Red eye is a disorder that sprouts up when the small blood vessels on the whites’ surface of your eyes dilate, making the sclera look reddened or bloodshot. This condition can go away on its own, or can be a sign of another issue. It is important to get red eye diagnosed. At Saratoga Vision in Saratoga Springs, NY, our optometrists diagnose and treat red eye.

What Is Red Eye?

This condition is exacerbated by inadequate oxygen levels transmitted to the cornea or the prevailing tissues shielding the eye. It can make your eyes look tired and bloodshot. Red eye can also dry out the eyes and make it difficult to see.

Causes of Red Eye

Many causes of red eyes are relatively harmless and usually disappear through the use of home-based solutions. Causes of red eye are exacerbated by different factors, like being awake all night long, reading in poor light, and having a scratched eyeball. Other causes include:

  • Allergies: Prevailing outdoor allergies, including pollen emanating from grasses and trees, can cause red eye. Indoor triggers include dust, mold, and pet dander. In these cases, your eyes may also tear up, burn, and itch.
  • Dry eye: Occasionally, your tears don’t possess the texture they should. They may evaporate too fast. Sometimes your eyes don’t produce enough tears. All of these are indications of dry eye. When the eyes dry out, they begin to turn red.
  • Pink eye: This is also referred to as conjunctivitis. It occurs when the lining of your eyelid gets inflamed, caused by a bacteria or virus. This condition can trigger red eyes.
  • Ruptured blood vessels: This is triggered when tiny blood vessels rupture beneath the surface of the eye. The blood is trapped and causes the white of your eye to turn bright red. It may get triggered by heavy lifting, sneezing, vomiting, or rubbing your eyes a little too hard.
  • Eye fatigue: Your eyes can get tired from reading, staring at a digital screen, and more. Over wearing contacts can also make your eyes tired. Eye fatigue will lead to red and dry eyes.

Symptoms of Red Eye

Other symptoms of red eye include:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Irritated eyes
  • Eye allergies
  • Sense of a foreign body in the eye
  • Gritty feeling
  • Bulging of the eyeball
  • Dry eyes
  • Burning sensation in eyes
  • Discharge from the eyes

Treating Red Eye

Our eye doctor at Saratoga Vision will perform an eye exam to see if you have any underlying eye health conditions. Finding the cause of your red eyes is vital in finding the right treatment. After a diagnosis, we may use several techniques, such as:

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

Visit Our Eye Doctor in Saratoga Springs, NY for Red Eye Treatment

At Saratoga Vision, our optometry team is dedicated to keeping your eye health and vision at their best. We will work with you to find the right treatment. Our eye doctor is happy to answer any questions you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.