Have you been experiencing swollen, red eyes lately?
Although it is normal to experience red swollen eyes occasionally, it is not normal if the condition remains persistent.
This eye condition might also indicate the presence of underlying ocular conditions.
Therefore, it is suggested to visit your nearby ophthalmologist if you experience swollen red eyes frequently.
Eye doctors will diagnose this eye condition to find its cause.
Let us proceed with this article and talk about the common causes diagnosed by your doctor that make your eye swollen and red.
Eye Swollen and Red: Top Causes
Several eye conditions lead to the development of swollen and red eyes.
The treatment of your red swollen eyes depends on its cause. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose the common causes of red eyes and swollen eyelids.
Let us look at those common eye conditions causing your eyes to be swollen and red.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common culprit behind red and swollen eyes.
It is an inflammation of the eyelids, usually near the eyelashes’ base.
Individuals diagnosed with Blepharitis might notice symptoms like itching, burning, and a gritty feeling in their eyes.
The inflammation can be caused by bacteria or an overproduction of natural oils in the eyelid glands.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic Conjunctivitis is a type of pink eye. It is also one of the prevalent causes of red and swollen eyes.
It happens due to a reaction with allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Symptoms may include itching, tearing, and redness in both eyes.
Uveitis
Source: Andrei310_from_Getty_ImagesUveitis is one of the common causes of red, swollen eyes.
It occurs when the middle layer of the eye, known as the uvea, becomes inflamed.
This condition can be painful and cause other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
Besides these eye conditions, the other factors responsible for your swollen red eyes are prolonged usage of cosmetics, Orbital Cellulitis, an eyelid infection called Stye, sleep problems, and Graves’ disease.
How to Treat Your Red Swollen Eye
Source: AMR_Images_from_Getty_ImagesTo treat swollen eyelids and red eyes, it is important to treat its causes.
Several treatment options can help treat your swollen red eyes.
Visit an authorized ocular care facility for effective treatment from a trustworthy ophthalmologist.
Doctors will prescribe effective medications to treat the cause of swollen eyes.
If the cause of swollen eyes is Uveitis, the ophthalmologist may prescribe antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory medications and steroids for treating Uveitis.
And if allergic pink eye is the causing factor for red swollen eyes, antiallergic eye drops are proven effective for the treatment of pink eye.
Similarly, doctors may prescribe steroids, antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatories, and topical Cyclosporine to treat Blepharitis.
Apart from these medications, warm compress, proper rest, and eyelid hygiene might also help to treat your red, swollen eyes.
But make sure to seek medical advice from an eye doctor before implementing these remedies to treat your swollen red eyes.
Can You Prevent Red Swollen Eyes
No. We all know that prevention is always better than cure, but it is not possible to prevent every cause of red, swollen eyes.
There are a few measures you can take to avoid swollen and red eyes. Let us take a look into these preventive measures.
Allergen avoidance: If you have allergies, stay away from things that are known to cause them. During high pollen season, keep your windows closed, use air purifiers, and wash your blankets often.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your eyes, and don’t share personal items such as makeup or towels.
Eye protection: Wear safety goggles when dealing with chemicals or doing other activities that could hurt your eyes.
Regular eye examination: Getting your eyes checked regularly can help you find and treat eye problems early, which lowers the risk of getting red and swollen eyes.
Key Notes
Having red and swollen eyes is not necessarily a cause of concern.
However, they may sometimes indicate underlying eye conditions, including Blepharitis and Uveitis.
Therefore, it is important to diagnose the exact cause that makes your eye swollen and red.
There are several treatment options available for treating swollen red eyes.
Prescription-based medicines, such as antivirals, antibiotics, and steroids, are effective in providing relief from swollen red eyes.
Besides these prescribed treatments, some home remedies, such as warm compress, might also help ease this eye condition.
However, consult your healthcare provider before implementing these home remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat red, swollen eyes?
Red swollen eyes can be treated by treating its cause. Consult a doctor for the effective treatment of red swollen eyes. They will prescribe steroid, antibacterial, antiallergic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory medications to treat the causes of red, swollen eyes.
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Why is my eye swelling up and turning red?
Several factors might cause your eyes to swell and turn red. Allergic Conjunctivitis and Uveitis might cause swollen red eyes.
Therefore, it is important to identify the underlying cause for effective treatment.
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Are red and swollen eyes always a sign of a severe problem?
No, red and swollen eyes are not always signs of severe eye problems. Red and swollen eyes are often due to common issues like allergies or eye strain. However, it’s essential to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Can I wear contact lenses if my eyes are red and swollen?
No, you should avoid wearing contact lenses if your eyes are red and swollen. This is because wearing contact lenses can worsen the condition.
Therefore, it is advised to wear prescription glasses until your eyes have recovered. To gain more information regarding wearing contact lenses, contact an eye doctor.
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Can I use over-the-counter eye drops for red, swollen eyes?
No, using over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops for your swollen and red eyes is not advised. OTC eye drops might cause several side effects and worsen your eye condition.
Therefore, it is advised to use the eye drops prescribed by your doctor to treat red, swollen eyes.
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