Red eye is a condition that occurs when the tiny blood vessels on the white surfaces of your eyes dilate, causing the sclera to become reddened or bloodshot. Red eye can be painless and go away on its own, or it can be a sign of a more serious eye condition. At Albuquerque Vision Care and Advanced Eyewear in Albuquerque, NM, our eye doctor diagnoses and treats red eye.

What Is Red Eye?

This condition is typically caused by insufficient oxygen levels in the cornea. This is why red eye is often accompanied by dry eye. The inflamed blood vessels in the whites of the eyes make the eye look bloodshot. In mild cases of red eye, the blood vessels will return back to normal. However, if you are experiencing red eye that will not go away on its own, it is vital to seek treatment.

Causes of Red Eye

Many causes of red eye are relatively harmless. Causes of red eye are exacerbated by different factors, like being awake all night long, reading in poor light, or a scratched eyeball. Other causes include:

• Eye injury
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Eye allergies
• Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)
• Contact lenses complication
• Dry eyes
• Glaucoma
• Airborne fumes

Symptoms of Red Eye

Common symptoms of red eye include:

• Sense of a foreign body in the eye
• Gritty feeling
• Bulging of the eyeball
• Dry eyes
• Burning sensation in eyes
• Discharge from the eyes

Treatment of Red Eye

Our eye doctor will perform several tests to determine the cause of red eye. Some common treatments include:

• Cold compresses
• Artificial tears
• Vasoconstrictors
• Use of decongestants and antihistamines

If eye allergies are causing red eye, you will need to treat the allergies to alleviate your symptoms.

Visit Our Eye Doctor in Albuquerque, NM for Red Eye Treatment

If you are suffering from red eye, dry eyes, or eye allergies, we can help. At Albuquerque Vision Care and Advanced Eyewear in Albuquerque, NM, our eye doctor will provide the proper treatment for these conditions. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.