Eye redness

Eye Redness

Eye redness (/aɪ rɛdnɪs/), also known as conjunctival hyperemia, is a condition characterized by an abnormal redness of the eye or eyes.

Etymology

The term "eye redness" is derived from the Old English "ēage" (eye) and the Middle English "rednesse" (redness).

Definition

Eye redness is a symptom that can be indicative of several different eye diseases or conditions. It occurs when the blood vessels in the conjunctiva (the transparent tissue covering the white part of the eye) become inflamed and dilated, giving the eye a red or bloodshot appearance.

Causes

Eye redness can be caused by a variety of factors, including eye strain, allergies, infections, injury, and certain systemic diseases. Some of the most common causes include:

• Conjunctivitis: Also known as "pink eye," this is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergic reaction.

• Dry eye syndrome: This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.

• Subconjunctival hemorrhage: This is a bright red patch appearing in the white of the eye caused by a small amount of bleeding under the conjunctiva.

• Uveitis: This is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.

Treatment

Treatment for eye redness depends on the underlying cause. It may include over-the-counter eye drops for minor irritations, prescription medications for infections or inflammations, or other treatments for systemic diseases. It is important to consult a healthcare professional or ophthalmologist if eye redness persists or is accompanied by pain, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms.

Related Terms

• Blepharitis
• Corneal ulcer
• Glaucoma
• Iritis
• Keratitis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Eye redness
• Wikipedia's article - Eye redness

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