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What Causes Redness In Eyes?
Question: Hi, using the web md symptom checker, I have self diagnosed myself with "Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye). ; ). Approx 5 days ago I placed a call to my own Doctor (spoke with the nurse) describing redness in my eye although it wasn't really bothering me just looked bad. They phoned me in an antibiotic (gentamicin) to take for 7 days, 4 drops per day, both eyes. Now my eyes feel worse. And today I have a bad headache after taking the drops. Guess I'm wondering whats the risk if any of just stopping the drops?
Brief Answer:
Correct diagnosis is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
First,we have to get the correct diagnosis.
Redness in the eye can either be a subconjunctival hemorrhage(SCH),or conjunctivitis.
SCH is usually a well defined redness,while conjunctivits causes diffuse redness with watering.Exact diagnosis needs a direct inspection.
If the diagnosis is SCH,there is nothing wrong in discontinuing the drops,although we have to look for any underlying causes like hypertension.
Otherwise,if it is conjunctivitis,and you feel worse,this means that the infection is not responding to gentamicin.This needs changing of the antibiotics to control the infection.If left unattended,this can lead to complications.
Now you are having headache also.So we have to rule out some other conditions -like glaucoma (can cause redness of eyes,headache,nausea etc),High blood pressure(can cause headache,SCH etc) etc.
In short,it will be fine if could visit an ophthalmologist,so that we can have the correct diagnosis and treat accordingly,and avoid unnecessary complications.
Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you good health.
With regards,Dr Aslam.
Correct diagnosis is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
First,we have to get the correct diagnosis.
Redness in the eye can either be a subconjunctival hemorrhage(SCH),or conjunctivitis.
SCH is usually a well defined redness,while conjunctivits causes diffuse redness with watering.Exact diagnosis needs a direct inspection.
If the diagnosis is SCH,there is nothing wrong in discontinuing the drops,although we have to look for any underlying causes like hypertension.
Otherwise,if it is conjunctivitis,and you feel worse,this means that the infection is not responding to gentamicin.This needs changing of the antibiotics to control the infection.If left unattended,this can lead to complications.
Now you are having headache also.So we have to rule out some other conditions -like glaucoma (can cause redness of eyes,headache,nausea etc),High blood pressure(can cause headache,SCH etc) etc.
In short,it will be fine if could visit an ophthalmologist,so that we can have the correct diagnosis and treat accordingly,and avoid unnecessary complications.
Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you good health.
With regards,Dr Aslam.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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