Red or Bloodshot Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

What Does Having Red or Bloodshot Eyes Mean?

Having red or bloodshot eyes means many different things, ranging from harmless causes to serious eye conditions. The actual reason the eyes are bloodshot is due to the dilation of small blood vessels that are in the white of the eye, which causes the red appearance of the eyes. Another reason eyes become red is due to an eye injury. When the eye is injured, blood vessels in the eye become dilated, bringing the blood and cells to repair and heal the injury.

1. Allergies

A prominent cause of red or bloodshot eyes is an allergic reaction to pollens, moulds, animal dander and dust mites, which are all environmental allergens. According to Health Information Services NZ, the symptoms of an allergic reaction include red eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and swollen eyes, throat and mouth.

The treatment for allergies is allergy medication, allergy avoidance and immunotherapy. Allergies are not usually painful, but a constant irritation. Allergies are not typically something to worry about unless they are causing significant disruptions to day-to-day activities.

2. Pink Eye

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a lining covering the white part of the eye. It is caused by the dilation of small blood vessels in the conjunctiva, making the eye appear a pinkish-red colour. The symptoms of pink eye are watery eyes, itchy, irritated and sore eyes, crusting in the eye's corners and white strings or yellow discharge from the eye.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is treated with antibiotic drops or cream. Pink eye may be painful due to the sore and gritty feeling in the eyes. According to Health Information and Services NZ, this eye condition, while irritating, in most cases does not pose a serious threat to the eye or your health. Learn more about pink eye symptoms and causes.

3. Dry Eyes

Symptoms of dry eyes occur because either the tears in a person's eyes evaporate too quickly or the eyes are not producing enough tears. The symptoms of dry eyes include sore, burning, red or gritty eyes, watery eyes, blurry vision, eyelids sticking together and glare sensitivity. Dry eyes may be treated with eye drops and a warm compress.

Dry eyes are sometimes painful due to the symptom of irritated eyes, but are managed with eye drops. This eye condition is not usually something to be worried about as it can be treated, but if the condition persists, causes serious pain or interferes with daily life, it is advised to see an eye health professional.

4. Broken Blood Vessels

Broken blood vessels, also known as a subconjunctival haemorrhage, are caused by bleeding from a broken or burst blood vessel. These broken blood vessels often heal on their own after 1-2 weeks and can be caused by sneezing, eye rubbing and coughing.

The main symptom of broken blood vessels is the white part of the eye turning red in certain patches. Subconjunctival haemorrhages do not usually require treatment as they will improve on their own. If the person feels some discomfort, they may use eye drops to freshen the eyes. Broken blood vessels are painless and not something to worry about, as they are almost always harmless.

1. Eye Pain

Eye pain is a general term for pain felt in, on, around or behind the eye. Eye pain has many different causes, which will have different levels of severity depending on the other symptoms involved and where the pain is located.

2. Itching

Itching eyes are a common symptom associated with red eyes and may be caused by allergies, conjunctivitis, dry eyes and blepharitis. Itchy eyes are treated with eye drops as they wash away allergies from the eyes. A cold compress is also used to relieve itching symptoms.

3. Eye Discharge

Eye discharge is a combination of oil, mucus, skin cells and other debris that accumulates in the eye corners while asleep. Eye discharge also occurs while awake, which may be caused by an eye condition. Red eyes and eye discharge are both symptoms of pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis.

4. Swollen Eyes (Inflammation)

Swollen and inflamed eyes are a symptom of many eye conditions such as hay fever, conjunctivitis, keratitis and chalazia. Swollen eyes are often accompanied by bloodshot eyes when associated with these eye conditions. Swollen eyes, like red eyes, can be treated with a cool compress.

5. Changes in Vision

Changes in vision include blurry vision, double vision, black spots in vision, loss of vision, or cloudy vision. Vision changes occur either in one eye or both and are most often caused by refractive errors. However, some changes in vision can be an indication of a serious eye condition. Changes in vision that are accompanied by red or bloodshot eyes are indications that the person should see a doctor or eye care professional, as they could have a serious eye condition. Changes in vision may be connected to red eyes, as combined, they could be an indication of an autoimmune disorder or severe infections.

1. Take in a lot of Water

Staying hydrated with water is crucial for overall health, but also for preventing red eyes. Dehydration causes many symptoms, including lack of tear production leading to eyestrain, dry eyes and vision problems. Drinking water benefits the eyes as it helps in the production of tears, which are necessary for healthy eyes. Dehydration is one cause of dry eyes, and the symptoms include red and bloodshot eyes, which is why taking in a lot of water is important for preventing this eye condition.

2. Avoid Having Fans or Other Sources of Air Blowing Directly Over Your Eyelids While You Sleep.

To prevent red or bloodshot eyes, avoid having fans or other sources of air blowing directly over your eyelids while you sleep. Having cold air hit your eyes dries the moisture, making them dry and uncomfortable, which leads to red eyes. Turning off fans at night, where possible, will benefit the eyes greatly.

3. Use a Humidifier

A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness and is popular, especially when it is cold. Humidifiers benefit the eyes by adding moisture to the air and preventing dry eyes, which may come with irritation, itchiness and pain. Humidifiers are beneficial to use at night so you don't wake up with dry eyes in the morning.

4. Keep Artificial Tears Always

To prevent red or bloodshot eyes, people use artificial tears to add and maintain moisture on the surface of the eyeball. Artificial tears are types of eye drops that are purchased in pharmacies and are used to treat dry eyes by lubricating the eyes. These eye drops can be purchased without a prescription and are a great benefit for the eyes.

5. Wash Your Hands Often

Washing your hands often is a way to prevent red or bloodshot eyes, as it stops bacteria from transferring from your hands to your eyes. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to prevent bacteria from spreading, you should wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your eyes with unwashed, dirty hands. Hand washing is extremely important in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis, of which symptoms include red eyes. Washing your hands often is an effective way of preventing red or bloodshot eyes.

What are the Other Medical Causes of Red or Bloodshot Eyes?

Other medical causes of red or bloodshot eyes include uveitis, blepharitis, an eye injury, scleritis and styes.

These other causes and their definitions are listed below.

• Uveitis: Uveitis is caused by the inflammation of the eye's uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye.
• Blepharitis: This eye condition affects the oil glands in the inner eyelid that touch the eye and causes irritated, gritty and red eyes.
• Eye Injury: An eye injury oftentimes causes red eyes, as when the eye is injured, the blood vessels dilate and cause redness.
• Scleritis: Scleritis occurs when the white part of the eye, called the sclera, is inflamed, which may cause severe pain.
• Styes: A stye, also known as an external hordeolum, is a bacterial infection that causes the gland on the eye to swell painfully.

What are the Signs that Red or Bloodshot Eyes Need Medical Attention?

There are multiple signs that red or bloodshot eyes need medical attention, such as you cannot open your eyes, you have severe pain or have recently had eye surgery or an eye infection. These signs and their definitions are listed below.

• Cannot open eyes: If you are unable to open your eyes because they hurt too much, the lids are swollen shut, or they seem paralysed, seek medical attention immediately.
• Very painful: If you are experiencing severe eye pain that is causing nausea, vomiting and headaches, it is important to see a doctor.
• Recently had eye surgery or an eye infection: Redness that does not go away after eye surgery or infection is a concern and should be seen to by a doctor or eye care professional.