Having red eyes is something that can happen to any of us. It could be the result of an inflammation or an infection, but it can also be the result of bad lifestyle habits such as smoking, spending a long time in front of digital screens, and inadequate sleep.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis – which is also known as pink eye – is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin transparent layer that covers the white part of your eye. Inflammation of the conjunctiva is considered very common, especially among children of school age. It is also very contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another. Many things can cause this inflammation including viruses, bacteria, allergic agents such as dust, and other chemicals that can irritate such as smoke and certain shampoos. Conjunctivitis is not considered a major problem, but you should still be careful. If your baby has pink eye, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome, also called digital eye strain, is caused by the use of computers, cell phones, and E-readers for extended periods of time. The greater the amount of time you spend using digital screens, the worse the level of your discomfort. The symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS) are eyestrain, a bad headache, neck and shoulder pain, and eye dryness. These symptoms are a result of bad lighting, improper viewing distances, and poor posture. You can treat it by applying the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, try to look at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Eye Injuries

There are many different types of eye injuries that we can categorize. From minor, harmless injuries such as getting soap in your eyes to very dangerous, injuries that can cause permanent loss of vision. Many things can cause eye injuries including chemical exposures, burns, acids, alkaline substances, bleeding in the subconjunctival area, rubbing your eye during working with chemicals, fractures in hyphemas, and orbital blowout. For minor cases, you should see your family doctor, but in dangerous cases, you should see an ophthalmologist.

Dry Eyes

Having a dry eye is the condition when there isn’t a balance between your tear-flow system and the environmental condition such as your air conditioner and heater. Tears improve the lubrication and moisture of your eyes and keep them comfortable. Tears are made up of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies to protect you from infections. Many things can cause dry eye including aging, menopause, and as a side effect of some drugs like antihistamines. Some diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the number of tears your body produces. You should see a doctor and ask him about the proper treatment for your condition.

Eye Allergies

There is nothing worse than having red, itchy and watery eyes and swollen eyelids. They are caused by the same chemicals that cause irritation and sneezes in some people. In some cases, the allergic patient will suffer from conjunctivitis and other kinds of eye infections. The allergic patient may be very sensitive to some chemicals that are harmless to normal people. These chemicals are called allergens. Dust, pet dander and pollen are considered the most common allergens. There are some ways to improve eye allergies. First of all, try to avoid allergens. You can also try to use over-the-counter eye drops to relieve your symptoms.

Smoking

Smoking has a bad effect on the entire human body including the eyes. Not a lot of people know this but smoking is bad for your eyes. It can increase the risk of cataracts. A cataract is a condition in which the person suffers from the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The more you smoke, the higher the risk is. It also has a bad effect on the center of the retina and can cause macular degeneration. The macula is important for the central vision that you use to perform everyday tasks. The patient, in this case, suffers from blind spots and may even lose his sight forever, so it is important to avoid smoking.

Lack of sleep

It is well known that it is very important to have enough sleep every day. But how bad can a lack of sleep affect your eyes? To start with, it can cause dark circles. Dark circles are gatherings of fluids (edema) below the eyes. The skin surrounding the eyes is very thin so edema and the change in color can be more prominent. It is important to see a doctor if other problems are causing your dark circles such as eye allergies and systemic diseases including kidney failure. So, try to get enough sleep every single night.

Swimming

Nothing is more relaxing than swimming in a swimming pool, but be careful! You might get a burning red eye! The eye has a thin layer of tears to keep it moist. Swimming pools have chlorine and other chemical materials that keep the pool clean. But these chemicals can have a bad effect on your eyes as they remove the tears layer causing burning red eyes. If you frequently swim in the pool, you can also suffer from dry eyes and blurring vision. So, try to protect your eyes by wearing goggles, washing your eyes immediately after swimming, and using lubricating eye drops.

Cold and flu

Having pink or red eye is a very common issue during the flu season. It may be caused by an infection of the sinus or by a block in it especially when you are suffering from sneezing and coughing. It can also be caused by a viral infection or exposure to chemicals, wind, and the sun. The symptoms of this condition include redness, edema around the eye, tears, and clear discharge. It is important to see a doctor get the best health care. You can also take the flu vaccine to protect yourself.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very important time in any woman’s life. It is very important to see a doctor if you have any problem with your eyes. Certain problems such as eye irritation from contact lenses, dry eyes, puffy eyelids, and light sensitivity may be symptoms of harmful diseases. Women who suffer from an increase in blood pressure, glaucoma or diabetes should talk to their doctors to monitor and control their condition during pregnancy. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can affect your sight, and you may need to start wearing glasses or contact lenses.