Eye Redness
Redness in the eyes is a common symptom we treat at Aesthetic Eye Care in San Luis Obispo. The whites in the eyes may become red or bloodshot, or the eyelids could become red and inflamed. Depending on what's causing the redness, the problem may go away on its own. In other cases, you may need medical treatment from our team.
Reasons for eye redness
One or both eyes may become red for a variety of reasons. These may include:
- Allergies
- Irritation from dust or other particles
- Injury
- Extended contact lens wear
- Infections, such as pink eye
- Dry eye
- Eye fatigue
- Scleritis or episcleritis
- Glaucoma
- Ocular herpes
- Corneal scratches
Some of these conditions require medications such as antibiotics, over-the-counter eye drops, antivirals, or steroids. That's why it's important to seek care at Aesthetic Eye Care if you experience red eyes.
When to seek care for red eye
If you experience eye redness along with any of the following symptoms, contact Aesthetic Eye Care immediately.
- Eyes are painful
- Vision is blurred
- Eyes become more sensitive to light
- Symptoms continue for a week or longer or symptoms worsen
- Pus or mucus is oozing from the eye
- You have a fever or body aches
Other things to know about red eye
- Occasional, brief periods of red eye usually rectify on their own.
- If you are using over-the-counter eye drops and experience redness, switch to a different brand or refrain from using them.
- If you experience redness in one or both of your eyes and you wear contact lenses, remove the lenses immediately.
Flashes and Floaters
New flashing lights or floaters in the vision is concerning and can have several causes. It can be a sign that the gel inside the eye is separating from the back of the eye. This is a normal physiological process called posterior vitreous detachment that happens to everyone, usually between the ages of 50 and 70. Though it can be a normal process, getting a dilated exam is very important as the separation of the gel can cause a tearing of the retina that can lead to a retinal detachment and permanent vision loss. If you are experiencing new flashes and/or floaters in your vision, call us right away for a same day dilated exam.
Reasons for Flashes and Floaters
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Retinal tear
- Retinal detachment
- Migraine
Vision Loss
Experiencing sudden vision loss can be alarming and may signal a serious underlying condition that requires immediate attention. Whether it's partial or complete, in one eye or both, new onset vision loss should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preserving your vision. If you or a loved one experiences sudden changes in vision, seek emergency eye care right away.
Reasons for Vision Loss
- Retinal detachment
- Optic neuritis
- Ischemic optic neuropathy
- Migraine
- Macular degeneration
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Stroke
- Endophthalmitis
- Temporal arteritis
- Acute glaucoma
- Uveitis
Contact us for a diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose an urgent eye condition without an exam, so it's important to seek a professional diagnosis. Our optometrist team at Aesthetic Eye Care has specialized equipment and extensive training that allow us to diagnose eye diseases and conditions. Contact us at (805) 439-1010 for an appointment so we can assess your eyes and recommend a course of treatment.