When to seek care for red eye

Overview

Red eye means the white part of your eye looks red or bloodshot. It is usually not serious, but sometimes it can be a sign of an eye problem that needs medical help.

Yes, red eye is very common. Most people will have a red eye at some point in their life.

Red eye can affect anyone, but people who wear contact lenses, have allergies, or work in dry or dusty environments are more likely to get it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• The white part of the eye looks red or pink
• Mild discomfort or a gritty feeling
• Clear or white discharge (watery or sticky)
• Mild itching or burning

Symptoms in children

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Sticky discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together in the morning
• Frequent rubbing of the eyes
• Irritability or fussiness

Symptoms in older adults

• Redness with a dull ache or pressure
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Tearing or discharge

Causes

Main causes

• Allergies (like pollen or pet dander)
• Infection (conjunctivitis – pink eye – caused by viruses or bacteria)
• Dry eye syndrome
• Eye strain from screens or reading
• A scratch or foreign object in the eye
• Bleeding under the eye’s surface (subconjunctival hemorrhage) – often from coughing or straining

Risk factors

• Wearing contact lenses (especially if not cleaned properly)
• Being around someone with pink eye
• Allergies or hay fever
• Working in dry or dusty environments
• Prolonged screen time without breaks
• Not washing hands before touching eyes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have eye pain, especially if it is moderate or severe
• You notice changes in your vision (blurring, double vision, or loss of sight)
• Your eye is very sensitive to light
• You have a red eye and wear contact lenses (stop wearing them and see a doctor that day)
• The redness lasts more than 2 days without getting better

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have mild redness with no pain or vision changes that does not go away in a few days
• Minor irritation from allergies or screen use
• You want to rule out a blocked tear duct or other non-urgent cause

Diagnosis

A doctor or eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will ask about your symptoms and look at your eye. They may shine a light in your eye to check for injuries or irritation.

Tests that may be done

• Visual acuity test (reading letters on a chart)
• Slit lamp exam (a microscope that looks at the front of your eye)
• Eye pressure test (to check for glaucoma)
• Fluorescein stain (a dye that shows scratches or foreign objects on the cornea)

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is usually quick and painless. Your doctor will likely tell you the cause and recommend treatment or self-care. If the red eye is serious, you may be referred to an eye specialist.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many red eyes go away on their own with simple home care. If an infection or allergy is the cause, your doctor may suggest certain eyedrops or medicines. Always follow your doctor’s advice and do not use leftover drops from an old prescription.

Self-care at home

• Apply a clean, cool compress (washeloth) over closed eyes for a few minutes
• Use artificial tears (lubricating eyedrops) from a pharmacy
• Avoid using eye makeup or touching your eyes
• If allergies are suspected, try over-the-counter antihistamine eyedrops (ask your pharmacist)
• Wash your hands often and avoid sharing towels or pillows

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or ointment if the red eye is caused by a bacterial infection. For allergic red eye, they may recommend antihistamine eye drops. In some cases, they may prescribe steroid eyedrops for inflammation. Do not use these without a prescription.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for red eye. It may be considered for a serious eye injury, a large scratch that does not heal, or if there is an object stuck in the eye. Your doctor will discuss this if it is needed.

Living with this condition

If you have a red eye, rest your eyes by taking breaks from screens. Avoid bright lights and wear sunglasses if you are sensitive to light. Wash your hands before touching your eyes, and do not share eye products.

Lifestyle tips

• Clean your contact lenses properly and replace them as recommended
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms to prevent dry eyes
• Protect your eyes from dust and wind with glasses or goggles
• Wash your face and eyelids gently each day

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E can support overall eye health. Stay hydrated to help with dry eyes. Exercise is generally fine, but avoid swimming or heavy contact sports until the red eye clears.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a red eye can be uncomfortable and may make you feel self-conscious. It is usually temporary. If you feel anxious about your eyes, talk to your doctor. Most red eyes are harmless and will not affect your long-term vision.

Prevention

Many red eyes can be prevented with simple habits like good hygiene and protecting your eyes. Wash your hands regularly, avoid sharing eye makeup, and take screen breaks.

Vaccines

Omit

Screening programmes

Omit

Complications

If left untreated

• If the red eye is caused by an infection, it could spread to the other eye or to other people
• A scratch on the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) that does not heal can lead to a scar that affects vision
• In rare cases, untreated serious conditions like acute glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most red eyes is excellent. With proper care, most cases clear up in a few days to a week. Even if the cause is more serious, prompt medical attention greatly reduces the risk of long-term problems. You do not need to worry that a simple red eye will harm your vision.

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