Health & Fitness

Red eyes are caused by the same allergic process that make your nose run and your throat itch. Specialized cells called mast cells exist in the eye as well as the nose and throat. When allergens, such as pollen and dust, come in contact with your eye, mast cells release a chemical called histamine, which is what causes itching, redness and tearing.

Conjunctivitis is a common eye problem, but usually isnt as bad as the medical name suggests. If you have red eyes, you have conjunctivitis, but not necessarily an infection. Conjunctivitis just describes an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which are the membranes covering the eye and the inside of the eyelids.

The type of conjunctivitis you have will determine how serious the condition is and what type of treatment youll need. With allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by itchy, red eyes and runny nose, you will usually feel better if you can avoid the allergen. Viral conjunctivitis, which is whats commonly known as pink-eye, brings burning, discomfort and lots of tearing, but not much itching. Bacterial conjunctivitis, sometimes called red-eye, involves irritation and discomfort rather than itching, as well as a thick white discharge.

Red Eyes and Eyesight
For the most part, red eyes and the allergies that cause them have no harmful effects on your vision, as long as you take good care of your eyes. People who have eczema or atopic dermatitis, a skin condition commonly related to allergies, are prone to cataracts, a serious eye disorder that can cause vision loss. Also, some medications, such as steroid eye drops, can make your eyes more at risk to cataracts or glaucoma, another detrimental eye disease.