Warning Signs That Your Red Eye Could Be Serious

Most of the time, red appearing or bloodshot eyes is a short-lived condition that disappears on its own. While many causes of red eyes are not dangerous, sometimes this can signal a serious condition. The following danger signs could be indications that your eye redness should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is a symptom of many neurological disorders, as well as conditions that affect the eyes. If you have blurry vision with eye redness, this combination may be caused by a serious eye problem. An autoimmune disorder, severe infections, and edema (swelling) are some of the causes of a red eye with blurred vision.

You should get a prompt medical evaluation if you are having these symptoms.

Pain

Conjunctivitis, a common viral infection, often referred to as "pink eye" may cause discomfort or scratchiness of the eye, but not extreme pain.

Conditions that cause significant eye pain that may also involve redness of the eye include keratitis, a corneal ulcer, iridocyclitis, acute open-angle glaucoma, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Photophobia

Photophobia, which is extreme sensitivity to light, is common with migraines and after head injuries. Along with eye redness, it can also be a symptom of eye irritation, inflammation, or any type of damage to the eye.

Light sensitivity is a general symptom that occurs when the cornea (the clear covering in front of your eye) is irritated, such as from a corneal abrasion or corneal ulcer.

It can also be caused by iritis, an inflammatory disorder of the eye in which the ciliary muscle behind the iris becomes inflamed and begins to spasm, causing the eye to feel sensitive to light. It can be caused by an autoimmune disease, a reaction to a corneal abrasion, trauma, or ulcer, or it may be idiopathic (without an identifiable cause).

Colored Halos

Colored halos are a symptom of cataracts, corneal edema, and acute closed-angle glaucoma. These conditions can also cause redness of the eyes, but that is not always the case.

When you have swelling in your eye, the cornea becomes thicker. As it thickens, it also becomes cloudy. When this occurs, light scatters and we see halos.

This can be caused by a chronic disease process, or it can develop rapidly. You should see a healthcare professional if are seeing halos around lights.

Discharge

If you have any fluid, pus, or blood in or around your eye, this could be due to a serious infection or a result of trauma. Sometimes, bleeding can occur even without trauma if you are taking a blood thinner or if you have a bleeding disorder. Get medical attention right away if you have any type of discharge around your eye.