General practice·General practice
Eye redness
Informed by recognized medical guidance
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.
Key facts
- Red eye is very common and often caused by minor irritation, dryness, or an infection like conjunctivitis.
- Most cases clear up without treatment, but if you have pain, vision changes, or light sensitivity, you should see a doctor.
- If you wear contact lenses, you are more likely to get eye redness and should stop wearing them if redness occurs.
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.