Red eye (medicine)
Red eye (medicine)
Red eye is a term in medicine used to describe red, irritated and bloodshot eyes. It can refer to either a medical condition affecting the eyes, or a symptom of another underlying condition.
Pronunciation
The term is pronounced as /rɛd aɪ/.
Etymology
The term "red eye" originates from the physical appearance of the condition, where the white part of the eye (the sclera) becomes red or bloodshot.
Causes
Red eye can be caused by several factors, including:
- Conjunctivitis: This is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball.
- Corneal ulcer: This is an open sore on the cornea, the clear structure at the front of the eye.
- Uveitis: This is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.
- Glaucoma: This is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision.
Symptoms
Symptoms of red eye can include:
- Redness in the white of the eye
- Irritation or burning sensation
- Itchy eyes
- Tearing or discharge
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
Treatment
Treatment for red eye depends on the underlying cause. It may include:
- Antibiotics: If the red eye is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Antihistamines: If the red eye is caused by an allergic reaction, antihistamines may be used to reduce symptoms.
- Steroids: In severe cases, steroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Red eye (medicine)
- Wikipedia's article - Red eye (medicine)
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