Factors that causes eye redness

imagecredit:www.goodeyeoptometry.net

Have you woken up with red eyes? You've been in this state for several days? If so, you may need to consult a doctor as red eye can be a sign of some other more complex than just eye irritation problem. Therefore, in Living Health we will give you some guidelines to indicate when to go to the doctor by the red eye.

We will see that the causes of red eye can be several. Some of them simply by a common allergic reaction during seasonal changes as a result of seasonal allergies. However, it may be indicative of more severe infections or, in extreme cases, early symptoms of an eye condition that can bring permanent damage if not treated in a timely manner.

Why the eye becomes red?

The basic change that occurs in the red eye is because the blood vessels in the conjunctiva (eye surface) irritated. This change, effect of various external agents or as a sign of diseases and conditions, from a pink tone causes the eyeball to redness so that we become afraid to see our eyes bloodshot, something that is often undervalued as a symptom.

However, redness of the eye should not be a sign of alarm, since in most cases responds to natural causes, or is the product of daily events that influence the natural state of our eyes. For example, red eye can be caused by the presence of smoke or dust particles in the air that causes the wind projects and will soon have irritated eyes. Clearly, substances like pollen or hair of our pets can cause allergic reactions, with fierce need to scratching, which triggers an obvious eye irritation.

There are other simple causes, among which include the use of shampoo or cosmetics that can cause redness of the eye as well as prolonged use of contact lenses. Nor should you have ruled out any small object embedded in the eye and cause redness.

Eye infection

In other circumstances, red eyes can be due to inflammation caused by the presence of viruses and bacteria that affect the eye surface or external parts and, to a lesser extent, internal structures of the eye. Among the most common, we can find conjunctivitis, distinguished by the presence of pink or red lines in the whites of the eyes, with the possible occurrence of secretions. It is also common blepharitis, an inflammation of the follicles from which the eyelashes.

Between the second and less common, they are corneal ulcer and iritis. The first is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The second may be caused by an autoimmune process, among other possible causes.

In most cases, the doctor may prescribe some eye drops, among other possible treatments for these eye infections. In case of conjunctivitis, there are also some home remedies to treat this infection.

More serious problems

A prolonged redness and not the product of the above causes can be the result of more serious problems, especially if accompanied by other signs. One cause may be the result of glaucoma, so if you have diabetes or high blood sugar, you should pay great attention to this signal and other changes in vision. Nor should discard any possible injury to the retina you should pay immediate attention.

When going to the doctor

Actually, if you have pink eye for more than two days, you should see a doctor to examine you and find the cause redness and indicate the treatment to follow. Also, any change in how you see things or the presence of pain in the eye, blurred spots and other forms of distorted vision, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Usually no cause for alarm because, in most cases, the red eye can be the result of a simple irritation. Therefore, it is always good to consider some tips for eye care and how to protect your sight.

Dust, wind, bacteria and virus in the environment, food, temperature changes, headache, strep throat or stomach, eye disease (such as conjunctivitis or infection) or some other condition may be factors that influence to acquire eye redness.

Why eyes get red?

The redness is due to the presence of swollen and dilated blood vessels, which causes the ocular surface becomes red or as having a stroke. There are many possible causes that generate the eyes acquired a reddish hue, can be in one or both eyes.

What causes redness of eyes?

Among the main causes of the eyes turn red are the following:

Eyes look blood shed on the inside because the vessels on the surface of the white portion of the eye become enlarged and irritated, which can occur due to air, exposure to sun, dust, foreign body, an allergic reaction, infection, trauma or other conditions.

A common cause of a red eye is straining or coughing. This can lead to the submission of a bloody and bright red, uniformly dense area in the sclera, called sub conjunctiva bleeding.

Although this area with presence of blood may be not very pleasant and cause alarm, it is quite common and of little significance. If a blood stain is seen in an eye that does not hurt, but just looks bad, there's nothing to worry about as it disappears on its own within a week or two. The problem is when pain, burning, swelling or lost vision occurs.

There are eye diseases that can also be the cause of that turn red.

Blepharitis inflammation of the eyelash follicles along the eyelid, caused by skin bacteria. It is common to present itch and your eyelids may appear greasy or crusty.

Conjunctivitis: inflammation or infection of the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva). This condition is known as "pink eye" and can be caused by a virus, bacteria, allergy or irritation. If it is caused by a microorganism it is highly contagious.

Corneal ulcers: ulcers appearing in the outer covering of the eye, usually due to a bacterial or viral infection.

Uveitis-inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid. This is often related to an autoimmune disorder or problem, infection or exposure to toxins. Often, only the iris is inflamed, which is called irises.

Other causes that contribute to redness of the eye:

Cold or allergies.

Foreign objects in the eye that cut or cause damage.

Acute glaucoma: sudden increase in eye pressure that is extremely painful and causes serious visual disturbances. Most times, glaucoma is chronic and gradual.

Corneal abrasions: caused by sand, dust or excessive use of contact lenses.

Bleeding problems can be caused by excessive use of anticoagulant drugs.

Fatigue.

Insomnia.

Excessive alcohol consumption.

Smoking or being around smokers.

Dry eye disease, which is when there is an absence of tears in her eyes and you can put red.

How can I prevent red eyes?

To prevent red eyes can take some measures that will help prevent this from becoming a problem for eye health. We mentioned some of them can be very helpful.

Do not share anything that has come into contact with the eyes of another person, except if it finds an infection.

Avoid sharing pillowcases, sheets, towels, eyeliners, sunglasses, scarves, contact lens solution, a towel to wipe the lens frame.

Wash hands frequently, do not touch your eyes if your hands are dirty.

Wash your face to the eyelids and eyelashes are clean.

Wash and clean out any chemicals or objects that might fall over his eyes.

Prevent lips kiss into contact with the eyes.

Be as clean as possible with clothing and everyday things close.

Tips to combat red eyes

If the redness of the eye has been due to eye infection or disease it is very important to consider the following tips that will help to take the necessary measures.

If the eye becomes red because of conjunctivitis it is important to avoid touching the infected eye, then touching the other, because the infection could be passed from one eye to another.

Apply cold compresses throughout the day.

Do not wear makeup

Do not wear contact lenses until the infection is gone.

Do not touch your face or the eyes with dirty hands, wash them frequently.

If the eye has been red blepharitis because of the following is recommended:

Apply hot compresses to your eyes for 5 minutes, 2 times a day.

Use a cotton swab and rub gently once soak in hot water and a little baby shampoo to produce tears, in the area where the lashes on the eyelid on that edge are. It is advisable to do it in the morning and before bedtime.

The most important thing is to consult a doctor if the red color remains in the eye for several days, if there is sensitivity to light, pain, itching, irritation, burning, if only see halos of light, blurred vision or confusion occurs, pain headache, nausea or vomiting. The eyes are the windows where the life is, their care is paramount.