Here at Central Florida Eye Institute, we take our time with each patient to uncover what could be causing their vision or eye health concerns. Patients of all ages are treated with kindness and respect as we focus on getting the results they need. Over many years of practice, we have noticed that there are certain problems that are more common than others. Redness and irritation are symptoms that can cause a lot of concern if you do not know what could be causing the issue. Here, we will look at a few of the common culprits, and discuss what you can do about this concern.
Infection
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common condition experienced by children. The widespread school of thought regarding pink eye is that it is very contagious. While it can be, this is not set in stone. There is an allergic type of conjunctivitis that is not passed from person to person. Pink eye, in either form, may cause redness and burning, swelling, discharge, watering, and other symptoms. What to do: If a child or adult may have pink eye, rubbing or touching the eyes should be avoided. Cool compresses can improve comfort, and each eye should have its own so bacteria is not inadvertently shared from one to the other. If discharge is discolored, or if fever develops, schedule a visit with your eye doctor.
Broken Blood Vessel
If this is the cause of redness and irritation, you will know! A broken blood vessel may occur for a number of reasons, or for no reason at all. If a tiny vessel bursts, the blood within will spill out. This can appear serious, but it is usually not. The blood that was transported in the broken vessel will redirect, and that which has escaped into the eye will absorb over time. What to do: Because there could be an underlying condition that has caused the blood vessel to burst, it is beneficial to have an eye exam to rule this out.
Allergies
Eye irritation and redness, along with swelling, itching, watering, and other complaints, may stem from a seasonal allergy or pet allergy, or even as a result of fumes or chemicals in the atmosphere. Typically, this allergic response is not serious. Redness and irritation from allergies can be disturbing enough to want treatment. What to do: Irritation may be soothed with cool compresses or over-the-counter allergy medicine. If the problem is severe, prescription allergy medication may be a better bet.
Our friendly team is here to help you resolve eye conditions like redness and swelling. To schedule your visit, call (352) 237-8400.