What is it about ?
The eye has several parts. Its external part is the sclera or sclera, it is the white of the eye. It is protected by a mucous membrane, the conjunctiva. The sclera extends to the front by a transparent part, the cornea. The cornea is located in front of the iris and the pupil. The eye picks up light through the cornea.
In the case of a red eye, the white of the eye is red. The most common cause is inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis). This inflammation can be due to an infection, usually caused by a virus, sometimes by bacteria. An allergy can cause inflammation with itching and redness.
Other possible causes of a red eye are:
- dry eyes,
- sudden increase in pressure in the eyeball (acute glaucoma),
- blood in the white of the eye,
- diffuse inflammation (blepharitis) or localized (stye or chalazion) of the eyelid,
- inflammation (keratitis) or damage to the cornea,
- inflammation of the iris (iritis) or sclera (episcleritis),
- presence of a foreign body in the eye,
- …
Wet eyes are due to increased tear production. Again, the cause is almost always inflammation, a foreign body, or an outward or inward eyelid (ectropion or entropion).
What is its frequency?
Each year, an average of 13 in 1,000 people visit a general practitioner for eye problems. Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of a red eye.
How to recognize it?
When the conjunctiva is inflamed, the white of the eye turns red. The blood vessels swell. They are clearly visible. By moving the eyeball, the blood vessels move at the same time. The person usually has the impression of having sand in the eye.
Sometimes the redness is limited to the area around the cornea, which is the transparent part of the conjunctiva in front of the iris. This may be the consequence of an inflammation of the iris or a acute glaucoma (pressure abnormality inside the eye).
- In the event of inflammation of the iris, the person does not tolerate light. The pupils are generally small, and the vision is less clear. Pressure on the eye causes pain. Sometimes the eye cries.
- Acute glaucoma causes severe pain in the eyes, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The vision is less clear. Usually, the person also sees a circle (halo) around light sources.
Local redness may be due to bleeding. This can happen spontaneously or be caused by a foreign object or a blow. The foreign body in the eye is often visible.
A corneal ulcer may also be associated with local redness. Moderate pain and slight sensitivity to light are possible.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor asks about the symptoms and their appearance. It also checks if you have wrong, if you see less well, and if you can’t stand the light as these symptoms can indicate potentially serious illnesses.
The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of an examination of the eye. A lesion of the cornea becomes visible thanks to a dye that the doctor puts on the eye.
For an examination of the lens, the inside of the eye and the vision (visual acuity), you must consult an ophthalmologist.
What can you do ?
- In case of foreign body in the eye, try removing it with a tissue or cotton swab or by flushing the eyes with water. Do not rub your eyes as it is irritating to the eye.
- A small amount of spontaneous bleeding is usually trivial and goes away on its own within 2 to 3 weeks.
- In all other cases of injury, it is better to go to the doctor. Definitely don’t try all kinds of ointments if you don’t know what is causing your problem.
- Do not wear contact lenses until the redness is gone.
What can the doctor do?
Treatment depends on the cause.
Want to know more?
- Conjunctivitis (image) – microbiologiemedicale.fr
- Keratitis (image) – microbiologiemedicale.fr
- Blepharitis (image) – microbiologiemedicale.fr
- Stye (image) – microbiologiemedicale.fr
- Entropion (image) – CHU Poitiers
- Ectropion (image) – CHU Poitiers
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