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    Understanding Red Eye: Causes

    Do your eyes sometimes get red and irritated? This could be a sign of irritation or infection. The inside of your eyelid and the white of your eye are covered with a membrane called the conjunctiva. When your eye is irritated or infected, the blood vessels in this membrane swell. This condition is called conjunctivitis. It is also called red eye or pink eye.

    Front view of eye showing red eye.

    Irritation

    Allergies and environmental irritants are common causes of inflamed eyes. Other causes can include:

    • Injuries

    • Objects in the eye

    • Some eye drops

    • Makeup

    • Contact lenses

    • Eye diseases

    • Eye fatigue

    Infection

    Viruses and bacteria can cause eye infections. An infection may begin in your eye. It can also start somewhere else in your body, such as your nose or throat. Sexually transmitted infections can also cause eye infections.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Haupert MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick BSN MSN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Whitney Seltman MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 12/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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