Red Eye: Pink Eye, Allergies, or Something More Serious?
At a glance: Most red eyes are caused by something common and manageable, such as pink eye, allergies, dry eye or a small broken blood vessel. A red eye with pain, light sensitivity or blurry vision can be a sign of something more serious and should be checked the same day.
Why does an eye turn red?
The white of the eye is covered by a thin, clear layer called the conjunctiva, full of tiny blood vessels. When the eye is irritated, infected or inflamed, those vessels widen. Whether it hurts, and what comes with it, are the biggest clues to the cause.
Is it pink eye?
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common kind and often comes with a cold. The eye is red, watery and gritty, and it often spreads to the other eye. It is very contagious, and antibiotics don't help viruses. Cool compresses and artificial tears help while it runs its course over one to a few weeks.
Bacterial conjunctivitis tends to cause thick yellow or green discharge, and lashes may be stuck together in the morning. It is contagious, and your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops.
Allergic conjunctivitis itches. That is the hallmark. Both eyes are usually affected, often with puffy lids and sneezing, and it is not contagious. North Georgia's spring pollen sends plenty of itchy eyes our way.
To stop the spread: wash your hands often, don't share towels, pillowcases or makeup, and toss eye makeup you used while infected.
A bright red spot that appeared overnight
That is often a subconjunctival hemorrhage, a small broken blood vessel under the surface. It looks alarming but usually doesn't hurt or affect vision, and it fades over a week or two like a bruise. Have it checked if it followed an injury, keeps happening, or you take blood thinners.
Could it be dry eye?
Yes. Dry eye often causes mild redness with burning or grittiness, especially with screens and fans. Read why your eye drops stopped working.
Contact lens wearers: take red eyes seriously
A lens can trap germs against the cornea and lead to a corneal ulcer, an open sore that can worsen quickly. If your eye is red and painful, take your lenses out and leave them out, don't switch to a fresh pair, bring your lenses and case to the visit, and call us the same day.
When a red eye is something worse
- Iritis or uveitis: inflammation inside the eye, with an aching eye, light sensitivity and blur.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: severe pain, redness, blurred vision, halos, headache and nausea. This is an emergency.
- Injury or something stuck in the eye.
- Chemical exposure. Rinse first with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, holding the lids open. Then call us or go to the emergency room.
Please don't use leftover drops
Old antibiotic drops may be expired, contaminated or the wrong medicine, and some prescription drops, like steroids, can make certain infections much worse. Never share drops, and go easy on "get the red out" drops.
Call us the same day for a red eye with
- Pain that is more than mild irritation
- Light sensitivity or blur that doesn't clear when you blink
- Contact lens wear
- A white or gray spot on the clear front of the eye
- An injury, or symptoms that aren't improving after a few days
Call us right away or go to the emergency room for sudden vision loss, a curtain or shadow over your vision, new flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters, severe eye pain with nausea or halos, or a chemical splash in the eye.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if pink eye is viral or bacterial?
Viral pink eye usually causes watery discharge and often comes with a cold. Bacterial pink eye tends to cause thick yellow or green discharge. They overlap, so an exam is the best way to tell.
Is a broken blood vessel in my eye dangerous?
Usually not. It often clears on its own in a week or two. Have it checked if it followed an injury, keeps happening, or comes with pain or vision changes.
Should I keep wearing contacts with a red eye?
No. Take them out and leave them out until your eye doctor says it is safe. If the eye is painful too, call the same day.
Visit Reimbold Eye Group in Alpharetta
Red, irritated or painful eyes? Don't guess. Book online or call 770-776-9000. We are at 4180 Old Milton Pkwy 1-D, Alpharetta, GA 30005, open Tuesday to Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 2 pm.