The eye is a sensitive but strongly built organ. Like everything made of flesh and blood, it is also subject to some problems, most of which are the byproducts of modern lifestyles. But advances in eye health care more than make up for the harmful effects, and today people have a much better chance of retaining their vision into old age. The eye is a sensor that converts the reflected light from an object into a signal that the brain uses to identify the image.

Red eye, or its various other names like pink eye, bloodshot eye, conjuctival injection and scleral injection, is a symptom of various conditions that the eye is subjected to. When the blood vessels on the surface of the sclera dilate or enlarge, the white of the eye turns different shades of red. The degree of redness is no indication of its seriousness. A bloodshot eye may be a simple allergy that will go away over a short time, or a persisting slight redness can be a warning for an emergency.

A bout of coughing or straining can cause very red eyes, but needs no treatment. Exposure to dust foreign particles, chemicals and toxins require some form of cleaning and soothing solutions. Redness due to any penetrating injury should be attended to by a physician. Allergies, common cold and fever need to be treated to get rid of red eye.

There are bacterial and viral infections that cause red eye, with inflammation, pain and discharge. Bacterial infection of the eyelids causing itching and redness of the eye is called blepharitis. Conjunctivitis can be a viral or bacterial infection, or caused by allergy. This affects the thin membrane covering the sclera and the eyelids. This condition is contagious, and necessary precautions have to be taken to prevent the spread. Bacterial or viral infections can cause ulcers on the cornea and make the eyes red. Uvetis or iritis are infections of the middle eye, sometimes caused by autoimmune problems or infections.

Many a serious problem to this vital organ can be prevented by adopting simple measures like wearing goggles in hazardous areas, or using a soothing eye wash when exposed to dust.