RED EYE

RED EYES

Red eye is a common sign seen in many eye conditions; most often people get eye drops from nearby pharmacies when these symptoms are seen.Self medication by patients often worsen their eye conditions due to wrong drug prescriptions acquired.the eye conditions sometimes report to doctors late resulting in majority of visual impairments.this article will give all patients an idea about common causes of red eyes,symptoms and plan if confused about actions needed if your eyes get red.

Red eye is simply occurs when small blood vessels that are present on the surface of the eye(conjunctiva) becomes enlarged congested with blood.

This often happens when there an insufficient amount of oxygen supply to the cornea,trauma,or an infection to eye tissues.

Red eye normally is no cause for alarm but may be dangerous when it comes with signs and symptoms like:

- Pain

- Reduced vision

- Abnormal discharge from the eye 

- Difficulty looking at light

- Problem with moving eye and headaches 

 RULE 1: SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY,THESE SIGNS MAY INDICATE A SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS .

RULE 2: NEVER GET TO THE PHARMACY GET YOUR PERSONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG.RED EYE LOOK SIMILAR BUT HAVE DIFFERENT CAUSES THAT IS SIGHT THREATENING AND EVEN SOMETIMES LIFE THREATENING.

CAUSES OF RED EYE

Conjunctivitis(microbial)

Subconjunctival haemorrhage

Allergic conjunctivitis

Pterygium & Pingueculum

Dry eye syndrome

Corneal ulcer

 Blepharitis

Scleritis & Episcleritis

Uveitis

Angle closure glaucoma

Chemical burns

Trauma(blunt / penetrating)

Keratitis

Antiretroviral drugs 

Antiglaucoma drugs and many other topical eye drugs

General systemic diseases that can cause red eye(may be life threatening)

 

·         Behcet’s disease

·         Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

·         Sjogren’s Syndrome

·         Steven Johnsons Disease

·         HIV

·         Ankylosing Spondylitis

·         Rheumatoid Arthritis

·         Chlamydia

·         Hypertension

·         Diabetes

·         Graves’ disease

·         Sarcoidosis

                     Tuberculosis

All the the above causes(diseases) have specific treatment/management approach clinically.

These conditions will be discussed individually in this Journal series. 

The above listed and many more are responsible for common red eye signs we see as red eye.

The role of the doctor is to rule out the specific cause of your red eye and make informed decisions to manage or cure your condition.

FOR THIS REASON SELF MEDICATION OR ADVICE FROM INEXPERIENCED PERSON OTHER THAN A DOCTOR IS LIKELY TO CAUSE YOU MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

MANAGEMENT(First Aid)

Apply cold compress immediately and ensure lid hygiene always.