The red eye is one such syndrome that may affect one or both the eye, the eye appears scarily red due to the dilation of the blood vessels caused by infection or irritation. The bloodshot eyes, these include subconjunctival hemorrhage i.e. breakdown of one more blood vessel in the sclera, blepharitis  it is the inflamed eyelids, a red bump over the eyelids called stye.

Most common causes of red eye are: allergies, corneal ulceration, foreign body in eye, dry eye syndrome-decreased production of tears, corneal herpetic infection, outwardly turned eyelid-Ectropion, Entropion-inwardly turned eyelid, Blepharitis-inflammation of eyelids, or any infection of eye constituents and sometimes  even because of contact lenses. In short any insult to eye will present as red eye.

The treatment varies depending on the cause of the red eye. It may be as simple as cold compresses and rest, refraining from the use of contact lenses if it triggered the red eye, eye drops, antibiotics and rarely surgical intervention.

However certain measures it taken can reduce the incidence of red eye: Avoid frequent rubbing of eyes, hand act as vehicles of transport. While using contact lenses, hygiene plays an important role as contacts act as breeding ground for germs if left uncared for. At times it may be due to over-stressing of eye at the computer screen, in such case take a break and follow the 20-20-20 rule: look away from your computer every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Know your allergies and take appropriate medications. Schedule an eye exam every 6 to 8 months for medical guidance.

-Koya Satyasri