Why Is My Eye Red and Swollen?

Cooper Optometry Blog Why Is My Eye Red and Swollen?
Why Is My Eye Red and Swollen?

A red, swollen eye can go from mildly annoying to genuinely concerning pretty fast. Maybe you woke up with a puffy eye, or see that it’s red and irritated after a long day staring at your screen. Whatever the cause, when something is amiss with your eyes, it’s impossible to ignore.

Knowing whether the problem may resolve on its own or if you need help is the tricky part. 

At Cooper Optometry in Santa Monica, California, Donna Cooper, OD, and Sarah Chung, OD, often encounter this concern and can help you discern what your eyes are trying to tell you. They offer comprehensive eye exams and emergency appointments to protect your eye health.

Not all red eyes have the same cause

Not every red eye is an emergency, but it’s also not something you want to self-diagnose online at midnight. In most cases, everyday irritations cause redness and swelling. 

Common culprits include:

These issues can cause your eyes to look glassy, watery, and inflamed; they might also itch, burn, and feel gritty.

Redness can also point to infections such as conjunctivitis, styes, or inflammation within the eye itself. If you’re dealing with pain, light sensitivity, discharge, or blurry vision, it’s time to come in for an evaluation.

Your contacts could be the problem

Contact lenses are convenient until your eyes decide they’ve had enough. Wearing your lenses too long, sleeping in them, or not cleaning them regularly or properly can irritate your eyes and cause:

The issue may have a simple fix, for example, updating your prescription or lens type. Drs. Chung and Cooper offer contact lens exams and fittings to make sure you get the most comfortable fit possible.

Dry eye isn’t always dry

One of the most misunderstood eye conditions is dry eye syndrome. You probably expect your eyes to feel dry, right? In reality, dry eyes can actually make them water, ooze, swell, and appear irritated.

If your tear film isn’t functioning properly, your eyes can become inflamed. Long hours on your computer or device usually make it worse, which is why your eyes look exhausted and red at the end of a long day. 

At Cooper Optometry, we address the source of the irritation because untreated dry eyes can become chronic and increasingly uncomfortable over time.

When redness requires immediate attention

There are a few situations when we don’t recommend a wait-and-see approach for your red eyes. Check these symptoms as soon as possible:

If you injure your eye or have something stuck in it, it’s an eye emergency and requires immediate medical care.

Don’t ignore what your eyes tell you

Whether the issue turns out to be allergies, dry eye, contact lens irritation, or an infection, getting answers early can save you unnecessary discomfort and potentially protect your vision.

A red eye is a red flag. If your symptoms aren’t improving, call 310- 879-1423 for an evaluation or schedule an emergency visit. You can also request an appointment online. 

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