Overview
Redness and swelling in the eye are symptoms commonly seen in many eye diseases and disorders. Some other symptoms that may accompany redness and swelling are pain or discomfort in the eye, itching, eye discharge, light sensitivity, and vision changes. Some of the conditions that can cause these problems are for example viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, irritants such as smoke or dust, eye injury, periorbital cellulitis, stye, chalazion, blocked tear duct, uveitis, and blepharitis. If left untreated, some of these cases can result in complications such as permanent vision loss, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Redness and swelling in the eye are usually managed by treating the underlying cause. Medications used to manage these are antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressants. Putting a cool and moist washcloth on closed eyes a few times a day, and flushing of the eyes with saline can also help.
