{"id":12750,"date":"2020-04-06T07:21:13","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T07:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=12750"},"modified":"2021-07-02T14:46:45","modified_gmt":"2021-07-02T14:46:45","slug":"14-common-causes-for-red-eyes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-causes-for-red-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes for Red Eyes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body and any time you have an eye problem, you may be nervous or scared that it could affect your vision. One of the most common symptoms of most eye problems and conditions is redness. Red eyes can be a sign of many different things but in many cases, they are not a cause for concern and are only temporary. In some cases, a severe infection or condition can be the cause of the redness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are suffering from red eyes and have other symptoms, it\u2019s a good idea to seek medical attention. It\u2019s always better to rule out something more serious before assuming the redness is caused by something less severe. While many things can cause red eyes, some conditions are more likely to cause them than others. Here are some of the most common causes of red eyes.
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1. Dry Air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes dry air can be enough to make a person\u2019s eye or eyes red. Eyes need to stay lubricated and if they aren\u2019t producing tears naturally or if they are subjected to dry environments, they can become extremely dry and red. The longer eyes are dry, the longer they will remain red. If you suffer from red eyes caused by dryness, you can buy artificial tear eye drops<\/a> that can be dropped into the eyes to help keep them lubricated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not a treatment for the cause of the problem and only treats the symptom. If you suffer from chronic red eyes and aren\u2019t sure what the cause is, you may want to check with an eye doctor to determine if dry air is the only reason your eyes are red or if there is another issue, such as a blocked tear duct or eye disease. Sometimes dry air only aggravates an existing condition.
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2. Sun Exposure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spending too much time in the sun isn\u2019t good for your skin or your eyes. Just like your skin gets sunburnt<\/a>, so do your eyes. You should never stare at the sun or leave your eyes exposed to the sun’s rays. You can harm your eyes by leaving them open in a tanning bed and by looking into the sun. If you are a welder, you can also burn your eyes by staring at the welding flame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the sun and welding masks should be worn when welding. You can protect your eyes in a tanning bed by wearing tanning goggles. They cover just the eyes and won\u2019t cause you to have awkward tan lines. Eyes that have been sunburnt and are red may heal on their own as long as they are rested. Eye drops may also help soothe the pain and redness.
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3. Dust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dust is basically everywhere, and it can cause red eyes. Since most people see dust as something that is harmless, they don\u2019t worry about it or even think it could be a reason for their eye problems. If dust particles get in your eye they can cause it to itch and even hurt. Dust particles easily move around and can contain germs and parasites<\/a>. Any of these things can cause damage to your eye and make it appear red. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think you may have dust in your eye, you can try to flush it out with water or eye drops. In most cases, dust can work its way out on its own. If you have an allergy to dust mites, the redness can be worse, and you may have allergy symptoms as well. You can ask a doctor to test to see if you have a dust allergy, or for suggestions on treating ready eyes that you believe may be related to dust.
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4. Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of people suffer from allergies. There are many different types of allergens and everyone reacts to them differently. Some people only have slight allergies <\/a>to certain things and may have very mild symptoms or none at all. Other people are severely allergic to certain things and their bodies respond by causing their eyes to become red and watery. This is the body\u2019s way of trying to remove the allergens. It tries to flush them from the system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sufferers may also suffer from a runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms. Red eyes caused by allergies are usually no cause for concern. There are medications that can be used to treat them and help reduce itchiness and dryness that may also be associated with allergy symptoms. If these medications don\u2019t work, a doctor may be able to prescribe something stronger or more effective to help with all of the allergy symptoms.
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5. Colds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person has a cold<\/a>, they often have red eyes. This can be caused by the cold itself or the body\u2019s reaction to the cold. In some cases, the infection that is causing the cold can move to the eyes and actually infect them. In most cases, red eyes are caused by the body trying to beat the infection or illness. When the body works to fight off pathogens that have entered it, it can cause the eyes to become red, itchy, and watery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more a person wipes or rubs their eyes, the worse these symptoms can become. Some medications are also meant to make the eyes water as this can help flush out the infection. Other medications that are meant to treat the symptoms of a cold and can help stop the eyes from being red or watery. If your eyes swell shut or if they become painful, you should see a doctor to rule out a more serious problem.
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6. Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many different infections that can affect the eyes and cause them to become red and inflamed. Infections can affect different parts of the eyes and can be mild or severe. Some people have eye infections and don\u2019t even know it and others suffer from vision loss, pain, and redness. The type of infection determines the treatment, but patients can expect to receive antibiotics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The antibiotics <\/a>may be taken orally or applied directly to the eye. It usually takes a few days before the antibiotics kick in and start working. Once the infection begins to clear up, the redness and pain should subside. In rare cases or cases where the infection is severe, it can cause permanent damage to the eyes that may require surgery. If the infection is not treated it can cause lasting damage that could lead to vision problems or even blindness. Doctors can easily look at a person\u2019s eye and tell if it is infected or red for another reason.
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7. Measles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have measles <\/a>often have conjunctivitis, which is inflammation and redness of the eye. This can be dangerous and can lead to inflammation of the cornea. If the cornea stays inflamed for too long, it could develop scars that could lead to vision loss and even blindness. People who have the measles must be treated. It is highly contagious and while many people have been vaccinated against it, young children and the elderly are at risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the measles are treated and the patient starts to recover, the patient may notice that the inflammation in the eyes improves. Some people\u2019s eyes become so inflamed while they are sick that the redness lingers on and lasts for several days after other symptoms subside. If the redness doesn\u2019t go away after a week, medical attention may be needed as the problem could be more dangerous and the damage could be permanent.
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8. Eye Trauma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have hit or harmed your eye, it could be red for some time. Just as other parts of your body bruise or turn read when they are hurt, eyes do the same. Blood will flow to the location of the injury, which can make the eye looks red. Blood <\/a>can also pool in the eye just like it does in other parts of the body and make the eye look red. Depending on the type of injury, the redness may go away quickly or it may take some time to heal. The type of trauma can also determine the type of treatment that is recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some types of eye trauma can heal on their own and others require medications to help fight infections and increase tear production, or even surgical procedures to help heal. If you sustain any eye trauma, you should see your doctor or an eye doctor to make sure the damage is not permanent and to find the right treatment.
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9. Sties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sties <\/a>are red, painful bumps that usually occur on the eyelid or very close to it. They look a lot like a pimple or boil and they can be extremely sore to touch. They are caused by an infection in the oil glands. It can come from touching the eye or even getting something in your eye. Sties can also easily be spread. If a person touches a sty and then rubs their other eye, it can spread to that eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also spread to different areas of the same eye. Sties can cause eyes to become red and itchy. Most people will have a sty at some point in their lives and when they get them they will know what they are without a medical diagnosis. There is usually no reason to seek treatment for a sty and it can go away on its own in just a few days. If the sty spread, becomes painful, or if it causes vision problems a person may want to seek medical attention.
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10. Marijuana Usage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who smoke marijuana <\/a>are likely to suffer from red eyes. For most people, their eyes will only remain red for a short time. Once the effects of the drug wear off or it is out of their system, the redness will go away. Marijuana lowers blood pressure which can make the blood vessels dilate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The capillaries in the eyes are easy to see so when they become large and dilated, they stand out against the white part of the eye. Because the redness is only temporary, most people don\u2019t worry about it and it\u2019s not usually a cause for concern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In rare cases, the blood vessels in the eye can burst and the eye may bleed and even become infected. If this happens, the doctor will treat the infection and offer suggestions for the eyes to heal. People who smoke marijuana regularly may have chronically red eyes and other eye problems.
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11. Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people don\u2019t realize that rheumatoid arthritis can have eye symptoms. People who have red eyes with no known cause may also have rheumatoid arthritis<\/a>. This is a type of autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. It can also cause red and itchy eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people experience dry eyes, and some feel as if there is a foreign body in their eyes. They may rub their eyes often or have to add eye drops to keep the eyes lubricated so they do not become more painful or uncomfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because so many things can cause, dry, red, and itchy eyes, this symptom alone may not be enough to cause doctors to suspect rheumatoid arthritis as the problem. Many people struggle with a diagnosis for their eyes redness for years only find out that it was rheumatoid arthritis all along. When other symptoms show up, the diagnosis is easier and usually faster.
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12. Scleritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scleritis <\/a>is a condition where the white part of the eye becomes inflamed and turns red. It can occur for many reasons and sometimes the cause can\u2019t be found. Most cases of scleritis are caused by an autoimmune disorder. This can occur when the body\u2019s immune system attacks itself. Eye infections, injuries to the eyes, and parasites can also cause the condition. If left untreated, the scleritis can get worse and lead to more serious diseases and conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can cause vision impairment and even blindness. The condition has also been linked to blood press disorders and vascular disease. Patients who are suffering from scleritis should seek medical attention and a proper diagnosis. Doctors may treat it with eye drops, antibiotics, or surgery if necessary. In some cases, if the cause of the scleritis is something simple such as allergies or a foreign object, it may improve on its own.
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13. Improper Use Of Contacts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of people don\u2019t wear their contact lenses the way they should. Contacts have specific instructions that should be followed to prevent eye injuries and redness. Leaving your contact lenses<\/a> in too long, buying the wrong ones, failing to clean them properly, or touching them too much can all cause eye redness. The redness can be caused by an injury caused by the contact or even an infection that was spread to the eye when the contacts were put in or taken out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An eye doctor can determine if the contacts are causing your eye redness and help prevent future problems. Patients may be asked to take their contacts out for a while and wear glasses instead to give the eyes a chance to recover and heal completely. Some people just aren\u2019t able to wear contacts at all and after experimenting with different types they may decide to wear glasses more often than contact or instead of contacts at all.
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14. Cornea Scratch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A cornea <\/a>scratch can lead to red eyes. The cornea is very sensitive and fragile. While your eyes are meant to blink and protect the eyes from injuries, they can still allow foreign objects to enter the eyes and scratch the cornea. Even tiny objects that you can\u2019t see can cause damage to the cornea. The longer the object remains in the eye, the worse the scratch can become. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eyes can be flushed with water to try to wash away the object. In some cases, it may be necessary to have the object removed with surgery. As long as the cornea is scratched, the eyes can remain red. Even after the object has been removed, the eye or eyes may stay red. Once the scratch heals the eyes should start to heal and the redness will go away. On rare occasions, the eye may stay red for long periods of time.
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