Red Eye Treatment: What You Should Know

Redness can arise from dryness, irritation, allergy, infection, an eyelid problem, or an injury. Itching and watery discharge often point toward allergy; sticky discharge and eyelids that cling together can occur with conjunctivitis. A painful, focused eyelid lump may be a stye. These patterns overlap, and treatment for one cause may not help another. Antibiotic drops do not treat viral or allergic causes, and steroid eye drops should only be used under specialist direction.

Wash your hands and avoid rubbing the eye. Remove contact lenses and eye makeup while the eye is irritated. A clean cool compress may soothe itching or swelling, while preservative-free lubricating drops may help dryness when a pharmacist or clinician considers them suitable. Do not use someone else’s drops or keep using an old prescription without advice. If discharge is present, gently clean the eyelids with clean water and a fresh pad for each wipe.

Get urgent medical help for reduced vision, intense pain, strong light sensitivity, a severe headache with nausea, an irregular pupil, or pain when moving the eye. Seek prompt care after an eye injury or chemical splash, and rinse a chemical-exposed eye with clean water while arranging help. Arrange an examination if redness is worsening, keeps returning, or does not improve with simple measures.

What is the most likely cause of my redness? Do I need drops, and how should I use them? When can I restart contact lenses? Should anyone who shares my towels or cosmetics take precautions?