Some eye diseases and conditions give no outward sign of a problem. Many, however, will give clues to their presence and, based on the eye symptoms and other medical problems, an eye doctor will determine if an eye disease is present. Eye redness is a common symptom of many eye conditions. Though some eye problems do not typically cause serious damage, ohers have the potential to cause harm.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, causes the white part of the eye to turn red. The eye may also itch and ache. Many people wake in the morning with a crust on the eyelids, and for some people, the crust makes the lids stick together. A warm washcloth held against the eye for a few minutes will help soften the crusted eye discharge. Conjunctivitis may improve on its own within a few days. However, some cases require prescription eyedrops to resolve the condition, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Blepharitis
Inflamed eyelids that itch and appear red may indicate blepharitis. This irritation of the eyelids also causes eye redness and discomfort on the surface of the eye. Blepharitis results from bacteria "or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows," states the American Optometric Association. Prescription eyedrops may help eye irritation and redness, though the surface symptoms on the eye will likely return unless the blepharitis resolves. Doctors will recommend daily cleansing of eye lids and lash line. If blepharitis is caused from bacteria, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic as well.
Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer may result from a scratch on the cornea, the eye's front surface, or from a foreign body in the eye. People who wear contact lenses overnight, or fail to change or clean the lenses regularly, have a greater risk for corneal ulcers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition causes redness in the white of the eye, as well as surface pain and light sensitivity. The cornea may have a white, foggy spot, indicating the possible ulcer location. Doctors prescribe eyedrops, which varies depending on the cause for the ulcer. If left untreated, the cornea may have permanent scarring, resulting in vision loss.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel breaks on the white part of the eye. This creates a bright red spot on the eye. Some hemorrhages cause a small area of redness, while other occurrences may take up a significant portion of the white of the eye. Just as a bruise on the skin takes time to heal, a subconjunctival hemorrhage will slowly diminish over a period of a few days or weeks, reports MayoClinic.com. The condition does not typically require medical treatment unless the hemorrhaging area bulges out or affects vision.
