Red Eyes in Santa Monica
A red eye can be a minor irritation or a sign of something that needs prompt care. An exam tells the difference.
What causes a red eye?
Redness happens when the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged or inflamed. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and it has many possible causes.
Symptoms that often come with it
Pay attention to what accompanies the redness, because it helps point to the cause.
- Itching, often with allergies
- Discharge or crusting, common with infections
- Burning or grittiness, typical of dry eye
- Pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision, which need prompt attention
Common causes
Frequent causes include conjunctivitis (pink eye), allergies, dry eye, blepharitis, contact lens overwear, corneal scratches, and a burst blood vessel called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Less commonly, redness signals inflammation inside the eye or a sudden rise in eye pressure.
When to see a doctor
Call (310) 394-1011 promptly if a red eye comes with pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, significant discharge, or if you wear contact lenses. Seek emergency care for trauma or a chemical splash with ongoing pain.
How Sunny Optometry treats red eyes
Our therapeutic optometrists examine the eye with specialized instruments to find the cause, then treat it directly, whether with prescription drops for infection or inflammation, allergy care, or dry eye therapy. Learn more on our Eye Emergencies and Pink or Red Eyes page and in our Dry Eye Treatment Center.
Questions, answered
Are redness-relief drops a good idea?
Over-the-counter whitening drops can mask the problem and may cause rebound redness with frequent use. It is better to find and treat the cause.
I wear contacts and my eye is red. What should I do?
Remove your lenses right away, do not reinsert them, and call us. Contact lens related infections should be examined promptly.
Is a bright red patch on the white of my eye serious?
A subconjunctival hemorrhage looks alarming but is usually harmless and fades on its own. If it recurs, or comes with pain or vision changes, have it checked.