Do you have red eyes? find out what it can be

Red eyes: causes

Having red eyes is very common and most of the time it is nothing more than a temporary irritation from pollution and smoke-laden environments; continued exposure to the sun or to the screens of telephones, tablets, computers and televisions; or by contact with sea water or swimming pools. However, there are certain symptoms that may indicate that something more serious is being treated. With the advice of Dr. Cecilia Salinas, ophthalmologist at IMO (Institute of Ocular Microsurgery), we have investigated them and we will tell you all of them below so that you can answer your questions. It is better prevent.

It is only red (but it appears suddenly)

When your eyes ever get red, but without any other discomfort, it usually doesn't matter. It is a hemorrhage that is reabsorbed after a few days.

Hypertensive alert. Only in the case of hypertension in which you have unbalanced blood pressure should you be concerned, as it could alert you to a dangerous rise in it.

Besides red, it hurts

If in addition to having red eyes you feel some kind of pain, it may be due to several factors.

Corneal erosion. It usually appears after a blow or scratch, etc., which has injured the surface of the cornea. The doctor should check that there are no foreign bodies in the eye. And you have to apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the eye for 24 hours.
Dry Eye. It is due to being in air-conditioned or heated environments and the use of computers and other electronic devices. It is relieved with the use of tears with hyaluronic acid.

Red, it hurts and you can't see well

In the event that your eyes are red, painful and have visual disturbances, it can be due to several serious causes.

Glaucoma. A rapid rise in intraocular pressure causes these symptoms. You have to go to the emergency room immediately because it causes blindness.
Keratitis It is an inflammation of the cornea that also carries a phobia of light. It may or may not be infectious. It must be treated quickly because it can cause serious vision problems.

Annoying, itchy and there is discharge

If when you have red eyes, they bother you, itch and tear, you have many points of having conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis. You feel like you have grit and you have a mucous or purulent discharge that makes it difficult to open the eye in the morning. If it is bacterial, it is treated with antibiotic drops or ointment. If it is viral, you just have to take hygienic measures. If you are allergic, topical antihistamines are applied.

And with inflammation of the eyelid

When, in addition to itching and secretions, the eyelid swells, the cause of red eyes can be blepharitis, the inflammation of the eyelids.

Blepharitis The rim of the eye becomes infected by an accumulation of fatty secretions and becomes red, the same as the eye, and the eyelid becomes inflamed. You have to eliminate excess fat and flaking. In more serious cases, the doctor may indicate the use of an antibiotic ointment.

How to protect your eyes in summer

Both the action of the sun, the water of the sea or the pool and the continuous exposure to the screens of mobile phones and tablets can irritate your eyes. Protect them like this.

Wear sunglasses. That they are approved so that they filter well the sun's rays. Here we tell you how to choose sunglasses … and know if they are good.
Hydrates the eye. Do it regularly with eye drops.
Many screens? Take frequent breaks and blink so they don't dry out.
If you swim … Do not do it with contact lenses and wear swimming goggles to avoid getting salt, chlorine or other irritants.