Red Eye: What To Do

Note whether one or both eyes are affected, whether the eye is itchy or painful, and whether the discharge is watery or thick. Dust, smoke, dry air, allergies, contact lenses, and infections can all cause redness. A small blood vessel can also break and create a sharply defined red patch without discharge. Redness alone cannot identify the cause. Itching favours an allergic pattern, while significant pain or vision change needs more cautious assessment.

Wash your hands before touching the face. Rinse away a loose irritant with clean water, then use a cool clean compress for itch or swelling. Lubricating drops may ease dryness if a pharmacist says they are suitable. Remove contact lenses and avoid eye makeup until the eye is comfortable. Never rub, scratch, or share towels and cosmetics. If a chemical enters the eye, rinse continuously with clean water and arrange urgent medical help.

Seek urgent care for reduced vision, severe pain, strong light sensitivity, a foreign body that will not wash out, an eye injury, or pain when moving the eye. Arrange prompt review if the eyelids are very swollen, redness is spreading, discharge is heavy, or you wear contact lenses. A recurring or persistent red eye also deserves an eye examination.

What should I track while the redness settles? Could my lenses, medication, or workplace irritants be contributing? Which drops are appropriate for me? Do I need a same-day examination?