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Some Common Causes of Red Eyes

red-eye-disease

Throughout the year children often have eye infections, allergies, and dry eyes.   Eye infections can affect one or both eyes and are most common in children.  Some eye infections are highly contagious, and you must take care not to infect other people, or even your other eye if only one eye is infected. As a parent, these conditions can be alarming and it is important to know when to come see your Optometrist for evaluation. Medically necessary visits with your Optometrist for these conditions are covered by Alberta Health Care for all age groups including children.

Conjunctivitis – bacterial, allergic or viral – involves inflammation of the transparent membrane that covers the sclera and lines the eyelids.

Bacterial Conjunctiviits or “pink eye” is one of the most common and contagious eye infection particularly among school aged children.  When the conjunctiva is infected, the blood vessels become irritated and swell giving the eye a red or pink appearance. Symptoms include: redness, tearing, discharge or pus (matting of the eyes with a green or yellow discharge), itching, burning sensation and light sensitivity.  Antibiotics are required to eliminate the bacteria and can take up to two weeks to heal depending on the severity of the infection.

Viral Conjunctivitis is highly contagious as airborne viruses can be spread through sneezing and coughing.  This condition can be seen with common viral upper respiratory infections such as the flu or the common cold causing a runny nose, cough, and/or an enlarged lymph gland in front of the ear. Symptoms include: a watery discharge, redness, blurred vision, pain, irritation and light sensitivity.  The infection starts in one eye and quickly spreads to the other eye.  Unlike a bacterial infection, antibiotics are not effective in treating viruses but rather the use of supportive therapies such as eye drops can help symptoms.  The condition is self-limited and will go away on its own.

Allergic conjunctivitis is the result of your child’s immune system reacting to a foreign substance such as pollen, pet dander, dust, or various chemicals.  Your child’s body releases histamine as part of an inflammatory response to the foreign substance causing the blood vessels in your child’s eyes to swell and become red and watery.  The eyes are typically itchy with a stringy white discharge. Treatment can include having your child avoid the allergen, use of cold compresses, and/or take an antihistamine eye drop especially during allergy season.  It is important to note allergic conjunctivitis can be seasonal or perennial (year-round).

Dry eyes is the result of either an insufficient quantity or quality of tears to properly lubricate and nourish your child’s eyes. Dry eyes is chronic, progressive and commonly seen in all age groups in Calgary.  Risk factors include medications, contact lens use, computer use, environment, and climate.   Symptoms include: blurred vision, burning sensation, dryness, grittiness, itching, sensitivity to light, redness, stinging, tired eyes, eye rubbing, soreness, and tearing.  Treatment options are customizable to each child and can include the use of lubricating drops, vitamins, increasing water intake, increasing the number of breaks on the computer, using a humidifier and more.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids resulting in redness, crusting and scaling. The eyelids may be itchy or irritated. Blepharitis is commonly seen in conjunction with dry eyes.  Treatment includes daily cleansing of your child’s eyelids with lid wipes. In certain cases, an antibiotic cream may be needed. If left untreated, blepharitis can lead to the formation of a stye or chalazion.

Stye or hordeolum is caused by a bacterial infection and produces a tender, red, swollen bump on or within your child’s eyelid that is painful. A Chalazion is nodule or swollen area caused by an oil gland in the eyelid that becomes blocked.   The nodule is not red and nor is it tender to touch.   Both require warm compresses and sometimes topical antibiotics.  In some cases, excision may be required.

Corneal Abrasion occurs after having a foreign body in the eye or scratching the eye.  Symptoms include redness, pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light within your child’s eye. An abrasion can be detected by your Optometrist using fluorescein dye drops in the eye and looking at it with a special blue light. Treatment includes an antibiotic until healed.

Dacryostenosis  is a blocked tear duct and is very common in newborns and infants.  In most cases, the ducts open up on their own by one year of age.  Signs include matting of the eye and persistent tearing in one or both eyes of your child. Parents are encouraged to wipe away (using separate cloths for each eye) any discharge with a warm cloth. Gentle massage to ducts is advised to help open up the duct.  If your baby has a pus like discharge, they may need an antibiotic and you should see your Optometrist.

 

I advise parents noticing any of these signs or symptoms to consult your Optometrist as soon as possible.  Early detection leads to better treatment outcomes.

 

Dr. Farrah Sunderji, OD, completed her Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry followed by a residency in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Her practice EyedeologyTM is located at #245, 520 – 3 Avenue SW. For more information on children’s vision, check out her website at www.eyedeology.ca.

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
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