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.

[Previous Feature][Next Feature]

This Week - R : Red eyes

A red eye is usually nothing to worry about and often gets better on its own. But sometimes it can be serious and you'll need to get medical help.

Common causes of a red eye

Lots of different things can cause a red eye.

Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing it.

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 eyelids Blepharitis
Feels like there's something in your eye 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 and your sight is not affected, 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

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

  • you have a red eye for more than a few days
  • your child is under 2 years old and has a red eye

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

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • your baby has red eyes and they're less than 28 days old
  • your eye is 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 or pierced your eye
  • 1 pupil is bigger than the other
  • something is stuck in your eye (like a piece of glass or grit)


[Previous Feature][Next Feature]
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.

 

search | site info | site map | new this week | outuk offers | home | outspoken | more

 

 

  UK gay lads | Gay news UK | Gay travel and holidays UK | UK & London gay scene

OutUK features the latest gay news, advice, entertainment and information together with gay guides to cities and holiday destinations around the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. There are hundreds of galleries of photos and videos of the sexiest gay guys plus intimate personal profiles of thousands of gay lads from all around the UK.