•Dr Priscilia Imade
Red eyes occur when the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged or inflamed, making the white part of the eye appear red.
Although redness may result from a minor irritation, it can also be the first sign of a serious eye condition that requires prompt medical attention.
COMMON CAUSES OF RED EYES
The most common causes include conjunctivitis (commonly called “Apollo”), allergies, dry eye disease, foreign bodies, eye injuries, corneal infections, glaucoma, uveitis, and exposure to dust, smoke, chemicals, or excessive eye rubbing.
Identifying the exact cause is essential because treatment varies from one condition to another.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
In addition to redness, patients may experience itching, burning, watering, eye discharge, pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. While some symptoms are mild, others may indicate a sight-threatening condition.
DANGER SIGNS
Seek immediate eye care if you experience severe eye pain, sudden blurred or reduced vision, redness following an eye injury or chemical splash, persistent redness lasting more than two days, or redness associated with severe headache, nausea, or vomiting. Delaying treatment may result in permanent vision loss.
RISK FACTORS
Poor hand hygiene, allergies, excessive screen use, misuse of contact lenses, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and frequent exposure to dust or smoke can increase the risk of developing red eyes. Maintaining good eye health and controlling underlying medical conditions can reduce this risk.
PREVENTION
Many cases of red eyes can be prevented by washing your hands regularly, avoiding rubbing your eyes, practising good contact lens hygiene, protecting your eyes from dust and chemicals, taking regular breaks from digital screens using the 20-20-20 rule, and attending routine eye examinations.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Mild dry eyes may improve with lubricating eye drops, while allergies may require anti-allergy medication. Bacterial infections need appropriate antibiotics, whereas serious conditions such as glaucoma, corneal ulcers, or uveitis require urgent specialist treatment. Self-medication should be avoided.
WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID
Do not use steroid eye drops or any eye medication without professional advice. Avoid sharing eye drops with others, rubbing your eyes excessively, or ignoring persistent redness, especially when it is accompanied by pain or reduced vision. These practices can worsen the condition and delay proper treatment.
WHEN TO VISIT YOUR OPTOMETRIST
You should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist if your red eye lasts longer than one to two days, is associated with pain, blurred vision, discharge, follows an eye injury, or keeps recurring. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and preserve your vision.
Not every red eye is “Apollo.” While some cases are harmless, others can threaten sight if left untreated. If you notice persistent redness, pain, or changes in vision, seek professional eye care promptly. Your eyes are too precious to risk with self-medication.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
