Red Eye Specialist
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Eyedrop Optique
Robert Ancona, OD
Optometrist located in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY
Have you ever looked into the mirror after a long day at the office or an evening out with friends only to see red or blood-shot eyes staring back at you? Red eyes often look worse than they feel, but they can also be a symptom of an underlying issue. The caring professionals at Eyedrop Optique in Dumbo, Brooklyn, New York, led by Robert Ancona, OD, can diagnose and treat your red eyes. Get relief and treatment today by calling the office or using the online scheduling tool.
Red Eye Q & A
What is red eye?
Red eye is a common eye problem that is usually a minor issue. It’s typically triggered by an irritant or infection that makes the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye swell and turn the white parts of the eye a red color.
Sometimes called bloodshot eyes, red eye often looks worse than it feels. It can occur in one or both eyes and isn’t necessarily contagious, although some forms of red eye can be spread from one person to another. Since red eye is such a general issue, it’s important to see an optometrist to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
What causes red eye?
Activities like drinking too much alcohol or smoking or being around tobacco smoke can cause red eye as well as broken blood vessels. Other common causes of red eye are:
Allergies
When you have allergies to things like pet dander, dust or makeup, the body’s natural way to fight back kicks in with histamine, which ultimately enlarges the blood vessels in the eye.
Injuries to the eye
Similar to allergies, when you suffer an eye injury, the body kicks in to try to heal the injury by rushing blood to the area, which creates the appearance of red eye.
Dry eye
When your eyes don’t produce enough or good quality tears which lubricate and protect the surface of the eye, you can suffer from red eye.
Conjunctivitis or pink eye
This common eye infection causes inflammation in the whites of the eye and the lining of the eyelids. Although adults can get pinkeye, it’s seen more often in children and is highly contagious.
When should I go to the doctor about red eye?
In many cases, red eye is temporary and will go away on its own. If symptoms continue for more than a few days or are accompanied by pain, nausea, a change in vision or sensitivity to light, it could be a symptom of a more serious medical problem. Patients should make an appointment with their eye doctor for a thorough exam to find out what’s going on.
The highly trained team at Eyedrop Optique in Dumbo, Brooklyn, New York, is experienced at treating red eye and can help. Book an appointment online or call today.
