Red eye: causes and treatment

What is red eye?

Red or bloodshot eyes occur when tiny blood vessels under the eye’s surface become enlarged or inflamed, usually as a reaction to an irritation. Red eye is a common eye condition and often nothing to worry about, as it usually gets better on its own. However, in some instances, it can be more serious and may need some medical assistance.

What are the causes of red eye?

There are several common causes of red eyes such as allergies, eye fatigue, wearing contact lenses for too long, styes, or infections such as conjunctivitis.

What are the symptoms of red eye?

The symptoms of red eye can also give you an indication of the cause. For example, if you have a bright red area in the white of your eye it is likely this is down to a burst blood vessel. If you have a feeling of gritty, burning or sticky eyes, there is a chance this could be conjunctivitis.

Is there a treatment available for red eyes?

If your eyes aren’t causing you any discomfort and your sight isn’t being affected, there is a high chance that it is not caused by anything serious. It’s likely it will go away on its own within a few days. In the meantime, you should try not to touch or rub your eyes and definitely don’t wear contact lenses. You can also:

• Remove eye makeup properly
• Take regular breaks when looking at the computer screen 

How do I get help?

Although red eye usually goes away on its own, sometimes it can be a more serious eye condition or disease. If you would like to consult a professional, you can visit your local pharmacist and see if there’s anything you can do to treat it yourself, or if you will need to consult a GP.