Prominent or red blood vessels on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, often cause concern. While commonly called “veiny eyes,” this indicates tiny blood vessels on the eye’s surface have expanded, giving the white area a reddish tint. Often a temporary and harmless reaction to everyday factors, visible eye redness can sometimes signal an underlying issue.
Everyday Reasons for Redness
Insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation frequently leads to dry eyes, a common cause of visible redness. When eyes lack adequate lubrication, they become irritated, prompting blood vessels to dilate. This dryness can also cause a gritty sensation or burning.
Prolonged focus on digital screens or extensive reading can result in eye strain, contributing to visible blood vessels. When eyes are under continuous visual demand, muscles tire, leading to increased blood flow and dilation of surface vessels.
Allergic reactions are another frequent cause of eye redness, often accompanied by itching and watery discharge. When allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander contact the eyes, the immune system releases histamine. This triggers inflammation, causing blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the eye, to swell and become more visible.
Environmental irritants, such as smoke, dust, or airborne particles, can directly irritate the eyes, leading to redness. Exposure to these substances provokes a protective response, causing eyes to become red as they attempt to flush out foreign matter.
Inadequate sleep can also contribute to red eyes. During sleep, eyes undergo a restorative process. Reduced oxygen supply due to fatigue can cause blood vessels to overfill, resulting in a bloodshot appearance. A lack of sufficient rest can also decrease tear production, contributing to dryness and irritation.
Improper contact lens use, including overwearing or poor hygiene, can lead to significant eye redness and irritation. Contact lenses can deprive the cornea of oxygen, causing blood vessels to dilate. Protein buildup on lenses or using old lens solution can also trigger irritation.
Alcohol consumption and dehydration can also affect the eyes. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to dehydration, which reduces tear production and causes dry, irritated eyes. When the body lacks sufficient water, the tear film can become imbalanced, affecting lubrication and contributing to visible redness.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that results in redness. It can stem from bacterial or viral infections, causing itching, a gritty sensation, and discharge. Allergic reactions can also cause conjunctivitis, presenting with redness and excessive tearing.
Blepharitis involves inflammation of the eyelids, typically affecting the edges where eyelashes grow. This condition often occurs when tiny oil glands along the eyelid margins become clogged, leading to redness, irritation, and sometimes crusty flakes on the eyelashes. Symptoms can include a burning or stinging sensation.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage appears as a bright red spot on the white of the eye. This occurs when a small blood vessel beneath the conjunctiva breaks, releasing blood. It is usually harmless and resolves on its own within a week or two.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma can manifest with sudden and severe eye redness. This medical emergency involves a rapid increase in intraocular pressure, leading to intense pain and blurred vision. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent vision damage.
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, and can cause significant eye redness. This condition often presents with pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, and can affect one or both eyes. Untreated uveitis can lead to vision loss.
Episcleritis and scleritis are inflammations affecting the outer layers of the eye. Episcleritis is a milder condition causing localized redness, often in a wedge shape, with minimal pain. Scleritis is more severe, involving deeper inflammation of the sclera, resulting in widespread redness, intense pain, and potential vision impairment. Both conditions require professional diagnosis and management.
When to Consult an Eye Doctor
Seeking professional evaluation becomes important if eye redness persists or worsens over a few days. While many cases are benign, prolonged redness can signal an underlying issue that requires medical intervention.
Any accompanying eye pain or severe discomfort warrants immediate medical attention. Pain can indicate infection, inflammation, or other serious conditions that need prompt diagnosis. Changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or a sudden loss of sight, are significant warning signs. These symptoms suggest potential involvement of the cornea, retina, or optic nerve.
Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, especially if it develops suddenly, is another symptom that necessitates a visit to an eye care professional. Discharge from the eye, particularly if it is thick, yellow, or green, can indicate an infection. A headache or nausea accompanying eye symptoms also suggests a more serious condition that needs urgent assessment. If redness occurs after an eye injury or if there is a feeling of something stuck in the eye, professional examination is advised.
Simple Steps for Eye Comfort
To alleviate mild eye redness and promote overall eye comfort, several practical steps can be integrated into daily routines. Resting your eyes regularly, especially during extended screen time, is beneficial. Following the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help reduce eye strain.
Using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can provide temporary relief for dryness and irritation. These drops help replenish the tear film and keep the eyes moist. Maintaining good hydration by drinking sufficient water throughout the day supports overall eye health and tear production.
Ensuring adequate and consistent sleep is important for eye recovery and health. During sleep, eyes replenish essential nutrients and clear away irritants. Protecting your eyes from environmental elements is also advised. Wearing sunglasses outdoors shields eyes from harmful UV rays, while protective eyewear can guard against dust, wind, and other irritants.
Practicing good contact lens hygiene is essential for contact lens wearers. This includes washing hands thoroughly before handling lenses, cleaning and disinfecting them properly with recommended solutions, and replacing lens cases every few months. Avoiding overwearing lenses and never sleeping in them, unless specifically approved by an eye care professional, helps prevent irritation and infection. Minimizing exposure to known irritants like smoke, allergens, and harsh chemicals can also reduce eye redness. Applying warm compresses can soothe irritated eyes and help improve comfort.