Red Eye services offered in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Red eye is a common problem that often occurs due to allergies and other irritants. Usually, it responds to at-home treatments, like rest and eyedrops, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t wait to seek professional help. At Crystal Vision Optometry, experienced optometrist Leena Adhikari, OD, provides diagnosis and treatment of red eye. To make an appointment, call the office in Rancho Cucamonga, California, or book online today.
What is red eye?
Red eye refers to irritated or bloodshot eyes. It occurs when the blood vessels beneath the surface of your eye become swollen or inflamed.
Often, red eye occurs due to environmental factors, like allergens or pollution, but it can also point to a more serious problem. If your symptoms last for more than a few days, contact Crystal Vision Optometry.
What causes red eye?
Red eye occurs for various reasons, including:
- Allergies
- Blepharitis (inflamed eyelid)
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Dry eyes
- Glaucoma
- Excessive alcohol use
- Smoking
- Consuming marijuana
- Using whitening eyedrops
You might also experience red eye if you suffer eye trauma or injure your eye.
When should I see an optometrist about red eye?
Make an appointment at Crystal Vision Optometry if you experience red eye, and your symptoms don’t improve after a few days. That’s especially true if the redness occurs alongside other side effects, like pain, blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, or excess mucus.
How is red eye diagnosed?
Your provider at Crystal Vision Optometry diagnoses red eye during an in-office visit.
They review your medical records and ask about your symptoms, including when the redness first started and if certain activities, like going outside, make it worse.
Next, your provider conducts a comprehensive eye exam. They perform a visual acuity test, measure your eye pressure, and dilate your pupils to inspect the back of your eye.
Your provider also checks the surface of your eye and cornea for scratches or abrasions. After pinpointing the source of your discomfort, they make treatment recommendations.
How is red eye treated?
Treatment of red eye depends on several factors, including the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Your Crystal Vision Optometry provider might recommend:
- Over-the-counter eyedrops
- Prescription eyedrops
- Cool compresses
- Lightly massaging the eyelids
- Decongestant eyedrops
- Keeping your eyelids clean
- Steroid eyedrops
If you have red eye due to a bacterial infection, your provider prescribes oral antibiotics.
How can I prevent red eye?
There’s no way to prevent red eye entirely, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Crystal Vision Optometry recommends keeping your contact lenses clean, removing eye makeup before going to bed, and taking regular breaks if you work in front of a computer screen.
To learn more about the treatment options for red eye, make an appointment at Crystal Vision Optometry by calling the office or booking online today.