Red eyes: possible causes and warning signs
Redness is common, but pain, discharge, light sensitivity, vision change, and contact-lens use are especially important.
Common possible causes
- Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis
- Allergy, dry eye, smoke, or dust
- A foreign body or minor surface injury
- Corneal inflammation or another serious eye problem
What you can do now
- Avoid rubbing the eye and wash hands often
- Stop contact lenses and eye makeup temporarily
- Preservative-free lubricating drops may help
- Do not share towels or use someone else’s drops
When not to wait
- Severe eye pain or marked light sensitivity
- Sudden reduction or loss of vision
- Chemical exposure, trauma, or metal in the eye
- Redness with pain in a contact-lens wearer
When to contact a clinician
Seek assessment for pus-like discharge, worsening symptoms, pain, marked one-sided redness, or symptoms that do not improve within 24–48 hours.
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My eye is red. It started…, pain is…, discharge is…, vision is…, and I do/do not wear contact lenses.