When Should I Worry About a Red Spot on the Sclera of My Eye?
A 55-year-old female contact lens user shares her experience. Having worn biomedics lenses for about 14 years, she opts for these specific lenses due to their non-silicone material. Although these are intended for monthly wear, she diligently removes them daily and has never slept while wearing them. Recently, she has observed that her right eye feels excessively dry at night and tends to stick a bit. Upon removing her lenses, she was startled to discover a prominent redness on the sclera of her right eye. While there’s no accompanying pain or discomfort, the sight was unexpected, prompting her to seek advice on the situation. Unfortunately, attempts to provide images of the condition have been unsuccessful. As the weekend approaches and her eye care professional is unavailable, she wonders how serious this issue could be and whether it constitutes an urgent medical concern.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 1:40:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a red spot on the sclera of your eye, especially since you are experiencing dryness and an unusual appearance. A red spot can occur for several reasons, such as a subconjunctival hemorrhage (a small bleed), irritation from contact lenses, or even an allergic reaction.
Explanation
Redness in the sclera might not always indicate a serious problem, particularly if there is no pain or discomfort. Here are some common reasons for reddening:
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Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: This is a harmless condition where a small blood vessel in the eye bursts, leading to a bright red patch. It can occur with minimal trauma or even spontaneously.
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Contact Lens Irritation: Prolonged use or improper cleaning of contact lenses can irritate the eyes, causing redness and dryness.
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Dry Eye Syndrome: Your complaint of excessive dryness at night could contribute to the redness. The presence of a foreign object like a contact lens can exacerbate symptoms.
Next Steps
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Avoid Contact Lens Use: Give your eyes a break from contact lenses for the time being. Consider switching to glasses, especially if your eye feels dry.
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Keep Eyes Moisturized: Use preservative-free artificial tears to combat dryness. These can help keep your eyes lubricated and reduce discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the red spot. If it doesn't improve in a couple of days, or if you notice any changes like increased discomfort, vision changes, or if you develop pain, seek eye care when possible.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate dry eyes.
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Plan for an Eye Care Visit: As soon as it’s feasible, get an appointment with your eye care professional to address both the redness and dryness. They can check for any underlying issues and suggest appropriate treatments.
If you feel any sudden changes or if the condition worsens, seek urgent care. It's always better to err on the side of caution with eye health. Remember to take good care of your eyes and rest them as needed!
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