Bloodshot eyes, also known as red eyes, occur when the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the white part of your eye, called the sclera, expand or become inflamed. This dilation leads to their reddish appearance. When experiencing a fever, it is possible for bloodshot eyes to develop, though fever is not always the sole or direct cause.
How Fever Affects Eye Appearance
A fever, an elevated body temperature, can contribute to bloodshot eyes through several physiological responses. One way this occurs is through dehydration, a common side effect of fever. When the body is dehydrated, tear production can decrease, leading to dry, irritated eyes. Reduced tears mean eyes are not adequately lubricated or protected, potentially causing discomfort and redness.
The body’s inflammatory response to an infection, which triggers a fever, can also affect ocular blood vessels. Systemic inflammation can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate or become inflamed, contributing to their red appearance. Additionally, the general feeling of unwellness accompanying a fever may lead to eye strain, potentially worsening eye redness.
Common Causes of Bloodshot Eyes
While fever can contribute to red eyes, many other common factors can also lead to this condition. Eye strain, particularly from prolonged use of digital devices, is a frequent cause. This can reduce blinking, causing dry, irritated, and red eyes.
Allergies are another prevalent reason for bloodshot eyes, as allergens like pollen or dust can trigger an inflammatory response. This often results in itching, burning, increased tearing, and redness. Environmental factors, such as dry air, wind, smoke, or exposure to chemicals, can also irritate the eyes and lead to redness.
Insufficient tear production, known as dry eye syndrome, causes a gritty, scratchy sensation and often makes eyes appear red. Minor eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) cause inflammation, leading to redness, itching, burning, and sometimes discharge. Lack of adequate sleep can also result in tired and bloodshot eyes.
When to Consult a Doctor
While bloodshot eyes are often not serious and may resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if redness persists over a week, worsens, or is accompanied by pain, vision changes such as blurriness or sensitivity to light, or discharge.
Additional warning signs include a severe headache, nausea, or vomiting alongside red eyes. If bloodshot eyes occur after an eye injury or if something is stuck in the eye, immediate medical care is necessary. For infants, especially those under 28 days old, red eyes with a fever or any other symptoms should prompt an urgent medical appointment.
At-Home Comfort Measures
For discomfort, several at-home measures can offer relief. Resting eyes by limiting screen time reduces strain. Maintaining adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water is beneficial, as it supports tear production and overall eye moisture.
Applying a cool compress to closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes can help reduce redness and swelling by constricting blood vessels. Over-the-counter artificial tears, or lubricating eye drops, can soothe dry, irritated eyes. Preservative-free options are often recommended for frequent use. Avoiding irritants such as smoke, excessive bright light, and rubbing the eyes can also prevent further irritation.