Bloodshot Eyes: How to Recognize & Treat the Symptoms

Bloodshot eyes appear red and irritated. This is a very common issue that people of all ages can experience.

Numerous factors can contribute to bloodshot eyes. Most oftenbloodshot eyes will clear on their own.

In some casesit might be necessary to visit an eye doctor. It is important to determine the underlying causeso it can be effectively addressed.

Depending on the causedoctors may recommend home remedies. Sometimesmedications like eye drops or additional treatments are needed.

What Are Bloodshot Eyes?

When the eyes are bloodshotthe sclera is red. The sclera is the white part of the eye.

For some peopleonly one eye is affectedwhile both eyes can be red for others.

The level of redness can range from pink to deep red in color. It may look like multiple squiggly lines on the white of the eye.

In some casesredness is the only symptom a person experiences. But bloodshot eyes can also be accompanied by one or more of the following:

• Irritation
• Itching
• Pain
• Watery eyes
• Blurry vision
• Burning
• Dryness
• Discharge
• Sensitivity to light

When the eyes are bloodshotit’s due to an abnormality with the small blood vessels that are on the eye’s surface. When these blood vessels are congested with blood and enlargedthey become noticeable due to the associated redness. This is because not enough oxygen gets to the tissues that cover the eye.

What Causes This Condition?

Most people will experience bloodshot eyes at some point in their life. The majority of the causes are not seriousand most oftenpeople can treat the issue with conservative measures.

There are some more serious medical issues that cause bloodshot eyes as a symptom. These require evaluation and treatment from an eye doctor.

Infections

Infections can cause bloodshot eyes. There are several common eye infections.

• Conjunctivitis is an infection that affects the clear covering of the eye. It is often called pink
• Uveitis is characterized by inflammation of the eye’s uveawhich includes the ciliary bodyirisand choroid. When the iris is infectedthe redness tends to be worse compared to an infected ciliary body or choroid.
• Blepharitis is an infection along the eyelid’s edge.
• Corneal ulcers are usually viral or bacterialbut fungi and parasites can also cause this issue. If this infection is not treatedit may lead to severe vision losseye lossor scars on the cornea.

Environmental Causes

Environmental factors can contribute to bloodshot eyes. Dustair pollutionchemicalsand wind are common causes. Some people develop eye redness due to smoke in the environment.

It is not uncommon for allergiessuch as ragweed and pollento cause bloodshot eyes as a symptom. Eye strain and fatigue are other possible causes.

Injury

An injury to the eye could cause damage to the blood vesselsresulting in bloodshot eyes. Any trauma to the eye should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the extent of the injury.

Contacts

Contact lenses can cause people to experience bloodshot eyes. There are several reasons why contacts can cause eye rednesssuch as:

• Allergy to the contact lens solution.
• Corneal ulcer.
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis.
• Dry eye syndrome.
• Contact lenses that are defective or fit poorly.
• Eye allergies.
• Contact lens-induced red eye. This occurs due to a reaction to the toxins that are created by the eye’s normal bacteria. They bind to the contact lens instead of getting flushed from the eye when a person blinks. This is most often seen in people who do not remove their contacts before sleeping.

Medical Conditions

There are also certain medical conditions that might cause bloodshot eyes as a symptom. When the underlying condition is treatedbloodshot eyes usually dissipate as a symptom. These include the following:

• Entropion
• Ectropion
• Glaucoma
• Episcleritis
• Keratitis
• Stye
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage
• Chalazion
• Orbital cellulitis

Are Bloodshot Eyes Reversible?

In most casesbloodshot eyes will resolve on their own or with treatmentdepending on the underlying cause. If eye redness persistsvisit a doctor. Some cases simply require stronger treatments than over-the-counter remedies or waiting it out.

Though not commonthere are certain causes that can be serious. A doctor can perform the proper testing to determine the underlying cause. This is especially important if bloodshot eyes occur along with other visual symptomssuch as the following:

• Blurry vision
• Swelling
• Eye pus or other abnormal drainage
• Vision halos
• Sudden dryness or burning

Treatment Options

Ultimatelytreatment depends on the cause. In most casesbloodshot eyes are temporary and will alleviate on their own.

Once the underlying cause has been identifieddoctors may recommend some home treatments.

• A cool compress may help to alleviate redness and any itching or swelling. Ideallythe compress should be cool and not too coldor this could worsen the symptoms.
• A warm compress may help. It should be lukewarm or just slightly warmer. If it’s too hotthere is a risk of burning the skin or further irritating the eyes. The warmth helps to increase blood flow to this part of the body. It can also promote more lubrication for the eyes by increasing eyelid oil production.
• Artificial tears may help if bloodshot eyes are the result of irritants or dryness. There are over-the-counter options that doctors usually recommend first. If these are not effectivethey may prescribe a more potent option. It is important to follow the administration instructions exactly and never use more than is recommended.

It is not uncommon for contact lenses to cause chronic bloodshot eyes. Doctors might recommend trying a different type or wearing a new pair daily to see if this helps. You may also need to use a different contact solution since you may simply react poorly to a certain brand.

For some peopledehydration can cause bloodshot eyesso it’s important to ensure proper hydration. Getting enough omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial. Some research shows that this nutrient could reduce inflammationand inflammation may contribute to bloodshot eyes.

Be aware of your surroundings. Since allergies and other environmental factors can cause bloodshot eyesit is important to know if these are present. If you identify the triggersyou can work to avoid the factors that irritate the eyes the most.

If you have chronic allergiesyou might consider these treatments to reduce your symptoms:

• Allergy medications
• Eyedrops to lessen allergy symptoms
• Immunotherapy when allergy symptoms are frequent and significant

If you experience bloodshot eyes that persist or come on suddenlyit is best to see a doctor. They can perform necessary testing to determine the underlying cause. This ensures the right treatment is administered.

Bloodshot Eyes FAQs

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