Understanding Red Eye

Everyone is susceptible to experiencing red eye syndrome. When this happens, most people will usually take over-the-counter allergy medicine, apply warm compresses, or use eye drops. However, having red eye, especially on a frequent basis, may indicate an underlying issue. That's why our professional staff at Family Eye Site in Pembroke Pines is here to provide the testing and care you need for red eye syndrome. It's important to be aware of red eye to understand when you need to see our optometrist. 

Red Eye

What Is Red Eye?

The term red eye refers to when the eyes become red, irritated, and bloodshot. This condition occurs when the tiny blood vessels beneath the eye's surface become enlarged and inflamed. The redness is the eye's natural reaction to something irritating and can develop suddenly or over time. 

What Causes Red Eye? 

Red eye has many causes, including wearing contacts or watching a computer screen for extended periods. Other causes of red eye include conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye, allergies, blepharitis (inflamed eyelid), or glaucoma. Smoking, excessive drinking, eye injuries, or rubbing the eyes too much can also cause red eye. Some causes are easily treatable with over-the-counter medications; however, some are more serious, requiring the patients to be seen by our eye doctor. 

What Are the Symptoms of Red Eye? 

When red eye occurs, the eyes become irritated. Common symptoms associated with red eye include pain, discharge, swelling, distorted vision, and itching. Red eye often appears worse than it feels and is relatively harmless. However, if symptoms last longer than one week or are unbearable, contact our professional staff for proper treatment.  

How Is Red Eye Treated? 

In most cases, rest, cool compresses, and over-the-counter eye drops ease the symptoms associated with red eye. When allergies cause red eye, use decongestant eye drops available at a local pharmacy. To treat inflamed eyelids, clean both eyelids with a warm washcloth by holding them on the eye for several seconds. Pink eye is treated by placing a warm washcloth over the infected closed eye for several minutes. Regardless of the cause of your eye discomfort, it's important to consult with our optometrists about what treatment options best suit your needs.  

Contact Us for Optical Care from Our Eye Doctor in Pembroke Pines, FL

For more information about red eye and proper eye treatment, contact our team at Family Eye Site today. Located in Pembroke Pines, Dr. Kennedy has been helping patients through top-notch eye care since 2006. Our team is dedicated to providing our patients the eye care they need to function throughout daily life. Contact us today to schedule your next eye exam or to learn more about how we can help red eye. 

The Family Eye Site

Address

18503 Pines Blvd STE 205,
Pembroke Pines, FL 33029

Monday  

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday  

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday  

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday  

Closed

Friday  

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday  

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday  

Closed

Contact Us