Overview

A red eye is usually nothing to worry about and often gets better on its own. But sometimes it can be more serious and you'll need to get medical help.

Lots of different things can cause a red eye.

Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing it.

Symptoms and possible causes

• Bright red area in the white of your eye - possible cause burst blood vessel
• Gritty or burning feeling, sticky eyes - possible cause conjunctivitis
• Sore, blurry or watery eyes - possible cause dry eyes
• Itchy, sore or red eyelids - possible cause blepharitis
• Feels like there's something in your eye - possible cause in-growing eyelashes
• Swollen, drooping or twitching eyelid, or a lump on your eyelid - possible cause eyelid problem

What to do if you have a red eye

If your eye does not hurt and your sight is not affected, it's probably nothing serious. It may get better on its own in a few days.

Until it has got better:

• try not to touch or rub your eye
• do not wear contact lenses

You can ask a pharmacist if:

• there's anything you can do to treat your eye yourself
• you can buy anything to help, such as cleaning solutions or eyedrops
• you need to see an optician or possibly your GP

Find a pharmacy here.