Red Eye

Red eye can be contagious if it’s caused by an infection like viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. To help stop it spreading, practise good hygiene — wash your hands often, avoid sharing towels, and don’t use other people’s eye makeup.

Not every cause is infectious, though. Red eye can also come from allergies, dry eye syndrome, or exposure to smoke or pollutants — none of which spread to other people. A subconjunctival haemorrhage, where a small blood vessel bursts in the eye, can cause a bright red blotch too, and this isn’t infectious at all.

If your red eye is caused by an infection, avoid sharing face cloths or towels, and try not to touch your eyes.

Yes — children are prone to red eye, commonly from viral conjunctivitis, which spreads easily in places like schools and nurseries.

Symptoms can vary, but typically include redness, irritation, increased tear production, and sensitivity to light. Sometimes symptoms are minimal, with just visible redness and no discomfort at all.

It’s worth keeping an eye on symptoms in children, and seeing a paediatrician or optometrist if the redness persists for more than a few days, or comes with pain or vision changes. Because viral conjunctivitis spreads so easily between children in group settings, good hygiene habits matter especially at this age.

Many cases of red eye, especially from allergies, can be managed at home with simple remedies like artificial tears or warm compresses. Use a clean cloth each time to avoid further irritation, and avoid self-prescribing eye drops without professional advice, since some can make things worse if used incorrectly.

Red eye typically clears up on its own within a few days. For severe allergies, your optometrist may recommend antihistamines or steroid eye drops. If it’s a bacterial infection, you may need an antibiotics prescription.

If redness persists for more than a few days, or you have significant pain, it’s best to book an appointment.

The duration of red eye will vary depending on what’s causing it – normally, it will go away on its own in a day or two if you take good care of it. But if it’s caused by something like bacterial conjunctivitis, it might stick around longer and need some help from antibiotics to clear up.

Wearing contact lenses can contribute to red eye, particularly if the lenses are not cleaned properly, worn for extended periods, or if they are not well-fitted. It’s crucial for contact lens wearers to follow proper lens hygiene and regularly consult their optometrist to avoid complications.

Environmental factors such as exposure to smoke, air pollution, and the extended use of digital devices can all contribute to red eye. These can irritate the eyes or exacerbate existing conditions such as dry eye, leading to inflammation and redness.