Eye Redness Causing Irritated Nerves? Here's what you can do!

Pasadena Eye Associates provides comprehensive ophthalmic services to patients of all ages. We hate to say we've seen it all, but some days it does feel like we have! This is good, because our experience with the common and not-so-common situations affords us the insight to diagnose and treat problems quickly and successfully. We understand the temptation to look at symptoms such as redness and irritation as a minor nuisance due to the prevalence and the seemingly benign nature of such symptoms. At the same time, we know that redness and other minor issues can be downright frustrating. Here, we will look at why you may experience redness and irritation, and what you can do about it.

• Allergies are behind a great many cases of redness and inflammation. This could be due to a seasonal allergen, or it could be that you got too close to a friend's pet. The good news is that redness, itching, and watery eyes that stem from allergies can be treated. What to do: To reduce the symptoms of allergies, an antihistamine may do the trick. If your allergies are more severe or chronic, you may want to speak with your doctor about the advantages of a prescription medicine.
• Clearly, if an injury occurs to the eye, you would expect some redness and discomfort. An injury may not even be necessary, though, for redness to occur. The blood vessels in the eye are rather delicate, and it is possible for one to break for no apparent reason. Because this event will result in blood leaking onto the surface of the eye, it can look pretty serious. What to do: Each of these scenarios, an injury or a broken blood vessel, should be evaluated by your eye doctor. Although there is typically no need to treat a broken vessel, we like to investigate the possible cause.
• Infection has got to be one of the prime causes of redness. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is commonly perceived as a childhood problem, and also as a problem that is highly contagious. Neither view is accurate. Adults may also contract this infection. It is also possible to contract allergic conjunctivitis, and keep it all to yourself. What to do: Pink eye resolves on its own in most cases so the idea is to stay comfortable with proper use of cool compresses (each eye gets its own). However, see your doctor if you also have a fever, or if discharge from the eyes is discolored.

In need of an eye exam? Call Pasadena Eye Associates today.