What causes chronic red eyes and when to worry
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Seek medical help for recurring red eyes, rather than relying on over-the-counter eye drops.
PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
- Red eyes commonly result from allergic or viral conjunctivitis, dry eyes, or contact lens overuse. Seek urgent medical help for severe pain, blurred vision, or persistent redness.
- Serious causes include corneal ulcers, STDs, acute angle closure glaucoma, or poorly controlled high blood pressure.
- Prevent dry eyes by limiting screen time and blinking; use preservative-free eyedrops. Practise good eyelid hygiene and avoid sleeping with contact lenses.
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SINGAPORE – Have you ever looked in a mirror and seen a startling red blotch in the whites of one or both eyes? What causes red eyes and when should you be worried?
Doctors tell The Straits Times that they most commonly treat red eyes caused by allergic or viral conjunctivitis. The resulting “pink eye” can last for weeks or months.
