Red, irritated, infected eyes, slept in contacts overnight and having discomfort, red eye, or decreased vision are uncomfortable and can affect your quality of life. If you have been experiencing redness, itching, discharge, or pain in your eyes, you need prompt care. At EyeServe in East Point, Dr. Ngoddy provides same-day diagnosis and treatment for red eye, eye infections, and other urgent eye concerns. This guide explains common causes of red eyes and when you should seek immediate care.
Red, irritated, infected eyes, slept in contacts overnight and having discomfort, red eye, or decreased vision are uncomfortable and can affect your quality of life. If you have been experiencing redness, itching, discharge, or pain in your eyes, you need prompt care. At EyeServe in East Point, Dr. Ngoddy provides same-day diagnosis and treatment for red eye, eye infections, and other urgent eye concerns. This guide explains common causes of red eyes and when you should seek immediate care.
Common Causes of Red Eyes
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane covering your eye and the inside of your eyelid. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Conjunctivitis is contagious if it is bacterial or viral, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are important.
Bacterial Eye Infection
Bacterial infections cause redness, discharge, crusting, and irritation. Your eyes may feel sticky or you may have difficulty opening them in the morning. Bacterial infections require antibiotic drops or ointment to clear.
Viral Eye Infection
Viral infections cause redness and watery discharge. These infections must run their course, but Dr. Ngoddy can provide supportive care and make sure no secondary bacterial infection develops.
Allergic Reaction
Seasonal allergies, pet allergies, or reactions to cosmetics or contact lens solution can cause red, itchy, watery eyes. Allergy medications and avoiding the trigger can help manage symptoms.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eyes can become inflamed and appear red. The discomfort ranges from mild irritation to significant pain depending on severity.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Sometimes a small blood vessel breaks under the conjunctiva, causing a bright red patch on the white of your eye. This looks dramatic but is usually painless and resolves on its own.
Glaucoma or Uveitis
These serious eye conditions can cause redness along with pain and vision changes. These are emergencies requiring immediate care.
Red Eye Symptoms That Require Immediate Care
Seek Care Right Away If You Have
Eye pain or severe discomfort
Vision loss or significant vision changes
Severe redness
Thick yellow or green discharge
Crusting that prevents you from opening your eye
Light sensitivity
Halos around lights
Recent eye injury or chemical exposure
A foreign object in your eye that you cannot remove
Symptoms That May Indicate a Less Urgent Problem
These symptoms still warrant a prompt visit but may not require emergency care:
Mild redness without pain
Watery or slightly sticky discharge
Mild itching
Mild irritation when wearing contacts
Redness that started after using new cosmetics or solutions
How to Prevent Eye Infections
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Most eye infections spread through touch. Wash your hands before touching your eyes and avoid rubbing your eyes throughout the day.
Do Not Share Eye Products
Never share eye makeup, eyeglasses, or contact lenses with others. These items can transfer bacteria and viruses.
Keep Contact Lenses Clean
Follow proper contact lens care instructions. Replace your lens case every three months, clean it regularly, and never use tap water on your lenses.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes
Try not to touch or rub your eyes throughout the day, especially if you have not washed your hands recently.
Protect Your Eyes from Irritants
Wear appropriate eye protection when around dust, chemicals, or other irritants.
Common Questions About Red Eyes
How Long Does Pink Eye Last?
Bacterial pink eye usually clears in 7 to 10 days with treatment. Viral pink eye may last 1 to 2 weeks. Allergic conjunctivitis continues as long as you are exposed to the allergen.
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Bacterial and viral pink eye are highly contagious. You can spread it to others for 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotics, or for the duration of viral infection. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
Can I Wear Contact Lenses With Red Eyes?
No. Remove your contact lenses immediately if your eyes are red or irritated. Continuing to wear lenses while your eyes are infected can worsen the condition and delay healing.
Should I Use Antibiotic Eye Drops for Red Eyes?
Not without a prescription. Over-the-counter eye drops do not treat bacterial infections. Dr. Ngoddy must examine your eyes to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Schedule Urgent Care for Red Eyes
Do not wait and hope red eye symptoms go away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevent complications and speed recovery. Call EyeServe immediately if you develop red eyes or suspect an eye infection.
Same-Day Red Eye Care Available
Call: (404) 460-6163
Tell us your symptoms so we can fit you in as soon as possible
Location: 844 Cleveland Ave SW, East Point, GA 30344 (inside Walmart Optical)
Common Causes of Red Eyes
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane covering your eye and the inside of your eyelid. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Conjunctivitis is contagious if it is bacterial or viral, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are important.
Bacterial Eye Infection
Bacterial infections cause redness, discharge, crusting, and irritation. Your eyes may feel sticky or you may have difficulty opening them in the morning. Bacterial infections require antibiotic drops or ointment to clear.
Viral Eye Infection
Viral infections cause redness and watery discharge. These infections must run their course, but Dr. Ngoddy can provide supportive care and make sure no secondary bacterial infection develops.
Allergic Reaction
Seasonal allergies, pet allergies, or reactions to cosmetics or contact lens solution can cause red, itchy, watery eyes. Allergy medications and avoiding the trigger can help manage symptoms.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eyes can become inflamed and appear red. The discomfort ranges from mild irritation to significant pain depending on severity.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Sometimes a small blood vessel breaks under the conjunctiva, causing a bright red patch on the white of your eye. This looks dramatic but is usually painless and resolves on its own.
Glaucoma or Uveitis
These serious eye conditions can cause redness along with pain and vision changes. These are emergencies requiring immediate care.
Red Eye Symptoms That Require Immediate Care
Seek Care Right Away If You Have
Eye pain or severe discomfort
Vision loss or significant vision changes
Severe redness
Thick yellow or green discharge
Crusting that prevents you from opening your eye
Light sensitivity
Halos around lights
Recent eye injury or chemical exposure
A foreign object in your eye that you cannot remove
Symptoms That May Indicate a Less Urgent Problem
These symptoms still warrant a prompt visit but may not require emergency care:
Mild redness without pain
Watery or slightly sticky discharge
Mild itching
Mild irritation when wearing contacts
Redness that started after using new cosmetics or solutions
How to Prevent Eye Infections
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Most eye infections spread through touch. Wash your hands before touching your eyes and avoid rubbing your eyes throughout the day.
Do Not Share Eye Products
Never share eye makeup, eyeglasses, or contact lenses with others. These items can transfer bacteria and viruses.
Keep Contact Lenses Clean
Follow proper contact lens care instructions. Replace your lens case every three months, clean it regularly, and never use tap water on your lenses.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes
Try not to touch or rub your eyes throughout the day, especially if you have not washed your hands recently.
Protect Your Eyes from Irritants
Wear appropriate eye protection when around dust, chemicals, or other irritants.
Common Questions About Red Eyes
How Long Does Pink Eye Last?
Bacterial pink eye usually clears in 7 to 10 days with treatment. Viral pink eye may last 1 to 2 weeks. Allergic conjunctivitis continues as long as you are exposed to the allergen.
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Bacterial and viral pink eye are highly contagious. You can spread it to others for 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotics, or for the duration of viral infection. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
Can I Wear Contact Lenses With Red Eyes?
No. Remove your contact lenses immediately if your eyes are red or irritated. Continuing to wear lenses while your eyes are infected can worsen the condition and delay healing.
Should I Use Antibiotic Eye Drops for Red Eyes?
Not without a prescription. Over-the-counter eye drops do not treat bacterial infections. Dr. Ngoddy must examine your eyes to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Schedule Urgent Care for Red Eyes
Do not wait and hope red eye symptoms go away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevent complications and speed recovery. Call EyeServe immediately if you develop red eyes or suspect an eye infection.
Same-Day Red Eye Care Available
Call: (404) 460-6163
Tell us your symptoms so we can fit you in as soon as possible
Location: 844 Cleveland Ave SW, East Point, GA 30344 (inside Walmart Optical)