
Red Eyes: Why They Happen & When to See an Optometrist
What Are Red Eyes? Red eyes occur when blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged or irritated. This can result from a wide range of triggers—some mild, others more serious. Common causes include dryness, fatigue, allergies, contact lens irritation, or environmental exposure like smoke and dust. While red eyes often resolve on their own, persistent or painful symptoms may signal an underlying condition that requires medical attention. When Is It More Than Just Irritation? Redness accompanied by discomfort, discharge, light sensitivity, or vision changes could indicate a more serious issue such as: • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Uveitis or scleritis • Corneal ulcers • Eye infections or injury According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, red eye








