Redness can come from dryness, allergy, infection, inflammation, injury, or a pressure problem. Appearance alone is not enough to choose treatment. Pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, injury, or redness while wearing contact lenses needs prompt assessment. A painful red eye is not something to watch for a week while trying remedies.
What to do first
Remove contact lenses, avoid rubbing the eye, and call us to discuss urgency. Do not use leftover steroid drops, someone else’s prescription, or anesthetic drops. A steroid can worsen certain infections and requires a diagnosis and monitoring.
Comfort and treatment
A clean cool compress or artificial tears may ease mild irritation, but comfort measures do not establish the cause. Allergy treatment, antibiotics, antiviral medication, or anti-inflammatory treatment are used for different diagnoses. Antibiotics do not treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis.
For suspected infectious conjunctivitis, wash hands and avoid sharing towels or cosmetics. Ask your clinician when it is appropriate to return to work or school and when to replace contacts or eye makeup.
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Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. Viral and bacterial forms may spread between people; allergic…
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We ask when symptoms began, whether one or both eyes are affected, about recent illness or exposure, and whether you wear contact lenses. The examination checks the cornea…
