Common Causes of Red Eye

Do you have bloodshot eyes? Red eyes are usually the result of a medical condition that is affecting the ocular blood vessels. While red eyes may seem alarming, they often indicate a minor health problem. 

Aside from redness, the eyes may also experience fatigue, burning, itching, dryness, blurred vision, or a stringy discharge. Other symptoms depend on the specific illness or injury that the person has developed. Below are some of the most common causes of a red eye:

• Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. This inflammation targets the conjunctiva, the outer layer of the eye's whiteness. Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Stye or hordeolum. A stye occurs when the oil glands of the eyelid develop a bacterial infection.
• Blepharitis. Inflammation of the eyelids can come as a result of allergies or infections.
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage. This condition is characterized by the bleeding or rupturing of blood vessels located underneath the conjunctiva. Blood vessel hemorrhaging can be caused by anything from physical trauma to severe hypertension.
• Dry eye syndrome. As the name suggests, this condition is marked by a consistent sensation of dryness. Dry eyes can occur as a result of meibomian gland dysfunction, vitamin deficiency, allergies, Lasik eye surgery, or the use of contact lenses.
• Uveitis, or the inflammation of the eye's middle layer, known as the uvea.
• Glaucoma. Ocular pressure can lead to optic nerve damage and high blood pressure within the eyes.

Contact Our Eye Doctor for Red Eyes Treatment

Searching for a quality optometrist in West Des Moines? Lock Family Eye Care will be able to help you. Our center strives to provide top-notch eye care to the people of West Des Moines, Iowa. We cover a wide variety of areas, from eye examinations to contact lens fittings. If you have red eyes, our eye doctor can help investigate, diagnose and treat whatever condition you have. Feel free to give us a call at 515-267-1312 to learn more about our services.