Red, watery eyes

By George N. True II

Why are my eyes always red and watery? This has been happening for years now. The condition worsens at 7 p.m. I’m also sensitive to light and have a hard time opening my eyes at times. – Williardo Nevera

Several things can cause the sclera or white outer layer of the eyeball to become red or bloodshot. This can occur in one or both eyes and can be accompanied by other symptoms like watery eyes and sensitivity to light.

Dr. Gary Heiting, an optometrist and former senior editor of AllAboutVision.com said eyes become red when the tiny blood vessels located between the sclera and the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye) are dilated or swollen due to certain eye problems, environmental, or lifestyle factors.

Eye problems that cause redness include dry eyes, pink eye or conjunctivitis, prolonged use of contact lenses, and eye strain from too much computer work. Eye infections, uveitis (a form of eye inflammation), acute glaucoma, eye trauma or injury, and corneal ulcer are other serious causes of bloodshot eyes.

Environmental factors include airborne allergens (that cause eye allergies), air pollution, smoke (from fires or cigarettes), dry air (in hot climates and office buildings), dust, and airborne fumes (from gasoline or solvents). Examples of indoor allergens that make eyes red are dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Exposure to certain chemicals (like chlorine from swimming pools) and overexposure to sunlight are other causes.

Lifestyle factors that produce bloodshot eyes include smoking (tobacco or marijuana), alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep.

Since your problem is usually worse at night, try to examine your surroundings and observe where you are at that time. Most likely, you’re allergic to something in that place and your problem will disappear once you avoid what’s triggering your condition.

While you may be tempted to use eye drops to remove redness, Heiting said you should see an eye doctor first. These drops have vasoconstrictors that shrink blood vessels on the sclera and whiten eyes. But frequent use is bad since you might need the drops more often to make the redness disappear, and your red eyes could get worse once you stop using eye drops, according to Heiting. See a doctor immediately to rule out serious problems and have peace of mind.

I’m 26 years old. What’s the best medicine for gonorrhea? I’ve had it twice but have no money to consult a doctor. – Jerwin Abuluyan

Sorry to hear that, Jerwin! Maybe you can go to the charity clinics of some hospitals. Perhaps the people there can help you.

As I mentioned in my previous column, gonorrhea can be cured with the right treatment. However, some forms of gonorrhea can be difficult to cure because of drug resistance. If this is your case, you should tell a doctor about this. Take the prescribed medicines for best results.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends a single dose of 250 milligrams of intramuscular ceftriaxone and 1gram of oral azithromycin. However, ask your doctor if this is the right medicine for you. Avoid self-medication or sharing the medicines of others.

For questions, email georgenavatrue@yahoo.com.