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Red eye

Author:NHS.uk
Written on:2019-03-14
Go to Health A-Z:Click A-Z


Red eye

  • Red eye


    • A red eye is usually nothing to worry about and often gets better on its own. But sometimes it can be more serious and youll need to get medical help.



    Lots of different things can cause a red eye.


    Your symptoms might give you an idea of whats causing it.


    Symptoms Possible causes
    Bright red area in the white of your eye burst blood vessel
    Gritty or burning feeling, sticky eyes conjunctivitis
    Sore, blurry or watery eyes dry eyes
    Itchy, sore or red eyelids blepharitis
    Feels like theres something in your eye ingrowing eyelashes
    Swollen, drooping or twitching eyelid, or a lump on your eyelid eyelid problems


    What to do if you have a red eye

    If your eye does not hurt and your sight is not affected, its probably nothing serious. It may get better on its own in a few days.


    Until it has got better:


    • try not to touch or rub your eye

    • do not wear contact lenses




    • theres anything you can do to treat your eye yourself

    • you can buy anything to help, such as cleaning solutions or eyedrops

    • you need to see a GP



    Find a pharmacy

    See a GP if:


    • your eye is not any better after a few days

    • your child is under 2 years old



    If your GP cannot find whats causing your red eye, they may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for tests.


    Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:


    • your baby has red eyes and theyre less than 28 days old

    • your eye is painful and red

    • you have a red eye and wear contact lenses – you could have an eye infection



    Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a red eye and:


    • you have any changes to your sight, like wavy lines, flashing or loss of vision

    • it hurts to look at light

    • you have a severe headache and feel sick

    • your eye or eyes are very dark red

    • you have injured or pierced your eye

    • something is stuck in your eye (like a piece of glass or grit)





    NHS.uk


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