What Are the Most Common Red Eye Causes?
The most common red eye causes are frequent use of eye drops, the use of contact lenses, bacteria infections, injury, or certain types of glaucoma. Most causes are treatable and often curable. Any irritant can potentially cause red eye since the eyeball is made from very fragile and sensitive tissues. Contact lens wearers often experience chronic or long-term red eye. This is one of the most frequently reported red eye causes, as there are millions of contact wearers. Irritation can occur when not enough oxygen gets to the eye, or when contacts are not replaced often enough and protein deposits build up. Lenses should be removed and cleaned every night before bed, sometimes sooner, to prevent serious irritation and sometimes deformation of the eye itself. Those who experience constant redness should consider using eyeglasses as an alternative.
