Ongoing Redness in My Eyes
I am a 38-year-old female, standing at 5'4" and weighing around 116 lbs. I don't smoke and consume alcohol occasionally. My medication regimen includes 5mg of Lexapro and 200mg of Lamictal, both taken once daily. I maintain a fitness routine, exercising anywhere from 2 to 5 times each week, which includes weight lifting and rhythm gaming for cardiovascular activity. My medical history includes a diagnosis of Chiari Malformation type 1 and syringomyelia. I am also a survivor of ovarian cancer, having been in remission for the past 16 years. At 15, I underwent spinal fusion surgery due to scoliosis. Lately, I have noticed random cherry angiomas appearing on my skin, and after consulting with a dermatologist, I was reassured that they are not a cause for concern. However, I've also observed a significant increase in spider veins on my legs. While I'm ANA positive, no autoimmune disorders have been diagnosed despite undergoing some tests. For the last few years, my eyes have appeared consistently red or bloodshot. Although the redness is becoming more pronounced with age, it doesn't cause me any discomfort. Recently, my boyfriend expressed worry regarding my eye condition and suggested that I should have it examined, especially since we have ruled out any possible irritants in our living environment. What are your thoughts on this situation? Should I be worried about the persistent redness in my eyes?
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 5:20:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
The ongoing redness in your eyes may be related to several benign conditions, but it's important to monitor your symptoms, especially given your medical history. While you mentioned that the redness is not causing discomfort, having a thorough evaluation is a wise decision, especially since it has persisted over time.
Explanation
Chronic redness in the eyes can be caused by various factors, including:
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Tears may not be sufficient for lubrication, leading to irritation and redness.
- Allergic Reactions: Even if irritants are ruled out, some allergies can still cause redness.
- Eye Strain: From prolonged screen time or insufficient lighting during activities can lead to soreness and redness.
- Vascular Changes: Given the connection between skin conditions like cherry angiomas and vascular health, it's possible that similar changes are occurring in your eyes.
Your history of Chiari Malformation and syringomyelia suggests that neurological symptoms might necessitate additional scrutiny, though eye redness alone is typically not directly related.
Next Steps
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Eye Evaluation: Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Mention the persistent redness and any changes you've noticed to ensure a thorough examination of the eye health.
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Hydration and Humidity: Increase your water intake and consider using a humidifier in your living space to combat potential dryness, which can exacerbate eye redness.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of when the redness occurs, any potential triggers (like extended screen time), and any changes in your eyes or vision. This can help the doctor in diagnosing the issue.
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Consider Allergies: Although you’ve ruled out irritants at home, reflecting on other possible allergens (like pollen or dust) might be beneficial.
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Manage Eye Strain: If you spend significant time on screens, try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
Let me know if you have further questions or need additional guidance!
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