Eye Health Resources
Red or Irritated Eyes
Redness, irritation, discharge, and light sensitivity have several possible causes, and each is managed differently.
Red or Irritated Eyes: the short answer
Redness can come from irritation, allergy, infection, dryness, contact lens wear, or an injury. Because these are managed differently, redness with pain, light sensitivity, or reduced vision should be examined promptly rather than treated at home.
Signs worth prompt attention
Pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or redness following an injury deserve a call to the office rather than a wait-and-see approach.
If you wear contact lenses
Remove your lenses if your eyes are red or painful, keep them for us to look at, and call the office. Continuing to wear lenses through redness can make the underlying problem harder to evaluate.
Questions patients ask
Next Step
Ready to Take the Next Step for Your Vision?
Not sure which type of visit you need? Contact our team and we will help you determine the appropriate next step.