Why Red Irritated Eyes?
Almost everyone has dealt with red irritated eyes. Caused by a wide variety of reasons, red eyes can happen at any time. There are many reasons that red, irritated eyes occur:
- Eye Conditions
- Air Quality
- Surgery and Medicines
- Lifestyle and Habits
- Being Female – hormone changes
Red Irritated Eyes Conditions
- Conjunctivitis – The most common cause, conjunctivitis causes the whites of the eyes to become pink or red.
- Ocular Herpes – Caused by the type 1 herpes simplex virus, ocular herpes causes cold sores on the eyes resulting in inflammation and scarring of the cornea.
- Ocular Rosacea – A reddening of the whites of the eyes, ocular rosacea mainly affects people between 30 and 60 years of age. Those with fair skin and light colored hair and eyes and women in menopause tend to develop ocular rosacea over other groups.
- Iritis – Anterior uveitis (Iritis) is an inflammation of the iris where small white blood cells from the affected area along with excess protein float inside the fluid that sits between the iris and the cornea.
- Eye Styes – An inflammation or infection of the follicle of an eye lash or a meibomian gland that is located along the eyelid edge. Presented as a red, painful lump, these “pimple like” areas are contagious. A chalazion is similar but not contagious. Both are caused by clogged Meibomian glands.
Environmental Factors Cause Red Irritated Eyes
Seasonal and food allergies, climate, and smoking can cause eyes to become red and irritated. Thirty to forty percent (30-40%) of Americans have seasonal or food allergies. Many people exposed to smoke, whether from a smoker or burning material, develop eye discomfort also.
- Allergies and Sensitivities – Whether seasonal or chronic, allergy sufferers and those who have sensitivities to certain issues such as rheumatoid arthritis or even depression can develop red eyes. Eighty percent of people with allergies develop eye allergies.
- Weather – When the wind blows, the dry environmental conditions can dry out the delicate fluid layer that protects the eyes. A dry climate can also cause red eyes to worsen.
- Smoking – Not only bad for a person’s health, smoking can worsen dry, red, irritated eyes. Avoiding smoke can help, but if the smoke is in the environment, it may not be avoidable.
Eye Surgery and Medication Causing Red Irritated Eyes
LASIK surgery is a popular option for those wanting better vision. However, any eye surgery can damage nerve fibers or disrupt the tear film leading to dry eyes and red irritated eyes.
Certain drugs such as antihistamines, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety medications can restrict blood flow to the eyes making red irritated eyes
Lifestyle Habits That Can Reduce Red Irritated Eyes
Excessive computer or mobile phone usage can cause users to blink less which leads to red irritated eyes and dry eyes. Eye strain from extended computer usage is also a common problem. Fatigue can leave the eyes sore and irritation. Rest your eyes 5 minutes every hour, and limit electronic usage within an hour before bedtime.
Gender
Being a woman presents particular issues such as menopause, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy that can cause red irritated eyes and dry eye symptoms.
- Menopause – Lowered estrogen levels can lead to worsening dry eye symptoms.
- Menstrual Cycle – Higher estrogen levels during the first phase of a menstrual cycle can worsen red and dry eye symptoms.
- Pregnancy – Changing hormones occurring during pregnancy can also worsen dry and red eye symptoms.
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To learn rmore
Call and talk to a doctor toll-free 1-877-917-1989 US/Canada. International call (650) 949-6080. Send email inquiries to [email protected]
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