What's wrong when your fingernails have lines?

faint red lines on fingernails

• While clipping my nails today, I discovered faint red lines running from the cuticle to end of several  nails on both hands. Is this a cause for concern? I am not aware of any trauma to the nails. I am using eye drops for swelling of the retina in my post-cataract surgical eye. Surgery was performed August 10, 2005, after which I had a corneal abrasion, followed by scar tissue and a YAG procedure. This is the only medical condition I have that I am aware of. I await your reply.

• Answer:

  This does not set off any red flags... if the lines are in the nail itself, it would have had to be there for many months, since it takes so long for nails to grow... however, with your eye condition, maybe you weren't able to notice... if it is under the nail on the skin nailbed, you have probably had normal blood work with all your eye work, so it wouldn't cause any worries and I would just follow it. Hope this helps