*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - R : Red eyes

Common causes of a red eye

A red eye is often caused by an infection or dry eyes, but there are lots of possible causes.

Do not try to diagnose it yourself.

Symptoms	Possible cause
Bright red area in the white of your eye	Burst blood vessel
Gritty or burning feeling, sticky eyes	Conjunctivitis
Sore, blurry or watery eyes	Dry eyes
Itchy, sore or red crusted eyelids	Blepharitis
Feels like there's something in your eye or there is a problem with your eyelashes	Ingrowing eyelash
Swollen, drooping or twitching eyelid, or a lump on your eyelid	Eyelid problems

What to do if you have a red eye

If your eye does not hurt, your sight is not affected and you do not feel sick or unwell, it's probably nothing serious. It may get better on its own in a few days.

Until it has got better:

try not to touch or rub your eye
do not wear contact lenses

A pharmacist can help if you have a red eye

You can ask a pharmacist if:

there's anything you can do to treat your eye yourself
you can buy anything to help, such as cleaning solutions, eyedrops or medicines
you need to see a GP or optician

Find a pharmacy

See a GP or optician if:

your child is under 2 years old and has a red eye
you have red eyes with a sticky discharge
you have red patches in your eye or a problem with your eyelids or eyelashes for more than a few days
you're worried about your eyes

If the GP or optician cannot find what's causing your red eye, they may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for tests.

Ask for an urgent appointment with a GP or optician, or get help from NHS 111 if:

your baby has red eyes and they're less than 28 days old
your eye is very painful and red
you have a red eye and wear contact lenses - you could have an eye infection

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You have a red eye and:

you have any changes to your sight, like wavy lines, flashing or loss of vision
it hurts to look at light
you have a severe headache and feel sick
your eye or eyes are very dark red
you have injured your eye, or something is stuck in your eye (such as a piece of glass or grit)
your eye injury was caused by a dangerous liquid, such as a chemical
1 pupil is bigger than the other

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.