms such as swelling, decrease or loss in vision, incontractable pain then it is imperative to get it assessed by an ophthalmologist.
At The Eye Center- Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates our team of eight ophthalmology subspecialists/ eye specialists, eye surgeons who are considered amongst the very best eye specialists in Karachi and in Pakistan, have the diagnostic and treatment capabilities to treat from the simplest to the most complex patients. We work hard to provide our patients with the best possible medical and surgical eye care, in a state of the art purpose built eye care facility. We offer the entire array of medical, laser and surgical treatments to help provide patients the best possible care in the most efficient, safe and ethical manner.
If you need an appointment, please contact us at 03041119544 during our working hours or leave us a WhatsApp message at +923028291799 and someone will connect with you. Walk-in appointments are also available for emergencies. We can also be reached through our web portal on www.surgicaleyecenter.org
