Red Eye

Red Eye services offered in Walnut Creek, CA

If you have an itchy or irritated red eye, seek treatment immediately. At Diablo Eye Associates in Walnut Creek, California, the ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists provide complete care for red eyes. After an in-office exam, they can identify the underlying cause and make treatment recommendations. Call the office to receive treatment for red eye today, or book online.

Red Eye Q & A

What is red eye?

“Red eye” is a term that describes inflamed or bloodshot eyes. Everyone has a red eye occasionally. Sometimes, it occurs because of allergies; other times, it results from trauma.

Often, a red eye responds to conservative treatments, like rest or a cold compress. But if your symptoms continue for more than a day or affect your vision, contact Diablo Eye Associates immediately.

What causes a red eye?

A red eye can occur for various reasons, including:

Allergies
Blepharitis (inflamed eyelid)
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Dry eye
Trauma
Glaucoma
Excessive alcohol use
Smoking

You might also develop a red eye if you regularly use over-the-counter whitening eye drops. Many people who use these drops become resistant to their effects over time.

When should I see an eye doctor about red eyes?

Make an appointment at Diablo Eye Associates if you have red or irritated eyes and your symptoms don’t improve within a week. That’s especially true if your eyes are painful, light-sensitive, or produce lots of mucus.

How is red eye diagnosed?

To diagnose red eye, your Diablo Eye Associates provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the irritation first occurred and if certain activities, like going outside, make it worse. Next, your provider completes an eye exam, checking for underlying problems that might cause your eyes to become irritated and inflamed.

How is red eye treated?

Treatment of red eye depends on the underlying cause, the severity of your symptoms, and your general health. Your Diablo Eye Associates provider might recommend:

Allergy avoidance
Prescription eye drops
Cleaning your eyelids regularly
Prescription antibiotics (for pink eye)
Warm or cold compresses

The goal is to relieve uncomfortable symptoms, restore your vision, and improve your quality of life.

Is there any way to prevent red eye?

There’s no way to prevent red eye entirely, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. The providers at Diablo Eye Associates recommend removing your eye makeup properly, taking regular breaks if you work at a computer, keeping your contact lenses clean, and not rubbing your eyes. Simple practices like these can make all the difference.

Call Diablo Eye Associates to receive treatment for red eye today, or book online.