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Inside corner of eye red


20 Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and More

Redness of the eye, also called bloodshot eyes, can indicate the presence of several different health issues. While some of these issues are benign, others are serious and require emergency medical attention.

The redness of your eye may be a cause for concern. However, most serious eye problems happen when you have redness along with pain or changes in your vision.

Below, we’ll explore the different causes of eye redness, how they’re treated, and when it’s a good idea to contact a doctor.

Now let’s explore the different causes of eye redness. For each one, we’ll cover what it is, what causes it, and any other additional symptoms to be aware of.

Allergies

Allergies can affect the eyes, leading them to become red and swollen. Other symptoms that you may experience include:

  • itching
  • a burning sensation
  • increased tearing

Eye allergy symptoms can also be accompanied by other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and an itchy, running nose.

Some common allergy triggers include:

  • pollen
  • dust mites
  • mold
  • pet dander
  • irritants like cigarette smoke or air pollution

Dry eyes

Tears are made by small glands above the eyes. They work to help protect and lubricate the eyes. You have dry eyes when your eyes don’t produce enough tears.

Dry eyes are very common, with studies estimating a prevalence rate of between 5 to 50 percent. The condition is more likely to occur in women, people over the age of 50, and individuals who wear contact lenses.

If you have dry eyes, you may notice that your eyes appear red. Other symptoms include:

  • a stinging, scratchy, or burning sensation
  • feeling like something is in your eye
  • sensitivity to light
  • blurred vision (that comes and goes, especially when reading)

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis happens when the membrane covering the insides of your eyelids and the white part of your eye, called the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. This condition is also called pink eye.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva causes the whites of your eyes to appear pink or red in color. Some other symptoms that may occur with conjunctivitis are:

  • itching
  • a burning sensation
  • feeling like something is in your eye
  • increased tearing
  • discharge of mucus or pus, which can lead to crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes

Conjunctivitis can have a variety of causes, including:

  • viral infections, such as those due to adenoviruses, measles, or COVID-19
  • bacterial infections that can be caused by species like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae
  • allergies to things like pollen, molds, and pet dander
  • environmental irritants like smoke or chemical fumes

Conjunctivitis due to a viral or bacterial infection is very contagious. That means that it can easily be spread from one person to another.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is when your eyelids become inflamed. It can cause your eyelids or eyes to appear red and swollen.

Some additional symptoms of blepharitis are:

  • itching
  • a burning or stinging sensation
  • feeling like something is in your eye
  • increased tearing
  • crusty eyelids in the morning
  • sensitivity to light

It’s also possible for blepharitis to cause more serious symptoms, particularly if not managed. These can include things like loss of eyelashes, eyelashes that grow in the wrong location, or blurred vision.

Blepharitis can happen if you have high amounts of bacteria on your eyelids. The condition may also develop if oil glands in your eyelids become clogged. A mite infestation can also cause blepharitis in rare cases.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation that happens in the middle part of your eye, called the uvea. The uvea is an area found between the white of your eye and your retina.

Inflammation due to uveitis can lead to eye redness. Additional symptoms to look out for are:

  • blurred vision
  • eye pain
  • eye floaters
  • sensitivity to light

There are a few known causes of uveitis, including:

  • autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis
  • certain types of infections, including syphilis, shingles, and toxoplasmosis
  • some types of cancers like lymphoma
  • the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1

Getting timely treatment for uveitis is vital. This is because the condition can lead to vision loss if not managed.

Scleritis

Scleritis is when inflammation affects the white of your eye, which is called the sclera. When this occurs, the white of your eye can become red and swollen. Additional symptoms can be:

  • increased tearing
  • eye tenderness or pain
  • blurred vision
  • sensitivity to light
  • pain in the head, face, or jaw
  • decreased vision

The development of scleritis is often associated with an autoimmune disease. Examples include:

  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • lupus
  • Sjögren’s syndrome
  • inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

It’s also possible for scleritis to happen due to an injury to the eye or an eye infection.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage

Sometimes, a blood vessel in an eye can break, leaking blood on the surface of your eye This is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

The condition may look serious, but it’s often benign and goes away on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. Typically, the redness in the affected eye is the only symptom, although in some cases, your eye may feel slightly irritated.

However, if you have subconjunctival hemorrhage and your vision is decreased, talk with a doctor.

Some potential causes of subconjunctival hemorrhage are:

  • rubbing your eyes too hard
  • intense coughing or sneezing
  • vomiting
  • eye injury

You may be more prone to this condition if you’re taking blood thinners or have diabetes or hypertension.

Eyelid stye

A stye is a blockage of the meibomian gland in the eye that causes inflammation. It can affect the outside or inside of either your upper or lower eyelid.

If you have a stye, the area at the edge of your eyelid can become red, swollen, and painful. The affected area may fill with meibum (due to the blocked gland) and can potentially grow to the size of a pea.

Angle-closure glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure in your eye increases due to the eye producing more fluid than the normal rate. This can damage your optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss.

There are different types of glaucoma. In one type, called angle-closure glaucoma, a rapid increase in eye pressure occurs. You may also see this type of glaucoma called closed-angle glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma.

The symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma come on suddenly and may include eye redness. Other symptoms to be aware of are:

  • intense pain in your eye
  • seeing rainbow-colored rings or halos
  • blurred vision
  • decreased vision
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting

Angle-closure glaucoma happens when your iris blocks the area through which eye fluid drains. Fluid begins building up in the eye, leading to a rapid increase in eye pressure. This type of glaucoma is an emergency and can lead to vision loss if you don’t seek treatment right away.

Corneal ulcers

Corneal ulcers are ulcers, or sores, that affect the outer part of your eye, which is called the cornea. This condition is also called keratitis.

In addition to red eyes, other symptoms of a corneal ulcer are:

  • severe eye pain
  • feeling like something is in your eye
  • increased tearing
  • discharge of pus
  • blurred vision
  • sensitivity to light
  • eyelid swelling

There are several things that can cause corneal ulcers to develop:

  • bacteria
  • viruses, particularly herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus
  • fungi
  • acanthamoeba, a type of parasitic infection
  • dry eyes
  • sleeping in contact lenses
  • showering or swimming in contact lenses, or using well water to clean contacts
  • injury to the cornea, such as a scratch, cut, or burn
  • Bell’s palsy and other disorders affecting the eyelid’s ability to close

It’s important to seek timely medical attention if you have symptoms of a corneal ulcer. If not managed, this condition can permanently damage your vision.

Injury

Sustaining an injury that affects your eye may cause it to become red, often due to irritation or bleeding. Other symptoms that may occur with an eye injury are:

  • eye pain
  • swelling of the eye or the surrounding area
  • trouble moving your eye
  • decreased vision
  • different pupil sizes

A few examples of common sources of eye injuries include:

  • foreign objects that get into your eye
  • physical trauma, such as sustaining a blow or an accident
  • exposure to chemicals

Contact lens wear

Individuals who wear contact lenses have to touch their eyes and the surrounding area more often than those who don’t wear contact lenses. As such, they’re at an increased risk of eye redness due to a variety of factors. Some of these include:

  • scratches or scrapes on the cornea
  • eye allergies
  • eye infections
  • corneal ulcers, which can happen from sleeping in contact lenses
  • dry eyes
  • neovascularization, when new blood vessel grow on the cornea
  • giant papillary conjunctivitis, a type of conjunctivitis in which bumps develop under your eyelid
  • contact lens-induced acute red eye (CLARE), an inflammatory condition associated with wearing contacts overnight

In addition to eye redness, some symptoms of complications related to contact lenses are:

  • eye pain
  • increased tearing
  • blurry vision
  • sensitivity to light

If you wear contact lenses and have any of the symptoms above, remove your contacts for a few hours. If your symptoms continue or become worse, contact an eye doctor.

Additional causes of eye redness

In addition to the causes discussed above, some further causes of eye redness include:

  • use of alcohol or cannabis
  • photokeratitis, which is eye irritation that can happen due to sun exposure
  • ocular rosacea, a skin condition that most often affects the cheeks, nose, or forehead but can also affect your eyes
  • trichiasis, in which eyelashes grow inward and irritate the eye
  • cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can affect the eyelid or eye socket
  • endophthalmitis, an infection of the tissues on the inside of your eye
  • onchocerciasis, a parasitic infection caused by a roundworm
  • retinoblastoma, a type of cancer that affects the eye

If your eye redness is caused by a milder condition such as allergies, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis, you may be able to treat your symptoms at home. Some things that you can do include:

  • Apply a cool compress. A cool compress on your closed eyes a few times each day can help reduce symptoms like redness and swelling.
  • Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications. OTC antihistamines or decongestants may help reduce eye redness. Medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also available over the counter and can ease discomfort or swelling.
  • Try artificial tears. Artificial tears are available over the counter and can be used to help alleviate red eyes and wash away irritants. Keeping them in the refrigerator can provide additional relief.
  • Avoid irritants. While you’re recovering, try to reduce your contact with irritants in your environment, such as pollen, smoke, or chemical fumes.
  • Wash your hands. Make sure to wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes or the surrounding area if your hands aren’t clean.
  • Avoid makeup or contacts. Aim to avoid wearing makeup or contacts until your symptoms have gone away.
  • Limit screen time. Spending too much time in front of a computer, TV, or phone screen can cause eyestrain and dry eyes, so try to reduce your screen time.

If your eye redness is accompanied by pain or changes in vision, talk with a doctor. They will ask you about your symptoms, your current health conditions, and problems that may have caused irritation to your eye. They may also examine your eye.

Depending on your diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe treatment that helps to alleviate your symptoms. This would likely include things like:

  • steroid eye drops or tablets
  • antimicrobial medications, which may include eye drops, tablets, or a topical medication that you apply near your eye
  • prescription eye drops for specific conditions like allergies, dry eye, or glaucoma
  • a laser procedure (in the case of acute angle-closure)

Most causes of eye redness won’t result in serious complications.

However, if you have a condition that causes vision changes, this may affect your ability to perform tasks such as cooking or driving. Vision impairments in these areas can result in accidental injury.

Some eye conditions that aren’t treated may also result in permanent damage to the eye, which can lead to vision loss. Examples of such conditions include eye infections, angle-closure glaucoma, and eye injuries.

Most causes of eye redness don’t warrant emergency medical attention.

If you experience eye redness, make an appointment to see a doctor if:

  • your symptoms last longer than 1 week
  • you experience changes in your vision
  • you experience pain in your eye
  • you become sensitive to light
  • you have discharge from one or both of your eyes
  • you take medications that thin your blood, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

Even though most causes of eye redness aren’t severe, seek emergency medical attention if:

  • your eye is red after trauma or injury
  • you have a headache and have blurry vision
  • you begin seeing white rings, or halos, around lights
  • you experience nausea and vomiting

Most cases of eye redness can be prevented by using proper hygiene and avoiding irritants that can cause redness.

Follow these tips to prevent eye redness:

  • Wash your hands frequently, particularly if you’re exposed to someone who has an eye infection.
  • Remove all makeup from your eyes each day.
  • Don’t wear contact lenses longer than recommended or while swimming.
  • Don’t wear contact lenses overnight.
  • Clean your contact lenses regularly.
  • Avoid activities that can cause eyestrain.
  • Avoid contact with substances that can cause your eyes to become irritated. If exposure does occur, flush out your eye immediately with eyewash or water if eyewash isn’t available.

Eye redness: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003031.htm

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Eye redness is most often due to swollen or dilated blood vessels. This makes the surface of the eye look red or bloodshot.

There are many causes of a red eye or eyes. Some are medical emergencies. Others are a cause for concern, but not an emergency. Many are nothing to worry about.

Eye redness is often less of a concern than eye pain or vision problems.

Bloodshot eyes appear red because the vessels at the surface of the white portion of the eye (sclera) become swollen. Vessels may swell due to:

  • Eye dryness
  • Too much sun exposure
  • Dust or other particles in the eye
  • Allergies
  • Infection
  • Injury

Eye infections or inflammation can cause redness as well as possible itching, discharge, pain, or vision problems. These may be due to:

  • Blepharitis: Swelling along the edge of the eyelid.
  • Conjunctivitis: Swelling or infection of the clear tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva). This is often referred to as "pink eye."
  • Corneal ulcers: Sores on the cornea most often caused by a serious bacterial or viral infection.
  • Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. The cause is most often not known. It may be related to an autoimmune disorder, infection, or exposure to toxins. The type of uveitis that causes the worst red eye is called iritis, in which only the iris is inflamed.

Other potential causes of eye redness include:

  • Colds or allergies.
  • Acute glaucoma: A sudden increase in eye pressure that is extremely painful and causes serious visual problems. This is a medical emergency. The more common form of glaucoma is long-term (chronic) and gradual.
  • Corneal scratches: Injuries caused by sand, dust, or overuse of contact lenses.

Sometimes, a bright red spot, called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, will appear on the white of the eye. This often happens after straining or coughing, which causes a broken blood vessel on the surface of the eye. Most often, there is no pain and your vision is normal. It is almost never a serious problem. It may be more common in people who are taking aspirin or blood thinners. Because the blood leaks into the conjunctiva, which is clear, you cannot wipe or rinse the blood away. Like a bruise, the red spot will go away within a week or two.

Try to rest your eyes if redness is due to fatigue or eye strain. No other treatment is needed.

If you have eye pain or a vision problem, call your eye doctor right away.

Go to the hospital or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if:

  • Your eye is red after a penetrating injury.
  • You have a headache with blurred vision or confusion.
  • You are seeing halos around lights.
  • You have nausea and vomiting.

Call your health care provider if:

  • Your eyes are red longer than 1 to 2 days.
  • You have eye pain or vision changes.
  • You take blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin.
  • You may have an object in your eye.
  • You are very sensitive to light.
  • You have a yellow or greenish discharge from one or both eyes.

Your provider will perform a physical exam, including an eye exam, and ask questions about your medical history. Questions may include:

  • Are both of your eyes affected or just one?
  • What part of the eye is affected?
  • Do you wear contact lenses?
  • Did the redness come on suddenly?
  • Have you ever had eye redness before?
  • Do you have eye pain? Does it get worse with movement of the eyes?
  • Is your vision reduced?
  • Do you have eye discharge, burning, or itching?
  • Do you have other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or headache?

Your provider may need to wash your eyes with a saline solution and remove any foreign bodies in the eyes. You may be given eye drops to use at home.

Bloodshot eyes; Red eyes; Scleral injection; Conjunctival injection

  • Bloodshot eyes

Dupre AA, Wightman JM. Red and painful eye. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 19.

Gilani CJ, Yang A, Yonkers M, Boysen-Osborn M. Differentiating urgent and emergent causes of acute red eye for the emergency physician. West J Emerg Med. 2017;18(3):509-517. PMID: 28435504 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28435504/.

Rubenstein JB, Spektor T. Conjunctivitis: infectious and noninfectious. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.6.

Updated by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Pain in the corners of the eyes. Causes, treatment of pain in the corner of the eye.


Pain in the corners of the eyes

This symptom refers to discomfort or pain in the inner or outer corner of the eye. The pain may be constant or intermittent. As a rule, necessarily accompanied by other eye symptoms:


  • itching of the skin of the eyelids
  • redness of the skin of the eyelids in the corner of the eyes
  • redness of the eyes
  • discharge from the eyes
  • lacrimation

Causes of pain in the corner of the eye

1. Canaliculitis .
Inflammation of the lacrimal ducts causes pain in the inner corners of the eyes. Inflammation of the tear duct develops with infectious problems both in the eye itself and in the nasal cavity. Along with pain in the corner of the eye, swelling and redness of the lower or upper eyelid, lacrimation and purulent discharge from the eyes appear. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drops are used for treatment.


2. Partial or complete obstruction of the lacrimal ducts .
Causes active lacrimation and discomfort in the inner corner of the eyes. The cause may be injury or swelling of the tear ducts. Often, this cause requires surgical treatment to restore the patency of the lacrimal ducts.


3. Dacryocystitis .
Inflammation of the lacrimal sac will also cause localized pain in the inner corner of the eye. The inner corner of the eye swells, abundant purulent discharge appears. In most cases, it resolves with conservative treatment. Sometimes surgery is needed


4. Blepharitis.

Inflammation of the skin of the eyelids in the initial stages causes discomfort and itching in the corners of the eyes, both externally and internally.

5. Angular conjunctivitis .
Infectious inflammation of the mucous membrane caused by the bacterium Morax-Axenfeld affects the skin of the eyelids in the corner of the eyes. At the same time, a characteristic clinical picture develops: the corners of the eyes hurt, turn red, small cracks appear. Pain in the corners of the eyes is aggravated by blinking.

6. Ocular herpes .
Herpetic eye infection may begin with discomfort in the outer corner of the eye. With an increase in symptoms, swelling of the eyelid, pain in the eyes, redness and photophobia appear.



7. Ingrown hair (eyelashes)
Ingrown hairs in the inner corner of the eye can cause discomfort and redness in the inner corner of the eye. At the same time, it is impossible to see the problem with the naked eye.

8. Allergic conjunctivitis.
If, along with discomfort in the corners of the eyes, you experience nasal congestion and watery eyes, then an allergy may be the cause. Treatment is with antihistamines.

9. Incorrectly fitted glasses .
In some cases, the incorrect adjustment of the nose pads in the frame of the glasses causes pain or discomfort in the corners of the eyes.



10. Computer visual syndrome.
Many people experience gas and discomfort in the corners of their eyes when viewing computer, tablet and phone screens. The severity of symptoms is directly related to the amount of time spent behind the screen. Pass on their own after rest or sleep.



Treatment of pain in the corners of the eyes

It is possible to eliminate the symptom of pain in the corners of the eyes only after identifying the cause of the disease. Be sure to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. You can apply cold compresses on your eyes and moisturizing drops on your own.
Remember that pain in the eyes that is associated with symptoms such as:

  • reduced vision
  • redness of the eyes
  • sensitivity to light

require urgent medical attention 9005.


Pain in the corners of the eyes (external and at the bridge of the nose)

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This condition refers to a symptom manifested by unpleasant or painful sensations in the outer or inner corner of the eye. At the same time, the pain can be either permanent or intermittent.

Actually, pain in the corners of the eyes is only one of the manifestations of a whole symptom complex of many diseases of the organ of vision and is often accompanied by:

  • Itching and redness of the skin of the eyelids.
  • Redness of the eyes.
  • Lachrymation.
  • Discharge from the eyes.

Causes of pain in the corners of the eyes

Pain in the corners of the eyes can be caused by a number of conditions and diseases, including:

  • Canaliculitis. This is an inflammation of the tear ducts located in the inner corner of the eye. Inflammation of the tear duct can occur when infectious agents penetrate, both directly into the eye and into the nasal cavity. During a vacation, pain in the corner of the eye is accompanied by swelling and redness of the upper or lower eyelids, purulent discharge, lacrimation from the eyes. In the treatment of this disease, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are used in drops.
  • Obstruction of the lacrimal ducts. The obstruction may be partial or complete and accompanied, in addition to pain, by active lacrimation and severe discomfort in the area of ​​the inner corner of the eyes. The cause of this condition is usually trauma and tumors of the tear ducts. Treatment for a blocked tear duct is usually surgery to repair the tear duct.
  • Dacryocystitis. The disease is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac, and therefore there is pain in the inner corner of the eye. At the same time, swelling occurs in the same area, and abundant purulent discharge begins to flow from the lacrimal openings. The disease, for the most part, is treated with conservative methods, but in difficult cases and when the process becomes chronic, an operation is prescribed.
  • Blepharitis. This is an inflammation of the skin of the eyelids, which at the initial stage can cause discomfort in the outer and inner corners of the eyes, accompanied by pain and itching.
  • Angular conjunctivitis. It is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye of an infectious nature, caused by the Morax-Axenfeld bacterium. The disease occurs with damage to the skin of the eyelids in the corners of the eyes and is accompanied by a characteristic clinical picture, when the corners of the eyes begin to hurt, turn red, the skin becomes covered with small cracks. Moreover, when blinking, the pain increases significantly.
  • Ocular herpes. The onset of herpetic infection of the eyes is very often accompanied by discomfort in the outer corner of the eye, which only intensifies with the development of the disease. With an increase in symptoms, eyelid edema, redness of the eyes, photophobia, and pain develop.
  • Ingrown hair (eyelashes). Often, the cause of discomfort in the inner corner of the eye is the wrong growth of ciliary hair. Ingrown hairs can cause redness, itching, and mild pain. With this problem, you will definitely have to contact a specialist, since it is impossible to see an ingrown hair with the naked eye.

  • Allergic conjunctivitis. The disease is accompanied not only by pain and itching in the corners of the eyes. Its distinctive feature is: lacrimation, nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis. Treatment is prescribed by a specialist and is carried out using antihistamines of local and systemic action.
  • Incorrectly fitted glasses. A fairly rare problem, when pain in the inner corners of the eyes occurs due to incorrectly exposed nose pads in the frame of glasses. It is solved simply - by going to the workshop for ordering glasses.
  • Computer vision syndrome. A serious problem caused by prolonged eye strain when working at a computer. In the future, pain in the eyes and uncomfortable visual sensations accompany people not only when working at the monitor, but also on the screen of a tablet or smartphone. The severity of such symptoms, while directly depends on the duration spent behind the screen time. In most cases, the problem of drug treatment does not require and goes away on its own after a night's sleep.

Treatment

Elimination of pain in the corners of the eyes is possible only after finding out the cause of it. Only a specialist in the process of diagnostic examination of the organ of vision can help with this. To alleviate discomfort, you can independently apply moisturizing drops and cold compresses to the eye area.

However, it must be remembered that it is not worth delaying a visit to the doctor, and pain in the eyes, accompanied by a decrease in visual acuity, redness of the eyes and photophobia, requires immediate treatment.

In the Moscow Eye Clinic medical center, everyone can be examined using the most modern diagnostic equipment, and, based on the results, get advice from a highly qualified specialist. The clinic consults children from 4 years old. We are open seven days a week and work daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Our specialists will help identify the cause of vision loss and carry out competent treatment of the identified pathologies.

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