Alleviate Red Eye Discomfort
“Red or pink eye” is a common term used to describe a condition called conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent layer of tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. The condition can cause the eye to appear red or pink due to the dilation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva.
There are several potential causes of conjunctivitis:
- Viral conjunctivitis: similar to the common cold which is contagious
- Bacterial conjunctiviti: Staphylococcus, Strep, Haemophilus, or other
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold. It is not contagious and typically affects both eyes.
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Chemical conjunctivitis: Caused by exposure to irritants like chlorine, smoke, fumes, or other chemicals. This type is also not contagious.
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Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC): Occurs when the conjunctiva becomes irritated by contact lenses, or specific allergic reaction esp in boys.
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Symptoms Of Conjunctivitis May Include:
- Red or pink appearance of the eye.
- Itchiness or a gritty feeling in the eye.
- Excessive tearing or eye discharge, which may be clear, white, yellow, or green, depending on the cause.
- Crusting of the eyelashes, especially in the morning.
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Sensitivity to light.
Treatment For Conjunctivitis Depends On The Underlying Cause:
Often looking for the underlying cause is critical. Taking a good history and looking for signs of virus, allergies and accompanying symptoms. Then treating the underlying condition is the best. Often anti-inflammatories can be very helpful. Antibiotics can also be helpful in cases of suspected bacterial infection.
Get Relief for Irritated and Bloodshot Eyes
Trust the ophthalmologists of Eye MDs of Inland for personalized evaluations and treatment.
The team at Eye MDs includes Marc Shomer, MD, PhD., FABO, a board-certified ophthalmologist and member of the Keck USC School of Medicine. Dr. Shomer is a Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology at Los Angeles USC Medical Center and graduated from the top-rated Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. Dr. Shomer accolades include: Compassionate physician award, top ophthalmologist award, and member of leading physicians of the world.
Eye redness is the result of the blood vessels under the surface of the eye becoming irritated and inflamed. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to an irritant, like smoke, pet dander, or pollen, or an infection or trauma. The redness often looks even worse because the conjunctiva, the clear layer of tissue that covers your eye, has many blood vessels that become more visible in the white of your eye, giving your irritated eye a very red appearance.
If your eyes look red for more than a week, you have pain, fever, discharge, light sensitivity, or you experience vision changes, make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist (an Eye MD). Red eye can be a symptom of other conditions, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), glaucoma, dry eye, blepharitis, or an injury that requires medical attention.
Treatment for red eyes depends on the diagnosis and source of the irritation. Anti-inflammatories can be very helpful. Bacterial infections usually require an antibiotic. The ophthalmologists of Eye MDs of Inland will recommend appropriate treatment that can restore bright, healthy-looking eyes and protect your vision and health.
In many cases, you can avoid the discomfort of eye inflammation with good hygiene practices, like keeping your contact lenses clean, removing eye makeup before bed, and thoroughly washing your hands before touching your eyes. Avoid known irritants like pet dander or smoke, and take frequent breaks when using screens. If you still experience frequent redness, make an appointment to see an eye care professional such as an MD, specializing in the eye (ophthalmologist near me).
Reliable Eye Exams & Ophthalmologic Care
Our Eye MDs (ophthalmologist) focus on long-term eye health and work to improve or maintain your vision. Many problems do not appear until the later stages of life and require thorough care to resolve or manage them. We conduct comprehensive eye exams to monitor and detect the early signs of eye diseases.
Eye MDs of Inland addresses adult optometric and ophthalmologic concerns, including the following:
Comprehensive Eye Care in the Inland Empire
When you need treatment for red eye or any other eye disease or condition, trust the award-winning ophthalmologists of Eye MDs Inland bring the experience of the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA together with the Keck USC School of Medicine.
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