A bloodshot eye, also known as red eye, refers to the appearance of redness in the white part of the eye, called the sclera.
This redness occurs when the tiny blood vessels on the eye’s surface become enlarged or inflamed.
While often a temporary and harmless condition, bloodshot eyes can sometimes signal an underlying health issue.
This common condition can affect one or both eyes and may develop gradually or appear suddenly.
Common Reasons for Bloodshot Eyes
One frequent cause is eye strain, often resulting from prolonged use of digital devices or extensive reading. When eyes are strained, the tiny blood vessels can enlarge as they work harder, leading to a reddish appearance.
Dry eyes are another common reason, occurring when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears produced are of poor quality. Environmental factors like dry air, wind, or a lack of blinking can contribute to dryness, which then irritates the eye’s surface and causes vessels to swell. Allergies, triggered by substances such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold, also commonly result in red, itchy, and watery eyes. Allergic reactions cause the immune system to release histamines, which make the blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white of the eye, expand and become inflamed.
Environmental irritants like smoke, air pollution, dust, or chlorine from swimming pools can directly irritate the eye, leading to vessel dilation. Lack of adequate sleep is a common culprit, as insufficient rest can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate and may also reduce the body’s ability to flush out irritants, leading to redness. Minor irritation, such as from a foreign body sensation or rubbing the eyes, can also temporarily cause redness. Additionally, alcohol consumption can lead to bloodshot eyes because alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing dehydration, and also dilates blood vessels.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of bloodshot eyes are benign, certain symptoms and situations warrant prompt medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. Persistent redness lasting more than a day or two should signal a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Accompanying symptoms like pain, severe discomfort, or extreme sensitivity to light indicate a serious issue. Changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or any loss of vision, also require immediate medical attention. Discharge from the eye, particularly if it is pus-like or thick, suggests an infection such as conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.
A persistent feeling of a foreign object stuck in the eye, especially if it doesn’t resolve quickly, warrants professional help. Any recent eye injury or trauma, even if seemingly minor, should be assessed by a doctor. If one eye is significantly redder than the other, or if redness is accompanied by a fever, general unwellness, nausea, or vomiting, seek medical consultation. These symptoms can indicate underlying conditions.
Strategies for Relief and Prevention
For mild cases of bloodshot eyes, several self-care strategies can provide relief and help prevent recurrence. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, often referred to as artificial tears, can effectively moisten dry eyes and wash away irritants. It is advisable to use preservative-free options if applying them frequently.
Avoiding known irritants and allergens is a primary preventive measure. This includes minimizing exposure to smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, and chlorine. Practicing good eye hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, can prevent irritation and the spread of infection. Taking regular breaks from digital screens, often recommended as the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), can reduce eye strain.
Ensuring adequate sleep, typically 7-9 hours per night for adults, allows the eyes to rest and recover, reducing the likelihood of redness caused by fatigue. Applying cool compresses to closed eyelids can help alleviate irritation and swelling. Staying well-hydrated also supports overall eye health and tear production. Wearing protective eyewear in environments with potential irritants, such as during yard work or swimming, can shield the eyes from direct exposure.