Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Eye redness

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Bloodshot eyes; Red eyes; Scleral infection; Conjunctival infection


Home Care

For fatigue or eyestrain, try to rest your eyes. No treatment is necessary.

If you have conjunctivitis:

  • Avoid touching the infected eye and then rubbing the other eye -- the infection can spread from one eye to the other.
  • Apply cool or warm compresses throughout the day.
  • Do not use eye makeup or wear contact lenses until the infection has cleared. Throw away items like these that you used in your infected eye.
  • Wash your hands frequently.

If you have blepharitis:

  • Apply warm compresses to your eyes for 5 minutes. Do this at least two times per day.
  • Using a cotton swab, gently rub a solution of warm water and no-tears baby shampoo along your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. Do this in the morning and before you go to bed.

Call your health care provider if

Go to the hospital or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if:

  • Your eye is red after a penetrating injury.
  • You have a headache along with blurred vision or confusion.
  • You are seeing halos around lights.
  • You have nausea and vomiting.

Call your health care provider if:

  • Your eyes are red longer than 1-2 days.
  • You have eye pain or vision changes.
  • You take blood thinning medication, like warfarin.
  • You may have an object in your eye.
  • You are very sensitive to light.
  • You have a yellow or greenish discharge from one or both eyes.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, including an eye exam, and ask questions about your medical history. Questions may include:

  • Are both of your eyes affected? If only one eye, which one?
  • What part of the eye is affected -- the white part, or elsewhere?
  • Did the redness come on suddenly?
  • Have you ever had eye redness before?
  • Do you have eye pain? Does it get worse after movement of the eyes?
  • Do you have other symptoms like eye discharge, burning, or itching? Nausea or vomiting? A headache?

The eyes may need to be washed out with normal saline solution, and any foreign bodies will need to be removed. Eye drops may be prescribed.


Review Date: 01/04/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine (8/31/2010).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)