If a person has a reddened eye, then this does not always indicate pathology. Such a sign can be observed during hard work or when exposed to irritating substances. However, if the redness continues for a long time and does not go away, then this should be alarming. Such a manifestation can be a symptom of both ophthalmic and internal diseases.
Why eyes turn red
In the eye proteins there are many vessels necessary for the nutrition of the organs of vision. In their normal state, they are almost impossible to see. But when the vessels expand, the blood shines through their walls. The eye looks reddened. This phenomenon is associated with increased blood supply to the sclera. The reasons for the expansion of the eye vessels can be different.
Causes not related to pathological processes
It often happens that a person has reddened eyes after a long work at the computer, reading books or watching TV. The reason for this is not related to pathology. The intense work of the organ of vision requires additional blood supplysclera, and vasodilation occurs. If you give your eyes a rest, the redness will disappear. However, if overstrain occurs systematically, then this can lead to the development of myopia. In addition, a constant heavy load on vision causes an increase in intraocular pressure.
It often happens that a person has a reddened eye after drinking alcohol. Ethanol causes the release of the hormone norepinephrine, which dilates blood vessels. As a result, the sclera become red, sometimes they even bleed.
Eyes may become red after hard physical work. Muscle tension causes increased blood circulation, including in the sclera. This redness can last for several days, even after rest.
Many people wear contact lenses. For a long time, this may not cause any discomfort. But suddenly one day a person notices that his eye is reddened. The reason for this is a violation of the rules for wearing and storing soft optics. In no case should you sleep in lenses, you must ensure that eyelashes or particles of cosmetics do not get under them. Contact lenses should be stored in a special solution.
Getting mote under the eyelid can also cause vasodilation of the sclera. The redness goes away after the foreign body is removed. The smaller the mote, the sooner the color of the eye proteins normalizes.
Irritation and eye injury
Sometimes a person notices that the whites of his eyes turn red after being in a smokyroom. Tobacco smoke irritates the sclera. However, this passes quickly. It is enough to go out into fresh air, and the eye vessels will quickly narrow.
Also, often the redness of proteins is noted when soap or shampoo gets on the conjunctiva and sclera. These detergents contain substances that irritate the organ of vision. Often, after hygiene procedures, a person notices that his eye is reddened. What to do in this case? It is enough to rinse the eyes with plenty of water, and then treat with strong tea leaves. This will help remove detergent particles and soothe irritation. This inflammation usually resolves quickly.
However, there are more serious causes of scleral hyperemia due to irritation. Particles of deodorant, cologne and other alcohol-based liquids can get into the eye. Such substances can cause not only inflammation, but also a burn. The person feels a strong burning sensation and notices that his eye is reddened. What to do if hyperemia is caused by exposure to chemicals? It is necessary to immediately rinse the eye with water and drip into it drugs with analgesic action: "Alkain", "Naklof", "Octilia". This will help relieve the burning sensation and eliminate the redness. Then you need to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Another dangerous cause of hyperemia of the sclera can be trauma. After a blow or bruise, a person notices that his eye is swollen and reddened. The organ of vision is very sensitive to any mechanical influences. Even after a minor injury, swelling, pain andredness. In such cases, you need to seek medical help. It is not always possible to cure the consequences of an eye injury on your own.
Internal Medicine
If a person has a reddened eye, you should pay attention to the general state of he alth. This may be one of the symptoms of internal diseases. Hyperemia of the sclera is a sign of the following pathologies:
- Allergies. Sometimes it can be difficult for a person to determine why the eye turned red. This may be due to contact with the allergen, which has passed unnoticed by the patient. This happens, for example, with increased sensitivity to plant pollen or animal hair. Usually, this symptom is accompanied by other symptoms: itchy skin, urticaria-like rash, runny nose. But in some cases, redness is observed only in the sclera, this is called allergic conjunctivitis.
- Cold diseases. With ARVI and rhinitis, hyperemia of the proteins of the eyes is often observed. Redness usually resolves after recovery.
- High blood pressure. With systematic high blood pressure, pathological changes are noted in the walls of retinal vessels. Blood circulation is disturbed. Because of this, the sclera turn red, in some cases, hemorrhages appear in the whites of the eyes.
- Diabetes. With this disease, the same changes occur in the vessels of the retina, as in hypertension. However, if the eye is reddened in a diabetic, then this can be a very unfavorable sign. Vascular disorders can lead to clouding and detachment of the retina, which causes a significant reduction in vision.
Also, hyperemia of the sclera can be associated with low blood clotting. Sometimes this is the result of excessive use of drugs: Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants.
Eye diseases
Pathologies of the organ of vision are a fairly common cause of reddening of the sclera. The following ophthalmic diseases can cause this symptom:
- Conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, which occurs due to the penetration of an infection. With this disease, not only the proteins turn red, but also the eyelids. There is a burning sensation and itching, pus is released from the eyes.
- Glaucoma. With this disease, intraocular pressure increases. A person feels worse: dizziness, nausea, colored circles float before his eyes. Visual acuity decreases, pain in the sclera is felt.
- Iridocyclitis. This is an inflammatory process in the iris of the eye. It occurs as a result of infection or is a complication of internal diseases. A person's vision is reduced, swelling of the eyelids appears, tears constantly flow. The iris can change color, and the shape of the pupil is deformed.
- Keratitis. Inflammation occurs in the cornea. This may be a consequence of infection, trauma, as well as a complication of rheumatic pathologies. A person is worried about the constant sensation of a foreign body in the eye, lacrimation, fear of light. The cornea becomes cloudy, vision deteriorates.
- Blepharitis. Inflammation occurs on the eyelids, near the eyelashes. This disease is infectious in nature and is caused by many bacteria andviruses. Microorganisms enter the eyes from the nose, throat and mouth. Eyelids redden and itch, sometimes there is a purulent discharge.
- Inflammation of the sebaceous gland near the eyelashes (barley). With this disease, an abscess forms on the edge of the eyelid. This is a consequence of infection in the gland. Usually, with barley, the eyelid turns red, but hyperemia of the sclera can also be observed.
- Episcleritis. This is an inflammatory process on the outer shell of proteins. Signs of the disease are not pronounced, there is redness of the sclera and discomfort in the eyes.
- Dry eye syndrome. With this pathology, tears are produced in insufficient quantities. The patient is worried about pain in the eyes and increased sensitivity to light.
Many of these diseases require persistent and long-term treatment. Redness of the sclera may be the first sign of serious ophthalmic pathologies.
If the eye itches
Scleral hyperemia is often accompanied by itching. If the eye turns red and itches, then this may signal the following diseases:
- allergies;
- conjunctivitis;
- dry eye syndrome;
- blepharitis.
In allergies, redness disappears after taking antihistamines. Conjunctivitis, blepharitis and a lack of tear fluid require treatment by an ophthalmologist.
Lachrymation
If the eye turns red and watery, this may be a sign of serious diseases such as keratitis and iridocyclitis. This symptom can also be observed with irritationchemicals, as well as in contact with specks. Tear fluid is released in order to remove the foreign body.
In some cases, this is a sign of a viral infection. If a person has a watery and reddened eye, then such a manifestation may be the initial symptom of eye herpes. In the early stages, this disease resembles many other inflammatory pathologies of the organ of vision. And only then specific signs appear: rashes on the eyelids and conjunctiva in the form of bubbles.
Eye festering
If the eye is reddened and festering, then this is always a manifestation of an infectious lesion. This symptom is typical for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, barley. Also, the release of pus is observed with dacryocystitis - inflammation of the lacrimal sac. This disease is accompanied by severe swelling of the eye. When you press on the swelling, you can notice the release of pus.
If purulent contents are released after an eye injury, then this may be a bad sign. Such a symptom indicates an ulcerative process in the cornea, which, without treatment, can result in complete loss of vision.
Eye hurts
Very often, redness of the sclera is accompanied by pain in the eyes. Unpleasant sensations can vary from a slight burning sensation to severe cramping. If such a symptom is caused by fatigue and tension, then it does not require special treatment, it is enough just to rest the organ of vision. However, if the eye turns red and hurts for a long time, then this may indicate diseases such as iridocyclitis, keratitis,glaucoma, herpes eye. Pain and flushing are often noted after injury and irritation from chemicals. Pain and discomfort can persist for a long time after large foreign bodies enter the eye.
Also, pain is felt when small eye vessels rupture. Sometimes even a little physical exertion is enough for this. The squirrel appears to bleed, and then pain is felt.
Swollen eyes
If the eye is swollen and reddened, then this can be a symptom of both ophthalmic and internal diseases. This phenomenon is observed in inflammation: blepharitis, iridocyclitis, keratitis, barley. Eyes can also swell with glaucoma due to increased intraocular pressure.
Phlegmon can become a dangerous cause of swelling and redness of the eye. This is a purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue. It occurs when an infection enters the skin. In this case, the edema is quite large, the body temperature is sharply increased, and the skin in the lesion becomes hot to the touch.
Swelling of the eyelids and redness of the sclera can also be caused by malfunctions of the internal organs. For example, with excessive fluid intake, the eyes swell and become red. The same symptom is noted in diabetes mellitus.
What to do with redness of the eye
If a person has a reddened eye, the treatment will depend on the cause that caused such a symptom. For diseases of the internal organs, it is necessary to undergo a course of therapy. The hyperemia will disappear after the cure.
For allergies, antihistamines are indicated:"Suprastin", "Tavegil", "Dimedrol". This will eliminate all symptoms of the disease, including hyperemia of the sclera.
If redness is caused by excessive eye strain, then it is necessary to arrange rest for the eyes. It is useful to periodically look at large distant objects. You should also spend a few minutes an hour with your eyes closed.
Treatment of eye diseases requires consultation and supervision of an ophthalmologist. Therapy often takes a long time. Redness of the eyes in this case is only one of the signs of pathology, in order to get rid of this phenomenon, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of vasodilation.
Before contacting a specialist, you can try to remove the redness of the eyes at home:
- If a person's eyes turn red and hurt, then compresses can be done. Gauze should be moistened in a decoction of chamomile and put on the eyelids. This herbal remedy is also used as an eye wash.
- Cucumber or raw potato slices can also be used for compresses.
- You can put used tea bags on your eyelids.
To quickly eliminate redness, you can use vasoconstrictor drops: "Vizin", "Naphthyzin", "Octilia". But we must remember that these drugs only remove external signs, but do not affect the cause of vasodilation. In addition, such drops are addictive, they can be used for no more than 3 days.
Drug "Lutein complex"contains many substances useful for the eyes (vitamins, minerals, carotenoids). However, it does not quickly remove redness. This tool protects the organ of vision from overwork during hard work.
There are times when a patient's eyes suddenly become inflamed and reddened. How to treat such an ailment? Usually inflammatory diseases have a viral or bacterial etiology. In these cases, anti-infective eye ointments are used: "Tetracycline", "Acyclovir" and "Oftalmovit". But these funds are not recommended for use without a doctor's prescription.
Preparations "Artificial tear" and "Gylan Comfort" are prescribed for "dry eye" syndrome and other ophthalmic pathologies. They moisturize the sclera, eliminate pain and burning. These drops do not instantly relieve redness of the eyes. But they are more useful than vasoconstrictor drugs. However, if the patient uses contact lenses, then "Artificial Tear" should not be used. For those who wear soft optics, there are special moisturizing drops.
As a first aid for redness of the eyes, it is better to use traditional medicine recipes. After that, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The specialist will diagnose and prescribe all the necessary drugs.
