Why Are My Eyes Always Red?

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Red eyes are a common and often irritating issue for a surprising number of people. This condition can be caused by a variety of reasons that range from viruses, bacteria, lifestyle, workplace hazards, and even the climate. For instance, when the seasons change and the air gets chillier, your eyes may have trouble producing as much moisture as they do in wetter seasons. Conversely, when spring comes around, all that pollen often gets becomes airborne and irritates the eyes. However, some people have chronic red eyes, which can be caused by a multitude of other things.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes is a very common reason for chronic red eyes. Dry eyes are more common as people get older. It can cause chronic redness, irritation or make it feel like something is actually in the eye. In dryer climates, individuals who are not adapted can be prone to having dry eyes and subsequent reddening of the whites of the eyes. A lot of times, artificial tears or other more aggressive types of treatment for dry eyes can help significantly. Artificial tears may also relieve redness and irritation symptoms. It’s important to note that if you suspect that you have dry eyes, you should see an optometrist. Long-term use of artificial tears can actually exacerbate dry eyes.

Inflammation

Another cause of chronic red eyes is Inflammation. Inflammation can cause the surface of the eye to swell up abnormally. This can be brought on for a variety of reasons; a common one being an allergic reaction. Individuals often end up living in a household where they are having an allergic reaction to a product or item, yet be unaware of the allergy. The next time you are with your doctor, bring up the possibility and speak to them about it.

Infection

Infection is another common cause of red eyes. If you work or spend copious amounts of time in an environment with lots of bacteria, such as a meat processing plant or a janitorial position, then it’s possible you are picking up bacteria and accidentally introducing it to your eyes. If you think this might be a contributing factor to your red eyes, pay attention to hygiene. Make sure to always wash your hands after work and at home, especially before touching your face. Even if it isn’t the sole cause, it will definitely help alleviate the irritation to your eyes.

There are other possible reasons why your eyes are always red. For a professional diagnosis, always consult with your optometrist. Lastly, if your eyes are chronically red for extended periods of time, speak to your physician, as this may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

 

What are Ocular Migraines?

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If you’ve ever had the frightening experience of temporarily losing vision in one eye, you may be dealing with a rare but concerning condition known as ocular migraines. In this article, we’ll explain what ocular migraines are, what causes them, and what you need to do if you believe that you are suffering from this condition.

Ocular Migraines Explained

Ocular migraines occur when blood flow behind the eye is constricted or the blood vessels behind the eye begin to spasm. The result is a temporary loss of vision in the affected eye that may last for an hour or more. Aside from the fear and discomfort caused by vision loss, ocular migraines can often be a pain-free experience. However, they may also be accompanied by a migraine headache. It’s thought that migraine headaches and ocular migraines both share the same cause, with both conditions being triggered when the brain releases inflammatory substances around the blood vessels and nerves in the patient’s head and brain.

It’s also important to note the distinction between ocular migraines and the less severe visual migraines. While both share similar symptoms, they are sperate conditions. Ocular migraines are considered to be the more serious of the two and tend to affect only one eye for a more extended period – as opposed to visual migraines which affect both eyes and have a shorter duration. With that said, it’s wise to see a doctor if you experience any vision loss, regardless of whether it is caused by an ocular migraine or a visual migraine.

Treating Ocular Migraines

While ocular migraines can be a frightening condition, they are typically relatively easy to treat and prevent using the same medication that is used to prevent migraine headaches. If you experience any form of vision loss – even if it is temporary – it is important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Vision loss may mean that you are suffering from ocular migraines or an even more serious condition.

At Riverdale Vision Care, we are experts who are treating and preventing ocular migraines as well as all other vision-related conditions. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physicians, we invite you to contact us today.