Eye redness

Overview

Eye redness, also called 'red eye,' happens when the small blood vessels on the surface of your eye widen or burst, making the whites of your eyes look pink or red. It is usually not serious and often goes away on its own, but sometimes it can signal an eye problem that needs medical attention.

Yes, eye redness is one of the most common reasons people visit a GP or optician. Almost everyone will experience red eye at some point.

It can affect anyone – children, adults, and older adults. Contact lens users, people with allergies, and those with dry eyes are more prone to it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Red or pink appearance in the white part of the eye
• Mild irritation or a gritty feeling
• Watery eyes or slight discharge
• Itchiness (common with allergies)
• Crusting on eyelashes, especially after sleep

Symptoms in children

• Redness with sticky discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together
• Itchy or watery eyes (often with colds)
• Rubbing eyes a lot

Symptoms in older adults

• Redness with dryness or a burning sensation
• Possibly more discomfort because of age-related dry eye
• May be less likely to notice subtle symptoms

Causes

Main causes

• Conjunctivitis – inflammation of the clear layer covering the eye and inside the eyelid, often due to infection (viral or bacterial) or allergy
• Dry eye – tear glands don't produce enough moisture or tears dry up too quickly
• Allergies – pollen, dust, pet dander, or makeup can trigger redness and itching
• Foreign body – a speck of dirt, eyelash, or contact lens rubbing the eye
• Subconjunctival haemorrhage – a broken blood vessel under the eye surface, often from coughing, sneezing, or straining
• Blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelid edges
• Corneal scratch or infection
• Acute glaucoma – a sudden rise in pressure inside the eye (rare but serious)

Risk factors

• Wearing contact lenses, especially if not cleaned properly or worn for too long
• Allergies (e.g., hay fever, pet allergies)
• Dry environment (like air conditioning or heating)
• Spending long hours looking at screens (reduces blinking and worsens dry eye)
• Smoking or exposure to smoke
• Having a recent cold or respiratory infection
• Using eye makeup that is expired or shared

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have eye pain, vision changes, or sensitivity to light
• If you have a coloured (yellow/green) discharge
• If redness came after an injury or chemical exposure (call emergency first)
• If you have a headache, nausea, or see halos around lights (possible glaucoma)
• If you wear contact lenses and develop redness, pain, or vision trouble

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild redness with no pain, vision change, or discharge – you can try self-care for a few days
• Redness that does not improve after 2-3 days of home care
• Redness that keeps coming back

Diagnosis

A doctor or optician will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and whether you have any eye conditions or wear contact lenses. They will examine your eyes using a bright light (slit lamp) to look at the surface and inside of the eye.

Tests that may be done

• Slit lamp examination – to see the cornea, conjunctiva, and front part of the eye
• Eye pressure test (tonometry) – if glaucoma is suspected
• Fluorescein eye stain – a dye to check for scratches on the cornea
• Swab test – if there is a lot of discharge, a sample may be taken to identify bacteria

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is quick and painless. You may be asked to rest your chin on a device while the doctor looks at your eyes through a microscope. Drops may be used to numb the eye or stain it for better viewing. The diagnosis is often clear based on the appearance and your symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many cases of red eye clear up by themselves or with simple home care. Bacterial infections may need antibiotic drops or ointment. Allergic red eye can be relieved with antihistamine drops and avoiding triggers. Dry eye is managed with lubricating tear drops (artificial tears) and lifestyle changes.

Self-care at home

• Stop wearing contact lenses until redness goes away – use clean glasses instead
• Apply a cool or warm compress to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes several times a day
• Use lubricating (artificial tears) eye drops from a pharmacy – these are safe to use without a prescription
• Wash hands often and do not share towels or pillowcases
• If discharge is present, gently clean eyelids with a clean cloth and warm water
• Avoid eye makeup until eyes are clear
• Take breaks from screens and blink often

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment if they suspect a bacterial infection. For severe allergies, antihistamine eye drops or steroid eye drops may be recommended. Any prescription treatments should be used exactly as directed. Do not use leftover drops from a previous eye problem.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for red eye. In the case of a serious condition like acute glaucoma, emergency surgery or laser treatment may be required to reduce eye pressure. Your doctor will explain if this is necessary.

Living with this condition

For most people, red eye is temporary. While it lasts, avoid rubbing your eyes, and wash your hands after touching your face. If you have chronic dry eye or allergies, you may need to manage these ongoing conditions with daily drops and avoidance of triggers.

Lifestyle tips

• If you use contact lenses, follow good hygiene: wash hands before handling, use fresh solution daily, never sleep in lenses unless told by your optician
• Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eyestrain and dryness
• Wear sunglasses outdoors if you are sensitive to light or wind
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms to keep eyes moist

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like oily fish, nuts, and seeds) may help with dry eye symptoms. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water also helps maintain tear production. Exercise is fine as long as you are not having pain or vision problems.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Eye redness can be embarrassing or worrying, especially if it lasts a while. If you feel anxious, remind yourself that it often goes away. Speak to your doctor if the condition is affecting your mood or daily life – they can offer reassurance and treatment.

Prevention

Not all red eye can be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and do not share eye products, towels, or pillowcases. If you have allergies, try to reduce exposure to triggers and take antihistamines as needed.

Vaccines

Vaccines are not available for red eye specifically. However, staying up to date with vaccines (like the flu vaccine) can help prevent viral infections that may cause red eye.

Screening programmes

There are no routine screening tests for red eye. Regular eye check-ups (every two years for most adults) can help detect conditions like dry eye or glaucoma early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated bacterial conjunctivitis can spread to the cornea and cause a corneal ulcer, which may affect vision.
• Persistent dry eye without treatment can lead to corneal damage and scarring.
• If acute glaucoma is not treated quickly, it can cause permanent vision loss.
• Infections from contact lens use can become severe and threaten sight.

Long-term outlook

For the vast majority of people, eye redness is harmless and resolves within a week or two without any lasting effect. With proper care and timely medical attention when needed, the outlook is excellent. Even serious causes, when caught early, are often treatable with good outcomes.

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