What are red eyes?

The area around your iris and pupil is also called the white of your eye. When you have red eyes, the white of your eye appears red. This can affect either one eye or both eyes. Besides the red color, other symptoms can also occur with red eyes.

How do I recognize red eyes?

Red eyes are often accompanied by the following complaints:

• The white of the eye is colored red

• The eye itches, burns or tears

• Mucus or pus formation

• Swollen eyelids

• Glued-together eyelids with crusts

What causes red eyes?

Red eyes can have many different causes:

• A speck in the eye

• Eye inflammation

• Dry eyes

• Inflammation of the eyelid margins ( Blepharitis)

• A bruise in the eye

• Allergic reaction

• Dry air

• Increased eye pressure ( Glaucoma)

• Damage to the cornea

• Wearing the wrong contact lenses

• Smoking or being in a room with smoke

• Fatigue

• The use of alcohol or drugs

• Looking at a screen for a long time

What can I do about red eyes?

Red eyes are often easy to prevent:

• Give your eyes a rest regularly. Because we demand so much from our eyes, it's important to use the 20-20-2 rule. This means that after 20 minutes of looking up close (for example, at a screen), you should look into the distance for 20 seconds. It's also important to spend two hours outside each day! This way, your eyes can relax after a day full of screen stimulation.

• Try not to rub your eyes too much, as this can cause further irritation.

• Get advice about using new contact lenses.

We are here for you

Are you still experiencing red eyes? Contact one of our stores near you.

find your branch