Red eye treatment starts with identifying the true underlying cause, since eye redness can stem from anything as mild as allergies or as serious as an infection, and effective treatment depends entirely on getting that diagnosis right.
Common Causes of Red Eye
- Conjunctivitis: Often called pink eye, this inflammation of the eye's surface can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergens, and is highly contagious in its infectious forms.
- Dry Eye: Insufficient or unstable tears can leave the eye's surface irritated and visibly red.
Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergens can trigger redness, itching, and watering, often in both eyes at once. - Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: A small blood vessel breaking beneath the eye's surface, creating a bright red patch that looks alarming but is usually harmless.
- Corneal Abrasion or Infection: A scratch or infection on the cornea, often accompanied by pain and light sensitivity.
- Uveitis or Glaucoma: Less common but more serious causes of red eye that require prompt evaluation and treatment.






