Almost everyone will experience eye redness at some point in their lives. Red eyes can be surprising and even a little alarming, especially if they occur alongside other symptoms like discomfort, dryness, or blurred vision. While it’s often nothing serious, red eyes may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.
In this blog, we explore some common causes of red eyes and where to find expert red eye treatment in Liberal, Kansas.
What causes red eyes?
Red eyes, also known as bloodshot eyes, happen when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye become swollen or irritated. Eye redness can occur for many reasons, including:
Dry eye syndrome
When your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, the surface of your eyes becomes dry, irritated, and inflamed. In addition to redness, you might notice other symptoms such as burning, stinging, a gritty sensation, and blurred vision. If dry eye is the issue, our experienced eye doctors can determine the underlying cause and provide dry eye treatment in Liberal.
Allergies
Pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust mites can all cause allergic conjunctivitis, leading to redness, itching, and watery eyes. If you tend to get red eyes during certain seasons or in certain environments, allergies may be the cause. You can often relieve symptoms with allergy medications, antihistamine eye drops, or by limiting exposure to allergens when possible.
Contact lens issues
Wearing contact lenses for extended periods or not cleaning them properly can irritate the eyes and lead to redness. If your lenses feel uncomfortable, it may be time to switch to a different type or adjust your cleaning routine.
Eye strain
Staring at a screen for too long without blinking enough can dry out the surface of the eye, leading to redness and fatigue. Taking regular breaks from screens and using artificial tears can help soothe your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Pink eye can be viral, bacterial, or allergic. It often causes redness, discharge, itching, and sensitivity. It’s highly contagious in its viral and bacterial forms, so early diagnosis and treatment are important. If you suspect pink eye is the issue, be sure to visit our optometrists for an evaluation and professional treatment.
Environmental exposure
Wind, smoke, air pollution, chlorine from pools, or strong fumes can all trigger irritation. Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors or using a humidifier indoors can offer some protection.
When should you see an eye doctor for red eyes?
Not all red eyes are serious. However, if your redness is accompanied by pain, sensitivity to light, vision changes, or persistent irritation, it’s time to see a professional for red eye treatment.
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we provide personalized care and advanced treatment for red eyes in Liberal. From diagnosing dry eye and allergies to managing infections or more complex issues, we tailor your treatment plan to your exact needs.
If you have red eyes that are bothering you, please give us a call or fill out our form to request an appointment online.
