Red, Pink, and Sore Eyes
Red, pink, or sore eyes are symptoms of a variety of different conditions, including
- Allergies
- Infection
- Corneal abrasian (scratch)
- Dry eyes
- A variety of different medical conditions
Red Eyes
Red eye is a common problem that can happen in one or both eyes. It describes eyes that appear red, irritated, and bloodshot. This redness occurs when the tiny blood vessels beneath the surface of the eye enlarge or become inflamed, typically in response to an irritant.
Treatment
Despite its often alarming appearance, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. In many instances, instances of eye redness are benign and can be alleviated with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments.
However, if the redness persists beyond a week, or if accompanying pain or vision issues arise, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with an eye care professional. In certain situations, a red eye could signal a more serious underlying condition and should be thoroughly evaluated.
Pink Eyes
Pink eye is a term often used to describe conjunctivitis. Which is the swelling or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Causes may or may not be infectious. There are three types of conjunctivitis:
Allergic conjunctivitis – Develops when the eyes come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction.
Infectious conjunctivitis – Can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the eye.
Chemical conjunctivitis – Caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals.
Treatment
Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of conjunctivitis. Once an infection has been diagnosed, follow these steps:
Don’t touch your eyes with your hands.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Change your towel and washcloth daily, and don’t share them with others.
Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara.
Don’t use anyone else’s eye cosmetics or personal eye-care items.
Follow your eye doctor’s instructions on proper contact lens care.
Soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses to your affected eye or eyes. To make a compress, soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. For allergic conjunctivitis, avoid rubbing the eyes. Instead of warm compresses, use cool compresses to soothe your eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops might also help. Antihistamine eye drops can alleviate the symptoms, and lubricating eye drops can rinse the allergen off the surface of the eye. See your doctor of optometry if you think you have conjunctivitis. He or she can diagnose the cause and prescribe the proper treatment.
Sore Eyes
Soreness in the eyes can manifest either on the surface or within the deeper structures of the eye. If you experience severe eye pain, particularly if it is accompanied by any loss of vision, it could be indicative of a serious medical condition, and immediate medical attention is warranted.
Surface pain is often associated with factors like the presence of a foreign object in the eye, an eye infection, or any irritants that inflame the membrane covering the eye’s surface. On the other hand, deeper eye pain may be described as throbbing or aching and is typically experienced within the internal structures of the eye.
Treatments
Treating eye pain depends on the cause of the pain and usually involves treating the cause or it’s symptoms, often without the need for pain medication.
For eye pain from infectious conditions, treatment may involve:
The use of antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops.
Oral medications to alleviate pain or allergy symptoms.
Over-the-counter artificial tears for comfort.
In cases of eye pain resulting from an injury, follow these guidelines:
Seek prompt medical attention.
Avoid rubbing your eye or applying pressure.
Refrain from rinsing your eyes with water unless there’s a chemical injury.
Do not attempt to remove objects lodged in your eye.
Gently place a protective shield over your eye until professional help is obtained; a makeshift shield, such as the bottom of a paper cup cut out and taped over your eye, can suffice.
Contact our eye care staff today to schedule your appointment!
Your vision is important to us, and we’re here to help you maintain and improve it. We look forward to hearing from you.