Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Did you know glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness across the globe? Learn more about this degenerative eye disease, who’s at risk of developing it, and what you can do to protect your ocular health.
They say the eyes are the window to the soul. We say they’re a window to your health, especially when they’ve gone red.
Dr. Stacy Turner, our optometrist at Eldorado Vision & Optical, has seen it all when it comes to eye health, and she wants you to know exactly what you’re up against — even when the problem doesn’t seem so serious.
Here are the facts on bloodshot eyes, and a closer look at when they require medical attention.
The list of what could be causing your bloodshot eyes is quite long. Some causes, like allergies and problems with your contact lenses, are mild and easy to diagnose; those that stem from more serious ocular health problems like glaucoma require more investigation.
Some of the most common causes of bloodshot eyes include:
Even not getting enough sleep can cause bloodshot eyes. With so many possible causes ranging from “no big deal” to vision-threatening, it’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs that there may be a bigger problem behind your bloodshot eyes.
If redness is your only complaint, there’s no real reason to worry about your bloodshot eyes, especially if it goes away after a couple of days. Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops several times a day to support your tear film. But if your eyes are constantly bloodshot for a week or longer, it’s time to consider getting help.
We recommend prompt treatment if your eyes are bloodshot and you notice changes in your vision, discharge from your eyes, or a sudden sensitivity to light. Other troubling signs of a serious eye problem are red eyes accompanied by:
If these changes come on the heels of getting something in your eye, an injury, or having a chemical splashed in your eye, call us right away for an emergency eye care appointment.
Mild or severe, bloodshot eyes are a symptom of something going on in your eyes, so treatment begins by addressing the underlying cause. For instance, managing your allergies or treating an infection may be all it takes to clear up the redness.
Depending on your needs, we may recommend:
If you’re bothered by red eyes and desperate for a solution, don’t hesitate to call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment at our McKinney, Texas, office today.
