What Causes Redness And Swelling In The Eye?

Posted on Fri, 14 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 Answered on

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have what I think is a cold I the eye
Some redness, some swelling towards the corner
Mainly--- it hurts!
What can I do for it?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
conjunctivitis

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are experiencing redness and swelling to the eye. This is called conjunctivitis or pink eye. The most common cause is a viral infection but it could also be bacterial. I would recommend that you wash the eyelids well with baby shampoo and use a cold wash cloth to help reduce the swelling. If the redness persists more than I would recommend being seen by a medical provider and get antibiotic eye drops.

In summary
1. conjunctivits or pink eye
2. Viral or bacterial
3. treat with eyelid wash baby shampoo
4. if still red tomorrow seek medical attention for eye drops

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with your healthcare questions and concerns

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar