Red Eyes

Southern Eye Institute

Board-Certified Ophthalmologists & Board Certified Optometrist located in Houma, LA & Thibodaux, LA

Chronically red eyes can make you look tired and potentially indicate an infection. The board-certified ophthalmologists at Southern Eye Institute in Houma and Thibodaux, Louisiana, evaluate red eyes and offer treatment for whatever the cause may be. To get relief from red eyes, call to schedule an appointment or use the online tool today.

Red Eyes Q & A

Why do I have red eyes?

The whites of your eyes are usually clear and bright white. When there’s redness in the eyes without any other symptoms, it may be a sign of an innocuous broken blood vessel, which will resolve on its own in a few days.

Redness in the whites of the eyes accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as itching or stinging could be a sign of:

Infections from bacteria or viruses, including pink eye
Allergies due to pet dander or seasonal issues
Irritation from contact lenses

Dust or irritants that get in your eyes due to wind or exhaust can cause temporary redness. Failing to take off eye makeup correctly or staring at a computer screen for too long also leads to redness and sensitivity.

A condition known as dry eyes, which means you don’t make enough tears for adequate lubrication, can also make your eyes more sensitive and reddened.

How are red eyes treated?

Habit changes, such as taking regular breaks from screen time or getting adequate sleep, may be enough to resolve your red eyes.

If you have allergies, Southern Eye Institute may prescribe special eye drops or antihistamines to help you get relief. The practice may also recommend prescription eye drops, drugs that increase your tear production, or eye inserts.

When red eyes are accompanied by itching or a discharge, you may have an infection like pink eye. Pink eye is highly contagious, so it’s important for you to use prescribed eye drops as directed and avoid contact with other people until it resolves.

What other steps help reduce red eyes?

Some simple at-home strategies can help you avoid developing red eyes in the first place.

Always throw out eye makeup after three months, as older makeup is more likely to carry bacteria. Never share eye makeup like mascara with anyone — even a close family member.

Have a sterile eye wash on hand to rinse out dust or debris that irritates your eyes. Aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Keep your screen time to a minimum and if you must spend hours each day at the computer, take regular breaks.

If you’re concerned about red eyes, make an appointment to talk to the experienced team at Southern Eye Institute. Call to schedule or use the online tool today.

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