The eyes are the windows to the soul, but sometimes there is redness on this window, which can be a health warning from the body. This article will explore the causes of redness in the eyes and analyze which diseases it may be associated with.
1. The cause of red and bloodshot eyes
The redness of the eye, medically known as conjunctival injection, is mainly due to the dilatation of microvessels on the surface of the eyeball. Here are some common reasons:
- Eye strain: Prolonged use of electronic devices or reading can lead to redness in the eyes that do not get rest.
- Dry environment: Lack of sufficient moisture in the eyes in a dry air or air-conditioned room can easily cause conjunctival hyperemia.
- Foreign irritation: Particles such as dust and smoke irritate the eyes, causing blood vessels to dilate.
- Eye infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as conjunctivitis, can cause redness and swelling of the eyes.
- Allergic reactions: Allergies to certain substances, such as pollen, cosmetics, etc., can also cause redness in the eyes.
2. Eye redness is associated with disease
- Dry Eyes:
- Dry eye is a common eye condition that manifests as dry, painful, itchy and red.
- Conjunctivitis:
- Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies or chemical irritants, and common symptoms include redness and increased discharge.
- Keratitis:
- Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that can cause vision loss and severe eye pain, accompanied by redness.
- Glaucoma:
- Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure increases in the eye, and acute attacks may cause redness, eye pain, and blurred vision.
- Hypertension:
- High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the fundus, causing conjunctival hyperemia.
- Diabetic retinopathy:
- Long-term hyperglycemia damages retinal blood vessels, which can lead to fundus bleeding and congestion.
3. Ways to prevent and alleviate redness
- Proper rest: Rest your eyes regularly and avoid using your eyes continuously for long periods of time.
- Keep your eyes moist: Use artificial tears or keep your room humid to avoid drying out your eyes.
- Avoid irritation: Keep away from smoke, dust and other environments to reduce eye irritation.
- Clean properly: Use a gentle eye cleanser to avoid eye infections.
- Regular check-ups: Regular eye examinations are carried out to detect and treat eye diseases in a timely manner.
4. When do you need to see a doctor?
- Persistent: If the redness persists and does not resolve, seek medical attention promptly.
- Accompanying symptoms: If redness is accompanied by eye pain, vision loss, or other discomfort, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Sudden Seriousness: If your eyes suddenly become very red, it may be a sign of a serious illness that requires immediate medical attention.
Conclusion: Redness of the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, from simple eye fatigue to severe eye diseases. Understanding the causes of redness and possible disease associations can help us better protect our eye health. When redness occurs, it is important to take proper rest and eye protection, and seek medical attention promptly if necessary to prevent potential vision damage.