Eye Health

Red and painful eyes

Eyes can become red and painful for a number of reasons - including some that require immediate treatment - so always take a red, painful eye seriously, especially if the vision is affected. 

Chemical burns, especially from caustics, can destroy an eye very quickly.  Immediate copious flushing of the eye with saline or tap water for at least 15 minutes should be done even while waiting for emergency care.

Some Red Eye Causes

Sorting out the cause, and therefore the treatment, for a sore, red eye requires careful examination. 

Never delay getting a red eye seen to. 

Further information

British Medical Journal summary of red eye

Eye Health Facts

"I've had my eyes lasered"

Laser light has found many uses in eye surgery, as it can deliver precise amounts of energy to pinpoint locations around the eye to remove, reshape or remodel tissue.

In different intensities, colours and locations in the eye, laser can be used for treatment in: 

  • Refractive surgery to correct for short- or long-sightedness and/or astigmatism
  • As a followup treatment after cataract surgery
  • In diabetic eye disease
  • In macular disease
  • Repairing tears in the retina or eyes at risk of retinal detachment
  • In acute angle closure glaucoma
  • In open angle glaucoma
  • At low intensity as an 'activator' for certain medical treatments. 

So don't be surprised when you get asked a few more questions about your eyes if you tell us 'I've had my eyes lasered'. 

Copyright © 2010 Sharpe & Fowler Eyecare

Web Design at+m Tasmania