Eye Redness and Vascular Changes After Inflammation - Ophthalmology

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Eye redness, vascular proliferation?


Hello! Dr.
Gao, I would like to ask you a question.
Last year, I experienced recurrent eye inflammation and elevated intraocular pressure, and I visited several ophthalmology clinics over the course of a month.
During that month, I used a significant amount of anti-inflammatory eye drops (such as Systane).
Initially, the first two weeks were due to conjunctivitis caused by wearing contact lenses, and in the following two weeks, I went to the clinic to confirm whether the inflammation persisted.
However, the doctors also noted that my intraocular pressure was on the higher side.

After using the eye drops repeatedly for a month, could this have caused my eyes to become overly sensitive and the surface blood vessels to be fragile? Since last year, I have noticed that my eyes often appear red or have bloodshot areas around the pupils.
Today, I suddenly noticed some blood vessels appearing in a previously non-red area of my right eye, but they disappeared after I applied artificial tears for five minutes.

It has been a long time since I last wore contact lenses; I only wore them for two hours a week ago.
Given my current eye condition, I am unsure if I can wear contact lenses in the future.
Thank you, Dr.
Gao.

Mr. Zhou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/01

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Mr.
Zhou: The redness in your eyes is primarily related to the dilation of blood vessels due to irritation, which is a normal phenomenon.
Once the irritation is eliminated or alleviated, the redness will naturally subside.
A slight increase in blood vessels is not a concern, and you can still wear contact lenses; however, it is important to have regular check-ups to monitor for any hypoxia or other issues.

You mentioned: So, do you mean that I have vascular proliferation in my eyes, similar to the vascular proliferation in the black pupil? Because after researching online, it seems that vascular proliferation implies it will not recover permanently...
If it is vascular proliferation, most of the time it does not disappear.
If the blood vessels are dilated, the eyes will appear red, and once the blood vessels constrict, the redness will fade.
This morning, while organizing the cables under my workstation, I noticed quite a bit of dust; I wonder if that could have triggered it? However, after organizing, I looked in the mirror and did not see any redness.
It was only about 10 minutes later that I started to notice redness with new blood vessels.
After applying artificial tears, it subsided, but later in the evening, I noticed similar blood vessels and some redness again, which could possibly be an allergic reaction to the dust.
Once the reaction subsided, the redness disappeared.
It should not be a problem of neovascularization.
Information found online can only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is still important to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2021/07/01

More Info


Hello! Thank you for your inquiry regarding the redness and vascular changes in your eyes following inflammation and elevated intraocular pressure. It sounds like you've been through a challenging time with your eye health, and I appreciate your detailed description of your symptoms and history.

To address your concerns, it is indeed possible that prolonged use of anti-inflammatory eye drops, especially if they were used frequently over a month, can lead to some sensitivity in the eyes. The eye's surface, particularly the conjunctiva, can become more reactive due to inflammation and the medications used to treat it. This can manifest as increased redness or the appearance of blood vessels, which may seem more prominent than before.

When you experience redness or blood vessels appearing near the pupil, it is often a sign of irritation or inflammation. The fact that you noticed these blood vessels and that they resolved quickly after using artificial tears is a positive sign. Artificial tears can help lubricate the eye and reduce irritation, which may alleviate the redness temporarily. However, if the redness persists or worsens, it would be advisable to consult with an eye care professional for a thorough examination.

Regarding your concern about wearing contact lenses again, it is essential to consider a few factors. First, if your eyes are currently sensitive or reactive, it might be wise to give them a break from contact lenses until they stabilize. Wearing contact lenses can sometimes exacerbate irritation, especially if the lenses are not properly fitted or if they are worn for extended periods. Since you mentioned that you wore them for only two hours recently, it seems you are being cautious, which is good.

If you decide to resume wearing contact lenses, consider the following recommendations:
1. Consult Your Eye Care Professional: Before returning to contact lens wear, it’s best to have a follow-up appointment with your eye doctor. They can assess the health of your eyes and determine if it is safe for you to wear contacts again.

2. Use Daily Disposable Lenses: If you are cleared to wear contacts, consider using daily disposable lenses. These are often more hygienic and can reduce the risk of irritation compared to reusable lenses.

3. Limit Wear Time: Start with shorter wear times and gradually increase as your eyes adjust. Pay attention to how your eyes feel during and after wearing them.

4. Maintain Good Hygiene: Ensure that you follow proper hygiene practices when handling your lenses, including washing your hands before touching your eyes or lenses.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms such as redness, discomfort, or changes in vision. If you notice any adverse effects, remove the lenses immediately and consult your eye care provider.

In summary, while it is possible that your eyes have become more sensitive due to the previous inflammation and treatment, careful monitoring and consultation with your eye care professional will help you manage your symptoms effectively. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Your eye health is important, and it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your vision.

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