Why Are Your Eyes Bloodshot? 12 Causes and Treatment

Bloodshot eyes often result from allergiesdry eyecorneal injuriestirednessconjunctivitis (pink eye)or glaucoma. Treatment variesbut you may need eye drops or surgery.

1. Allergies

An allergic reaction can make your eyes itchytenderand wateryand trigger blotchy redness that worsens if you scratch them. Common allergens are dustpollenand pet dander.

2. Dry Eye

You may develop bloodshot eyes if you have dry eyeor when your eyes don't make enough tears to lubricate them.

Dry eye often occurs due to a dry environmentcold weathercontact lenseseye surgeryor smoking.

You may also have a feeling like something is in your eyeblurry visionor light sensitivity.

3. Conjunctivitis

Your bloodshot eyes might be conjunctivitisor pink eye. This bacterialviralor allergy-induced infection leaves one or both eyes bright redswollentearyand itchy.

Pink eye rarely becomes seriousbut spreads quickly. It can turn your eyes goopy and pinkish-redkeeping you from school or work for several days.

4. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the edges of the eyelids. It may cause bloodshot eyesas well as burningcrustingitchingand swelling.

Some of the most common causes of blepharitis include bacteria overgrowthskin mitesand decreased oil production.

5. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

A subconjunctival hemorrhage happens when a blood vessel under your eye's surface breaks. This causes blood to get trappedforming a bright red patch in the white of your eye. 

6. Stye

A stye is a small red bump that forms on your eyelid (or the bottom edge of your eye) after bacteria infect clogged oil glands. You could have one or several styesand each will resemble a pimple.

One of the first signs of a stye is rednessalong with swelling and sensitivity. Almost everyone will have them at some point.

7. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure. The optic nerve connects your eye's retina to your brain.

In addition to rednesssigns of glaucoma include:

• Cloudy vision
• Inner eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seeing halos around lights
• Swollen eyes
  

8. Corneal Injuries

You may have red eyes due to corneal damage. The cornea is the front clear part of your eye that helps focus light.

It is known as a corneal abrasion if you have a scratch or scrape on your cornea. Causes can include eye rubbingfingernailsor dry eyes.

Cuts on the corneawhich can come from something sharp getting into the eyeare called corneal lacerations.

9. Irritation from Contacts

Proper use and care for contact lenses are essential. Incorrect care can lead to redness. Contact lenses can block oxygen from reaching your eyescausing bloodshotirritated eyes.

10. Keratitis

Contact lens irritation may increase the risk of keratitis (a corneal ulcer)which is another cause of eye redness.

Keratitis is an open corneal sore that may result from infectionscorneal abrasionsdry eyeor eyelid disorders.

11. Lack of Sleep

Tired eyes from a lack of sleep tend to be bloodshot eyes. A lack of sleep prevents the cornea from being lubricated if your eyes are kept open for a long time.

You may develop dryness and redness as a result.

12. Alcohol

You may notice bloodshot eyes if you have a hangover. Alcohol causes the tiny blood vessels in your eyes to dilateallowing more blood to flow through them.

The more you drinkthe more visible and red the blood vessels appear against the whites of your eyes. 

How Can You Treat Bloodshot Eyes?

Treatment for bloodshot eyes depends on the underlying cause.

Some of the most common treatments for minor cases of bloodshot eyes include:

• Antihistamines (for allergies)
• Cool compress
• Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops
• Proper contact lens hygiene
• Rest

More severe caseslike infectionscorneal injuriesor glaucomamay require further treatment. A doctor may prescribe eye drops or oral medications or recommend surgery.

Possible Complications To Watch Out For

Bloodshot eyes most often go away without complicationsespecially if you have allergiesdry eyeor a lack of sleep.

Complications are more likely to occur with infectionsinjuriesor conditions like glaucoma if you do not treat them.

Possible complications of bloodshot eyes include:

• Corneal scarring or infection from injuries
• Eyelid cellulitis (bacterial infection) from a stye
• Increased risk of accidents or infections due to long-term alcohol use or sleep deprivation
• Pneumonia (in infants with pink eye)
• Uveitis (inflammation of the eye)
• Vernal conjunctivitisor long-term swelling from allergies
• Vision damage or blindness

Tips for Preventing Bloodshot Eyes

There are several ways to prevent bloodshot eyes:

• Avoid allergens or irritants that bother your eyes.
• Do not rub or touch your eyes.
• Decrease eye strain and take regular breaks from computersphone screensand television.
• Remove eye makeup at the end of each day.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Wear and clean contact lenses as directed.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Consult a doctor if you have bloodshot eyes that do not get better with home remedies within 1-2 days. Let them know if you have bloodshot eyes and take a blood thinner.

Other signs to seek care include:

• Discharge from your eye that is green or yellow
• Eye pain
• A foreign object stuck in your eye
• Light sensitivity
• Vision changes

When To Get Immediate Medical Attention

Get emergency care right away if you have:

• Recent head injury
• Headacheblurry visionor confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Other vision changessuch as seeing rings around lights