For some reason I have failed to understand why my eyes are always reddish. It bothers me because people always mistake me for either a drunkard or smoker, which I am not. What causes eyes to redden yet they or not sick?

Barasa

Dear Barasa,

One of the most common causes for red eyes, without any other significant problem, is allergic conjunctivitis. One may have allergy to dust, pollens, spores or some substance present in environment or used over body. Here the eyes may be slightly itchy along with being red. Redness can also be due to dryness of the eye. Eye strain as with working on computers for a long time or watching videos/TV from a close range, is yet another cause for red eyes. One can have redness due to mild impairment of vision. Due to mild visual impairment, a person may not have clear visual disturbances, but he tends to rub eyes to , "see more clearly”. This inadvertently exposes him to eye strain and infection.

Use of alcohol causes red eyes due to dilatation of blood vessels. Deficiency of vitamin B complex can weaken eye muscles causing easy fatigue, manifesting as redness.

Infection and or inflammation of any part of the eye like eye lid, conjunctiva, cornea or sclera can manifest as red eye. There may be other associated symptoms depending on the underlying cause. For example in bacterial conjunctivitis, there is associated pain and mucopurulent discharge from the eyes. The eyes can become red due to glaucoma (raised intracranial pressure). Bleeding below the conjunctiva subconjunctival hemorrhage) is yet another cause of red eyes.

Diagnosis of cause of red eyes is based on clinical features and relevant tests. Treatment depends on underlying cause.

Prevention consists of avoiding eye strain. One should avoid watching television or using computers at a very close range. After working for an hour or so on computers, close eyes for few minutes to give them rest. It would also help to move out for a short time. Seeing far objects regularly is also beneficial for eyes. Taking a balanced diet with fresh green vegetables, fruits and whole grains keeps the eyes and eye muscles healthy and prevents eye strain. Drinking adequate amount of water keeps body well hydrated and prevents redness due to dryness.

Use of good quality sunglasses to avoid exposure to sun and dust is useful in preventing exposure of eyes to dust, smoke or hot sun, which irritate the eye resulting in redness.

Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital