Red Eye & Eye Infection Care
Red eye can affect one or both eyes and may be caused by infection, allergy, dryness, irritation, contact-lens problems or other eye conditions.
Symptoms may include:
• Redness or irritation
• Burning or itching
• Watering or discharge
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
Most causes are minor, but a painful red eye or redness associated with reduced vision can sometimes indicate a more serious eye problem and should be examined promptly.
Common Causes of Red Eye
Red eye may result from:
• Conjunctivitis and other eye infections
• Eye allergy
• Dry eye or environmental irritation
• Contact-lens related problems
• Eye injury or foreign body
• Inflammation inside the eye
• Corneal problems
The correct treatment depends on the cause, which is why persistent or painful redness should not be treated simply by trying different eye drops without an examination.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
An eye examination is advisable when redness persists, keeps recurring or is associated with pain, discharge, light sensitivity or blurred vision.
Seek prompt eye care if there is severe pain, sudden reduction in vision, significant light sensitivity, an eye injury, chemical exposure, or a painful red eye while wearing contact lenses.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them until the eye has been assessed. Avoid using antibiotic, steroid or “redness-relief” eye drops without medical advice.
At Garg Eye Clinic in Madhu Vihar, Dr Priti Garg evaluates red eye, infections, allergies and other causes of eye irritation for patients from IP Extension, Patparganj, Mayur Vihar and surrounding areas of East Delhi.