Red Eyes
Red Eye, Pink Eye, Bleeding in Eye, Burning / Painful / Itching Eyes
Below are the 4 most common causes of red or pink / burning / itching / painful eyes.
The information below is not intended to take the place of a professional eye exam and treatment. Aside from regular eye-exams that should take place at least every year, if you’re experiencing any pain, blood, discoloration, discharge or loss of vision, you should immediately contact the Eye Center of Hallandale at 954.457.7445 to schedule an appointment with an Ophthalmologist.
Conjunctivitis
(Pink Eye)
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Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
(Eye Bleeding)
Scleritis & Episcleritis
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When these blood vessels become inflamed, they appear reddish or pink.
There are a few different types of conjunctivitis, and a number of ways to expedite your recovery.
See below to learn what may be the cause of your inflammation & contact the Hallandale Eye Center to schedule a visit where our experienced doctors can assess & soothe your irritated eyes.
Chemical Conjunctivitis
Chemical conjunctivitis, also known as chemical pink eye.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis, causing red or pink irritated eyes, is caused by allergies.
Symptoms:
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Red Eyes
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Itchy Eyes
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Inflammation in one or both eyes
Symptoms:
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Red Eyes
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Tearing or watery eyes
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Itchy Eyes
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Burning sensation in eyes
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Yellowish discharge or crust
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Swollen eyelids
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Blurred Vision
Symptoms:
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Red Eyes
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Tearing or watery eyes
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Itchy Eyes
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Burning sensation in eyes
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Swollen eyelids
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Blurred Vision​
Causes may include:
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Smoke.
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Chlorine.
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Soap.
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Fumes.
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Air pollution
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Chemical or Irritant
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Immediately wash any chemicals from your eyes & call us immediately at 954.457.7445.
Causes may include:
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Can be transmitted from another person or from coming in contact with a bacteria and then touching or rubbing your eyes.
Causes may include:
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Outdoor allergens, such as pollen, grass, mold.
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Indoor allergens, such as dust, smoke, mold or animal hair.​
Treatment
It is difficult to assess which type of conjunctivitis you have without receiving a diagnosis from an ophthalmologist.
Call the Hallandale Eye Center immediately at 954.457.7445 for an appointment if you suspect you have any sort of conjunctivitis. An accurate diagnosis is the key to proper treatment which may include:
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Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to clear the infection
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Steroid medicine to ease inflammation.
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Oral antibiotic medicines to treat infections that do not respond to drops or ointments
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Artificial tears applied 2-6 times a day.
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Bacterial Conjunctivitis is contagious & spreads very easily from person to person. It can also spread easily from one eye to the other eye, so be very careful not to rub your eyes. The bacterial infection can also be transmitted by items that are contaminated, such as pillowcases, towels, contact lens solution, or by using someone else’s eye makeup.
Helpful Tips:
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Make sure to change your pillowcase daily while receiving treatment so you don't re-infect your eye.
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Don't use any eye makeup.
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Throw away any eye makeup that was used.
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DO NOT wear contact lenses until the doctor tells you when it is safe to do so.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Subconjunctival hemorrhage is bleeding that happens between the white part of your eye (sclera) and the clear membrane that covers the outside of your eye (conjunctiva).
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A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when one or more of the tiny blood vessels in your eye breaks and bleeds just underneath the clear surface of your eye (conjunctiva). The conjunctiva cannot absorb blood quickly so the blood gets trapped, causing a red patch to appear on your eye, similar to a bruise. Depending on the amount of bleeding, the red patch may only cover a small area of your eye or it may cover the entire visible part of the sclera. If a lot of blood collects under the conjunctiva, there may also be swelling.
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If your eye bleed was caused by trauma, your health care provider may refer you to an eye specialist or another specialist to check for other ocular injuries.
Typically, this will not affect your vision or cause pain, is not contagious and usually does not require treatment.
If your vision changes, if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks, or you have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages or bleeding, contact the Hallandale Eye Center at 954.457.7445 for a full examination of the eye.
Scleritis and Episcleritis
Scleritis and episcleritis are two additional conditions that can cause redness and inflammation of the white part of the eye (sclera).
Episcleritis
Episcleritis involves only the surface of the sclera & does not affect your vision.
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Symptoms:
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Red Eyes
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Inflammation in one or both eyes
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Causes may include Autoimmune Diseases such as:
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Crohn's Disease
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease​
Scleritis
Scleritis involves the body of the sclera & is a serious condition that may cause severe pain and vision loss.
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Symptoms:
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Red Eyes
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Inflammation in one or both eyes
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Pain in eyes
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Blurred Vision
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Vision Loss
Causes may include Autoimmune Diseases such as:
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Crohn's Disease
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Treatment
Scleritis needs to be treated with strong medicines & can affect both your eyes.
If you’re experiencing any pain, blood, discoloration, discharge or vision impairment, you should immediately contact the Hallandale Eye Center at 954.457.7445 to schedule an assessment with Dr. Yalon.