Bloodshot Eyes

plainsie

Hi Guys. I noticed a few months ago that I have bloodshot eyes (thin red veins) and wonder what it can be. I don't drink or smoke. Any advice please?.

GlasweJen

is there any pain in the eye? any loss of vision? any black spots or an unusual amount of floaters in your vision? numbness around the eye? If so get yourself to a hospital.

If not, and there was gungy stuff in your eye this morning it could be a touch of conjunctivitis which can be treated with eye drops available over the counter, your local pharmacy will be able to help if this is the case, they'll have a list of questions to diagnose.

If it's just bloodshot and nothing else it could be related to allergy, not getting enough sleep, being in a smoky environment.

ETA just noticed you said a few months ago, you should see your optician and get them to have a look, probably nothing to worry about though if it's been like that for months with no other problems.

plainsie

GlasweJen wrote: »

is there any pain in the eye? any loss of vision? any black spots or an unusual amount of floaters in your vision? numbness around the eye? If so get yourself to a hospital.

If not, and there was gungy stuff in your eye this morning it could be a touch of conjunctivitis which can be treated with eye drops available over the counter, your local pharmacy will be able to help if this is the case, they'll have a list of questions to diagnose.

If it's just bloodshot and nothing else it could be related to allergy, not getting enough sleep, being in a smoky environment.

ETA just noticed you said a few months ago, you should see your optician and get them to have a look, probably nothing to worry about though if it's been like that for months with no other problems.

Many thanks GlasweJen I have been meaning to get my eyes tested but never got round to doing it. Will book appointment. Thanks again.

belfastgirl23

Definitely worth seeing an optician. There are drops to reduce redness (had to use them lately after stupidly getting something in my eye that made it all inflamed) but an optician could advise you on which ones would be suitable if it isn't a condition that needs some sort of treatment.

I'd say get it seen to soon though, if you haven't booked an appointment yet, pick the phone up and do it right now. You shouldn't mess with your eyesight...

plainsie

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

Definitely worth seeing an optician. There are drops to reduce redness (had to use them lately after stupidly getting something in my eye that made it all inflamed) but an optician could advise you on which ones would be suitable if it isn't a condition that needs some sort of treatment.

I'd say get it seen to soon though, if you haven't booked an appointment yet, pick the phone up and do it right now. You shouldn't mess with your eyesight...

Thanks belfastgirl23. Just can't decide who to go with. Years ago I had test at Boots and they gave me reading glasses but as I was getting headaches all the time and couldn't see very well with the glasses they gave me, I went to another small independant shop and they told me I didn't need glasses, so feel I was cheated by Boots. So now I'm wary. Thanks again

GlasweJen

Go to whoever you feel comfortable with.

Never buy straight after an eye test, instead get your prescription and shop around for your glasses (if you need them), always ask the person helping you choose to measure if your pupils are centred in the frame and never buy a frame that touches your temples or one where you can fit your finger between your head and the leg.

belfastgirl23

For this kind of eye test probably any reputable firm will do. Why not ask a few people who wear glasses or contacts where they go and whether they're happy.

BTW I've used boots for years and been very impressed. It's usually also the same optician every time which I like...

nedmundo

GlasweJen wrote: »

Go to whoever you feel comfortable with.

Never buy straight after an eye test, instead get your prescription and shop around for your glasses

Why on earth not?

GlasweJen

because it's very easy to get pressured into buying glasses when you leave the consultation room. The amount of ladies I've come across who have been pressured into buying varifocals when they would rather have 2 separate pairs (or a pair for just reading in one case where the patient was told she needed varis even though her distance prescription was plano in both eyes) is ridiculous.

People feel they need to choose from the glasses that the optician who tests their eyes has and sometimes choose frames that don't suit, isn't a colour they would usually wear etc.

I always find it's best to shop around, try on glasses with a friend and determine which top ups (transitions, MAR coating, UV coating etc) you want before you go to buy so that you're not pressured into making more commission for the sales person.

nedmundo

Sorry - but you do talk a load of jibberish!

Not all practices pressurise patients into lenses and frames which aren't suitable for them and ultimately the practice where the eye exam took place are going to have a far better idea of someones visual requirements than some website or 'frame stylist' sales assistant. Also, any dispensing and prescription issues are far easier to resolve of both have taken place under the same roof.

Surely better to look around 1st and then get eyes tested where you intend to purchase?

GlasweJen

I'm not saying that all practices do but I think that the illusion the public has that opticians always know best has to be put to sleep. I was told by a high street chain with a good reputation that I have a fat head, they then proceeded to try and sell me a pair of glasses that was 51X17 and nowhere near wide enough because it was the biggest ladies frame they do.

I happen to work for an opticians and although I have bought glasses there I also got a really nice (and pretty expensive) designer pair from my local independant. Didn't get eyes tested at work or at the independants but they had much better ideas of what was suitable than the place where my eyes got tested. I'm going to get my eyes tested at the independants soon (when I find time to get it done lol) and I probably wont buy on the day but he does have some lovely glasses and will order them in the correct size for my fat head.