Red Eyes

RED EYES

Eyes appear red when the blood vessels in the membrane covering the white of the eye (conjunctiva) become congested or swell, which results in more blood flowing to the area and makes it look red.

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Common Conditions
Important
Self Management of Simple Red Eyes
Application of Eye Medication
Habits to Observe
Avoid

Common Conditions

v Irritation, Chemical or Toxic conjunctivitis – This is due to irritation from dust, tobacco, pool
    chlorine, excess alcohol, sunlight or rubbing.
    Symptoms- Itching, tearing and sometimes a gritty feeling.
v Allergic Conjunctivitis – Due to allergens in the air, allergy to cosmetics, fur from pets etc.
    The eyes get very irritated and itchy and start to water. Often, this is accompanied by
    sneezing, wheezing or skin rash.
v Infected eyes (infectious conjunctivitis) – This type of conjunctivitis is due to bacterial or
    virus infection.   The eyes are glued together especially on waking up in the morning. There     is pus and a burning and gritty sensation. This form of conjunctivitis can spread to other
    members of the family and close contacts.
v Dry eyes. This is a result of insufficient tears being made. More commonly found in older
    people and can also be a result of taking certain drugs.Red eyes should not be neglected.
    You should get treated. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Important

As red eyes can be a warning sign of serious eye disorders, consult a doctor if any seemingly simple conditions last for more than two days or if any of the following symptoms set in: -
v Discomfort in bright light (photophobia)
v Blurred vision.
v Redness immediately around the iris (the black portion) rather than the whole white of the
eye.
v Pain or tenderness.
v Discharge of pus.

Self Management Of Simple Red Eyes

v Rest eyes and avoid bright light.
v Instill some eye drops to relieve burning or irritation (consult your pharmacist)
v Dry eyes – if eyes are still dry three days using drops bought after consulting your
pharmacist, consult your doctor.

Application of Eye Medication

v Clean eyes
v Wash hands.
v Tilt head backwards.
v Pull down lower eyelid.
v Look up and instill one drop. For ointment, squeeze in about 4mm. Do not let container
touch the eye. Put the ointment at the inner angle of eye.
v Close eye gently for a few minutes.
v Wash hands again.

Habits To Observe

v Wear goggles in chlorinated pools or dirty water.
v Wear sunglasses to protect against bright sunshine.
v Use non-smoking areas in restaurants, aeroplanes and in the work place.
v Try to identify and avoid things to which you are allergic.
v Organisms can grow in opened eye products. Do not use solutions and ointment, which
have been opened for more than one month, unless otherwise advised by your pharmacist.

Avoid

v Rubbing your eyes.
v Smoking and smoke-filled rooms.
v Using an eye product prescribed for somebody else.
v Excessive alcohol intake
v Ignoring serious symptoms. Take care of yourself and your eyesight.