The article is professionally consulted by Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi, specialist level I, MD - Ophthalmologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Red eyes are one of the abnormal symptoms that lead patients to seek medical attention. The red circles around the eyes can be the result of various medical conditions, such as aging, exposure to allergens, or more serious underlying conditions that require medical treatment.
1. Causes of red rings around the eyes
The causes of red rings around the eyes can affect people of all ages, including:
1.1. Aging process
Red rings around the eyes can be a warning sign of aging. Your skin changes as the aging process occurs. This can lead to changes in appearance. For example, the skin becomes thinner, which can lead to discoloration. Additionally, the skin around the eyes is very prone to bruising as the blood vessel walls gradually thin over time.
1.2. Blepharitis
One possible cause of red circles around the eyes is blepharitis. This condition causes inflammation of the eyelids, leading to redness and swelling. Other symptoms include itching, swelling, flaking skin, tearing, crusting, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and eyelash loss. Additionally, patients may experience blepharitis at the base of the eyelashes or in the meibomian gland openings.
1.3. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can develop on Contact dermatitis is a condition that can develop in the skin around the eyes, causing them to become red. It occurs when exposed to external environmental factors that cause an allergic or irritant reaction. The area in and around the eyes is particularly susceptible to contact dermatitis because the skin is thin and often exposed to various substances. All areas around the eyes can be prone to contact dermatitis. Some symptoms of contact dermatitis around the eyes include: red eyes, itching, burning skin, thickened or scaly skin.
Contact dermatitis can affect one or both eyes. The red rings around the eyes related to contact dermatitis can be caused by bath products, lotions and other moisturizers, sunscreen, eye drops, other cosmetic chemicals, hot or cold temperatures, high humidity, or lack of humidity. Remember all the products you have been exposed to to identify the cause of contact dermatitis around the eyes. Your eyes can come into contact with irritants even in cases where you do not apply them near the eyes, for example, if your hands are contaminated with irritants and then you rub your eyes.
1.4. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is another skin condition that can lead to red rings around the eyes. This condition is also known as eczema. It is a lifelong condition and is most common in children. Adults can also experience this condition, although at a much lower rate. About 15% of people with atopic dermatitis experience symptoms on their eyelids. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis affecting the skin include: red eyes, rash, thickened skin, itching, and scaly patches. Genetics, external environmental factors, and the body's immune system are all reasons why you may develop atopic dermatitis.
1.5. Cellulitis
Cellulitis near the septum and around the eye socket can cause redness and swelling around the eyelids. It is an infection of the skin in or around the eye. The infection may only affect the skin or it may penetrate deeper into the tissues and blood. Cellulitis may affect only one eye. Some symptoms of cellulitis include: redness, pain, swelling, bulging eyes, restricted eye movement, difficulty seeing, and fever.
You may develop cellulitis around the eyes due to: upper respiratory infections such as sinusitis, trauma or insect bites, eczema and other skin conditions, impetigo, surgery. This condition is generally not contagious but is very serious and requires medical treatment for cellulitis as soon as possible.
1.6. Meibomian Cyst
You may develop red skin around the eyes due to a meibomian cyst. It is a small benign lump caused by blocked glands in the eyelids. The cyst does not cause pain or irritation, but it can become infected, leading to more severe symptoms and redness around the eyes.
2. Treatment Methods for Red Rings Around the Eyes
The treatment methods for red rings around the eyes vary depending on the underlying cause. Treatment can be done at home or may require a doctor's prescription.
2.1. Treatment for Blepharitis
Blepharitis should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor to avoid more serious symptoms such as scarring or damage to the eye tissue. Patients should also see a doctor to determine the cause of the condition. You may need to treat the underlying causes as well as the blepharitis itself.
Typically, you can manage blepharitis with proper hygiene. This includes using a clean washcloth or a warm compress for a few minutes each time, then washing the eyes with a cloth and mild soap. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids if the condition is caused by bacteria. Accordingly, patients can prevent blepharitis by avoiding rubbing their eyes with dirty hands and removing eye makeup before going to bed.
2.2. Treatment for Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis should be treated by a doctor to determine the cause. To treat and manage contact dermatitis, you should avoid exposure to any substances that may cause redness, use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. Try not to rub or scratch your eyes, and avoid applying makeup around the eyes if the condition is flaring up.
A cool compress can help alleviate the symptoms of contact dermatitis. Additionally, a doctor may recommend using topical or oral corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation.
2.3. Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis should be managed with the help of a doctor. The doctor may recommend certain moisturizers or antihistamines to treat the condition. You may also need a dose of topical corticosteroids or another prescription to alleviate the symptoms.
2.4. Treatment for Cellulitis
Cellulitis requires immediate medical treatment. This is a serious condition that can worsen and cause complications quickly. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics for mild cases of preseptal cellulitis. More severe cases of cellulitis may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics
Cellulitis requires immediate medical treatment. This is a serious condition that can get worse and cause complications quickly. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for mild cases of anterior septal cellulitis. More severe cases of cellulitis may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
2.5. Treatment of meibomian cysts
Meibomian cysts can heal on their own after a few months. Patients can apply warm compresses to the cyst to help improve the condition. If the cysts do not heal within a few months, patients should visit medical facilities for examination and treatment. In some cases, the cysts may need to be drained.
There are many causes of red rings around the eyes. If the condition is severe and affects the quality of life and health of the patient, it is necessary to visit medical facilities for examination and treatment as soon as possible to avoid dangerous complications.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a place for examination, treatment, and prevention of diseases, including ophthalmology. At Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and have access to modern facilities and equipment, along with perfect medical services under the guidance and consultation of well-trained doctors both domestically and internationally.
A meibomian cyst may heal on its own after a few months. Patients can apply warm compresses to the cyst to help improve the condition. If the cysts do not heal within a few months, the patient should go to medical facilities for examination and treatment, in some cases, the cyst may have to be drained.
There are many causes of red rings around the eyes, according to which if a dangerous condition affects the patient's quality of life and health, it is necessary to go to a medical facility soon for examination and treatment, to avoid dangerous side effects can occur.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases, including the eye specialist. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
Reference source: healthline.com
