Red veins in the eyes can have multiple causes. Eye redness occurs when small blood vessels near the surface of the eye (for example, red veins in your eyes) become swollen. It can affect one or both eyes.
The most common causes of red and bloodshot eyes are painless, but serious conditions (like a corneal ulcer) can be quite painful.
1Contact Lens WearContact lensescan be irritating to the eyes, causing red veins to appear. Some common reasons contacts may irritate your eyes include:Poor fitLeaving them in too longTraumatic removalWearing a damaged contact lensPoor hygieneSometimes contact lens complications can cause corneal abrasion—a scratch on the cornea that can then become infected and result in an infectious corneal ulcer.What to DoIf you have bloodshot eyes associated with contact lens wear, see an eye doctor right away. They will check for possible complications and provide the correct treatment.
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Contact Lens WearContact lensescan be irritating to the eyes, causing red veins to appear. Some common reasons contacts may irritate your eyes include:Poor fitLeaving them in too longTraumatic removalWearing a damaged contact lensPoor hygieneSometimes contact lens complications can cause corneal abrasion—a scratch on the cornea that can then become infected and result in an infectious corneal ulcer.What to DoIf you have bloodshot eyes associated with contact lens wear, see an eye doctor right away. They will check for possible complications and provide the correct treatment.
Contact Lens Wear
Contact lensescan be irritating to the eyes, causing red veins to appear. Some common reasons contacts may irritate your eyes include:
Sometimes contact lens complications can cause corneal abrasion—a scratch on the cornea that can then become infected and result in an infectious corneal ulcer.
What to DoIf you have bloodshot eyes associated with contact lens wear, see an eye doctor right away. They will check for possible complications and provide the correct treatment.
What to Do
If you have bloodshot eyes associated with contact lens wear, see an eye doctor right away. They will check for possible complications and provide the correct treatment.
2Frequent Use of Eye DropsDo you reach foreye dropswhen you wake up with bloodshot eyes? Watch out for drops that include ingredients that constrict blood vessels such as tetrahydrozoline HCL. They can become less effective as you build up a tolerance to the drug, and they can cause rebound (returning) redness when the drop is stopped.What to DoUsing over-the-counter, preservative-free lubricating eye drops is usually a safe bet to try before consulting your eye doctor. If your red veins persist, they can help you identify the cause of your bloodshot eyes and prescribe a safe and effective treatment.
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Frequent Use of Eye DropsDo you reach foreye dropswhen you wake up with bloodshot eyes? Watch out for drops that include ingredients that constrict blood vessels such as tetrahydrozoline HCL. They can become less effective as you build up a tolerance to the drug, and they can cause rebound (returning) redness when the drop is stopped.What to DoUsing over-the-counter, preservative-free lubricating eye drops is usually a safe bet to try before consulting your eye doctor. If your red veins persist, they can help you identify the cause of your bloodshot eyes and prescribe a safe and effective treatment.
Frequent Use of Eye Drops
Do you reach foreye dropswhen you wake up with bloodshot eyes? Watch out for drops that include ingredients that constrict blood vessels such as tetrahydrozoline HCL. They can become less effective as you build up a tolerance to the drug, and they can cause rebound (returning) redness when the drop is stopped.
What to DoUsing over-the-counter, preservative-free lubricating eye drops is usually a safe bet to try before consulting your eye doctor. If your red veins persist, they can help you identify the cause of your bloodshot eyes and prescribe a safe and effective treatment.
Using over-the-counter, preservative-free lubricating eye drops is usually a safe bet to try before consulting your eye doctor. If your red veins persist, they can help you identify the cause of your bloodshot eyes and prescribe a safe and effective treatment.
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Computer Vision Syndrome
Blinking is one of the fastest reflexes of the body. However, people tend to blink about half as much as normal whenworking on a computer. This is known as “computer vision syndrome” or digital eye strain.
4Lack of SleepIf you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes may show it. Losing sleep tends to increase blood and fluid around the eyes. This makes them appear puffy and red. Lack of sleep can also lead to dry eyes.Your eyes need rest to clean and renew.Unfortunately, when you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes don’t get the long rest they need for proper fluid circulation.What to DoBe sure to get a good night’s sleep for overall eye health. Most adults younger than age 60 need between seven and nine hours of sleep; it’s a little less in people 60 or older.
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Lack of SleepIf you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes may show it. Losing sleep tends to increase blood and fluid around the eyes. This makes them appear puffy and red. Lack of sleep can also lead to dry eyes.Your eyes need rest to clean and renew.Unfortunately, when you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes don’t get the long rest they need for proper fluid circulation.What to DoBe sure to get a good night’s sleep for overall eye health. Most adults younger than age 60 need between seven and nine hours of sleep; it’s a little less in people 60 or older.
Lack of Sleep
If you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes may show it. Losing sleep tends to increase blood and fluid around the eyes. This makes them appear puffy and red. Lack of sleep can also lead to dry eyes.
Your eyes need rest to clean and renew.Unfortunately, when you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes don’t get the long rest they need for proper fluid circulation.
What to DoBe sure to get a good night’s sleep for overall eye health. Most adults younger than age 60 need between seven and nine hours of sleep; it’s a little less in people 60 or older.
Be sure to get a good night’s sleep for overall eye health. Most adults younger than age 60 need between seven and nine hours of sleep; it’s a little less in people 60 or older.
5SwimmingMany people develop red veins in their eyes after spending time in a pool. Redness occurs when the chlorine used in many pools causes the eyes to become irritated. As with other causes of bloodshot eyes, this leads blood vessels near the eye’s surface to become enlarged and dilated.If you are prone to getting bloodshot eyes from swimming, wearing swim goggles in the pool is a good option.What to DoIf you have blurry vision and eye pain, make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible to rule out an infection associated with swimming.
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SwimmingMany people develop red veins in their eyes after spending time in a pool. Redness occurs when the chlorine used in many pools causes the eyes to become irritated. As with other causes of bloodshot eyes, this leads blood vessels near the eye’s surface to become enlarged and dilated.If you are prone to getting bloodshot eyes from swimming, wearing swim goggles in the pool is a good option.What to DoIf you have blurry vision and eye pain, make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible to rule out an infection associated with swimming.
Swimming
Many people develop red veins in their eyes after spending time in a pool. Redness occurs when the chlorine used in many pools causes the eyes to become irritated. As with other causes of bloodshot eyes, this leads blood vessels near the eye’s surface to become enlarged and dilated.
If you are prone to getting bloodshot eyes from swimming, wearing swim goggles in the pool is a good option.
What to DoIf you have blurry vision and eye pain, make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible to rule out an infection associated with swimming.
If you have blurry vision and eye pain, make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible to rule out an infection associated with swimming.
6Smoking CigarettesSmoking a cigarette releases several harmful chemicals that can irritate the sensitive tissues of the eyes. It also leads to dry eye irritation, disrupting the tear film layer and leading to symptoms of eye inflammation and bloodshot eyes.What to DoSee your healthcare provider to discuss your eye health, and consider strategies toquit smoking. Some studies suggest smoking (andsecondhand smoke) can increase dry eye and the risk of other eye diseases, includingcataracts(cloudiness in the lens of the eye) andmacular degeneration.
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Smoking CigarettesSmoking a cigarette releases several harmful chemicals that can irritate the sensitive tissues of the eyes. It also leads to dry eye irritation, disrupting the tear film layer and leading to symptoms of eye inflammation and bloodshot eyes.What to DoSee your healthcare provider to discuss your eye health, and consider strategies toquit smoking. Some studies suggest smoking (andsecondhand smoke) can increase dry eye and the risk of other eye diseases, includingcataracts(cloudiness in the lens of the eye) andmacular degeneration.
Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking a cigarette releases several harmful chemicals that can irritate the sensitive tissues of the eyes. It also leads to dry eye irritation, disrupting the tear film layer and leading to symptoms of eye inflammation and bloodshot eyes.
What to DoSee your healthcare provider to discuss your eye health, and consider strategies toquit smoking. Some studies suggest smoking (andsecondhand smoke) can increase dry eye and the risk of other eye diseases, includingcataracts(cloudiness in the lens of the eye) andmacular degeneration.
See your healthcare provider to discuss your eye health, and consider strategies toquit smoking. Some studies suggest smoking (andsecondhand smoke) can increase dry eye and the risk of other eye diseases, includingcataracts(cloudiness in the lens of the eye) andmacular degeneration.
7Alcohol and CannabisDrinking alcohol can cause some people to develop eye redness, most notably females.This is because alcohol can causevasodilation(widening of blood vessels).Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause the eyes to appear red and tired. It’s well known that using cannabis causes bloodshot eyes too, whether you smoke the plant or consume it as an edible.Vasodilationand eye redness happen because substances affect the surface of the eye. In the case of cannabis, however, there’s also some evidence of a pathway for the treatment of glaucoma, a pressure-related eye disorder.What to DoThe only way to avoid bloodshot eyes due to alcohol or cannabis is to avoid using them. Using OTC eyedrops may temporarily relieve redness, but the redness will likely reappear when you use alcohol or cannabis again.
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Alcohol and CannabisDrinking alcohol can cause some people to develop eye redness, most notably females.This is because alcohol can causevasodilation(widening of blood vessels).Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause the eyes to appear red and tired. It’s well known that using cannabis causes bloodshot eyes too, whether you smoke the plant or consume it as an edible.Vasodilationand eye redness happen because substances affect the surface of the eye. In the case of cannabis, however, there’s also some evidence of a pathway for the treatment of glaucoma, a pressure-related eye disorder.What to DoThe only way to avoid bloodshot eyes due to alcohol or cannabis is to avoid using them. Using OTC eyedrops may temporarily relieve redness, but the redness will likely reappear when you use alcohol or cannabis again.
Alcohol and Cannabis
Drinking alcohol can cause some people to develop eye redness, most notably females.This is because alcohol can causevasodilation(widening of blood vessels).
Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause the eyes to appear red and tired. It’s well known that using cannabis causes bloodshot eyes too, whether you smoke the plant or consume it as an edible.
Vasodilationand eye redness happen because substances affect the surface of the eye. In the case of cannabis, however, there’s also some evidence of a pathway for the treatment of glaucoma, a pressure-related eye disorder.
What to DoThe only way to avoid bloodshot eyes due to alcohol or cannabis is to avoid using them. Using OTC eyedrops may temporarily relieve redness, but the redness will likely reappear when you use alcohol or cannabis again.
The only way to avoid bloodshot eyes due to alcohol or cannabis is to avoid using them. Using OTC eyedrops may temporarily relieve redness, but the redness will likely reappear when you use alcohol or cannabis again.
8AllergiesA.D.A.M.You may notice red veins in your eyes due toallergies. In addition, red eyes from allergies often burn and itch.With allergies, the eyes become red because the blood vessels in the front part of the eye dilate and become larger. As a result, fluid accumulates and causes swelling.What to DoYou can treat this type of redness with cold compresses, artificial tears, avoidance of triggers, and OTC allergy medications.Treatment can also include eye drops targeted at allergies. Note that systemicallergy medications(those that affect the full body) can dry out the eyes and worsen eye reddening.
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AllergiesA.D.A.M.You may notice red veins in your eyes due toallergies. In addition, red eyes from allergies often burn and itch.With allergies, the eyes become red because the blood vessels in the front part of the eye dilate and become larger. As a result, fluid accumulates and causes swelling.What to DoYou can treat this type of redness with cold compresses, artificial tears, avoidance of triggers, and OTC allergy medications.Treatment can also include eye drops targeted at allergies. Note that systemicallergy medications(those that affect the full body) can dry out the eyes and worsen eye reddening.
Allergies
A.D.A.M.
You may notice red veins in your eyes due toallergies. In addition, red eyes from allergies often burn and itch.
With allergies, the eyes become red because the blood vessels in the front part of the eye dilate and become larger. As a result, fluid accumulates and causes swelling.
What to DoYou can treat this type of redness with cold compresses, artificial tears, avoidance of triggers, and OTC allergy medications.Treatment can also include eye drops targeted at allergies. Note that systemicallergy medications(those that affect the full body) can dry out the eyes and worsen eye reddening.
You can treat this type of redness with cold compresses, artificial tears, avoidance of triggers, and OTC allergy medications.Treatment can also include eye drops targeted at allergies. Note that systemicallergy medications(those that affect the full body) can dry out the eyes and worsen eye reddening.
You can treat this type of redness with cold compresses, artificial tears, avoidance of triggers, and OTC allergy medications.
Treatment can also include eye drops targeted at allergies. Note that systemicallergy medications(those that affect the full body) can dry out the eyes and worsen eye reddening.
9PregnancyPregnancy causes large changes to several hormones in the body. These shifts can cause the body to produce fewer tears, soyour eyes may feel irritated or gritty. In addition, they may appear red and be sensitive to light.What to DoIf you find it challenging to wear contacts during pregnancy, you may opt for glasses until after you give birth.
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PregnancyPregnancy causes large changes to several hormones in the body. These shifts can cause the body to produce fewer tears, soyour eyes may feel irritated or gritty. In addition, they may appear red and be sensitive to light.What to DoIf you find it challenging to wear contacts during pregnancy, you may opt for glasses until after you give birth.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes large changes to several hormones in the body. These shifts can cause the body to produce fewer tears, soyour eyes may feel irritated or gritty. In addition, they may appear red and be sensitive to light.
What to DoIf you find it challenging to wear contacts during pregnancy, you may opt for glasses until after you give birth.
If you find it challenging to wear contacts during pregnancy, you may opt for glasses until after you give birth.
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Photokeratitis
Photokeratitisis a painful condition that occurs when your eyes are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Think of photokeratitis as a sunburn that affects the corneas of your eyes.
In addition to redness, symptoms of photokeratitis include watery eyes, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Symptoms typically resolve within six to 48 hours, though they may be more severe if you are exposed to UV rays for a prolonged period.
Keep in mind thatlong-term UV exposurecan also lead to increased risk of cataracts, and eye conditions includingpterygium(a growth in the corner of the eyes) andpinguecula(a type of eye lesion).
What to DoIt is important that you stop further UV-ray exposure. Avoid the sun, tanning beds, or other sources as your eye heals.Remove contact lenses and avoid touching your eyes. Don’t patch the eye. You can use artificial tears or take an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen to ease symptoms but, if they don’t improve within 72 hours, see your healthcare provider.
It is important that you stop further UV-ray exposure. Avoid the sun, tanning beds, or other sources as your eye heals.Remove contact lenses and avoid touching your eyes. Don’t patch the eye. You can use artificial tears or take an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen to ease symptoms but, if they don’t improve within 72 hours, see your healthcare provider.
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Pink Eye
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)is a common cause of red veins in your eye(s). Pink eye is a swelling or infection of the clear, protective layer that covers the front part of the eye.
What to DoVisit your healthcare providerif you suspect your bloodshot eyes are due to pink eye. This is especially important if it is associated with pain and vision changes.
Visit your healthcare providerif you suspect your bloodshot eyes are due to pink eye. This is especially important if it is associated with pain and vision changes.
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Blepharitis
Find out how you can tell the difference between blepharitis and a stye.rob_lan/Getty Images
rob_lan/Getty Images
Common causes include:
Blepharitis is not infectious and usually does not cause permanent damage to your eyesight.Blepharitis symptomsinclude:
You may wake up with red, bloodshot eyes if you have blepharitis. Eyes do not produce tears when someone is sleeping, so you could wake up with dry, red eyes due to a lack of lubricating tears.
What to DoGood eyelid hygiene is important. For example, if you have blepharitis, your healthcare provider may instruct you to clean your lids and lashes witheyelid scrubsregularly. If that doesn’t help, you may be prescribed antibiotics or other medications.
Good eyelid hygiene is important. For example, if you have blepharitis, your healthcare provider may instruct you to clean your lids and lashes witheyelid scrubsregularly. If that doesn’t help, you may be prescribed antibiotics or other medications.
13UveitisUveitisis an inflammation of the eye’s uvea, the middle layer of the eyeball. This condition can occur suddenly and get worse very quickly, leading to serious vision threats.Symptoms include:RednessPainBlurry visionFloatersLight sensitivityYour healthcare provider will most likely prescribe a form of steroids to help reduce swelling. If an underlying cause of the uveitis is determined, that will be treated as well.What to DoUveitis should be treated quickly. Complications, such as uveitic glaucoma or retinal and choroidal scarring, may occur without treatment.
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UveitisUveitisis an inflammation of the eye’s uvea, the middle layer of the eyeball. This condition can occur suddenly and get worse very quickly, leading to serious vision threats.Symptoms include:RednessPainBlurry visionFloatersLight sensitivityYour healthcare provider will most likely prescribe a form of steroids to help reduce swelling. If an underlying cause of the uveitis is determined, that will be treated as well.What to DoUveitis should be treated quickly. Complications, such as uveitic glaucoma or retinal and choroidal scarring, may occur without treatment.
Uveitis
Uveitisis an inflammation of the eye’s uvea, the middle layer of the eyeball. This condition can occur suddenly and get worse very quickly, leading to serious vision threats.Symptoms include:
Your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe a form of steroids to help reduce swelling. If an underlying cause of the uveitis is determined, that will be treated as well.
What to DoUveitis should be treated quickly. Complications, such as uveitic glaucoma or retinal and choroidal scarring, may occur without treatment.
Uveitis should be treated quickly. Complications, such as uveitic glaucoma or retinal and choroidal scarring, may occur without treatment.
14COVID and Red EyesStudies show that eye symptoms occur in about 5% of COVID-19 cases. When eye symptoms do occur, they often appear before other systemic symptoms, such as fever and headaches.The most common eye symptoms associated with COVID-19 include:Bloodshot eyesLight sensitivity (photophobia)SorenessItchinessEye symptoms typically resolve around the same time that other COVID-19 symptoms do.What to DoYou can use OTC artificial tears to soothe redness andirritation. If your symptoms persist, or if your vision is affected in any way, contact your healthcare provider.
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COVID and Red EyesStudies show that eye symptoms occur in about 5% of COVID-19 cases. When eye symptoms do occur, they often appear before other systemic symptoms, such as fever and headaches.The most common eye symptoms associated with COVID-19 include:Bloodshot eyesLight sensitivity (photophobia)SorenessItchinessEye symptoms typically resolve around the same time that other COVID-19 symptoms do.What to DoYou can use OTC artificial tears to soothe redness andirritation. If your symptoms persist, or if your vision is affected in any way, contact your healthcare provider.
COVID and Red Eyes
Studies show that eye symptoms occur in about 5% of COVID-19 cases. When eye symptoms do occur, they often appear before other systemic symptoms, such as fever and headaches.
The most common eye symptoms associated with COVID-19 include:
Eye symptoms typically resolve around the same time that other COVID-19 symptoms do.
What to DoYou can use OTC artificial tears to soothe redness andirritation. If your symptoms persist, or if your vision is affected in any way, contact your healthcare provider.
You can use OTC artificial tears to soothe redness andirritation. If your symptoms persist, or if your vision is affected in any way, contact your healthcare provider.
15Dry Eye SyndromeDry eye syndromeoccurs when there are not enough natural tears to keep the front part of the eye moist, leading to red-veined eyes and irritation.Dry eyes can result from:Staring at a computer screen for an extended amount of timeLack of quality sleepWearing your contact lenses for too longCertain medicationsHormonal changesPlugged tear glandsWhat to DoIf you have bloodshot eyes due to dry eye syndrome, it might be helpful to use eye drops that moisten the eyes. OTC lubricant, or rewetting, eye drops can be used throughout the day.
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Dry Eye SyndromeDry eye syndromeoccurs when there are not enough natural tears to keep the front part of the eye moist, leading to red-veined eyes and irritation.Dry eyes can result from:Staring at a computer screen for an extended amount of timeLack of quality sleepWearing your contact lenses for too longCertain medicationsHormonal changesPlugged tear glandsWhat to DoIf you have bloodshot eyes due to dry eye syndrome, it might be helpful to use eye drops that moisten the eyes. OTC lubricant, or rewetting, eye drops can be used throughout the day.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndromeoccurs when there are not enough natural tears to keep the front part of the eye moist, leading to red-veined eyes and irritation.
Dry eyes can result from:
What to DoIf you have bloodshot eyes due to dry eye syndrome, it might be helpful to use eye drops that moisten the eyes. OTC lubricant, or rewetting, eye drops can be used throughout the day.
If you have bloodshot eyes due to dry eye syndrome, it might be helpful to use eye drops that moisten the eyes. OTC lubricant, or rewetting, eye drops can be used throughout the day.
16InjuryRedness often occurs with an eye injury. Injuring your eye could be as simple as sticking yourself with a mascara wand or accidentally scratching your eye with a fingernail.When you injure your eye, blood vessels inside the eye enlarge and dilate. This brings blood and cells to heal and repair the injury. Eye redness from an injury is a sign that something is wrong with your eye.What to DoVisit your healthcare provider to make sure that you did not significantly damage your eye.
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InjuryRedness often occurs with an eye injury. Injuring your eye could be as simple as sticking yourself with a mascara wand or accidentally scratching your eye with a fingernail.When you injure your eye, blood vessels inside the eye enlarge and dilate. This brings blood and cells to heal and repair the injury. Eye redness from an injury is a sign that something is wrong with your eye.What to DoVisit your healthcare provider to make sure that you did not significantly damage your eye.
Injury
Redness often occurs with an eye injury. Injuring your eye could be as simple as sticking yourself with a mascara wand or accidentally scratching your eye with a fingernail.
When you injure your eye, blood vessels inside the eye enlarge and dilate. This brings blood and cells to heal and repair the injury. Eye redness from an injury is a sign that something is wrong with your eye.
What to DoVisit your healthcare provider to make sure that you did not significantly damage your eye.
Visit your healthcare provider to make sure that you did not significantly damage your eye.
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Corneal Ulcer
The cornea is avascular (meaning, normally, the cornea does not have any blood vessels in it). Instead, it gets most of its oxygen and nutrients from tears and the air.
Medicated drops that are targeted to treat the cause of the underlying infection are often used to treat corneal ulcerations. The drops may be antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal.
Steroids are not commonly started at the beginning of corneal ulcer treatment. However, your healthcare provider may prescribe them to reduce scarring and inflammation once the infection is under control.
What to DoSeek treatment right away. Corneal ulcer treatment needs to be aggressive to prevent potential vision loss and blindness.
Seek treatment right away. Corneal ulcer treatment needs to be aggressive to prevent potential vision loss and blindness.
18Subconjunctival Hemorrhageapomares / Getty ImagesAsubconjunctivalhemorrhage(also known as bleeding in the eye) causes the white part of the eye to become completely red. It occurs when ablood vessel burstsunderneath theconjunctiva, the transparent, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye.The blood has no place to go, so it spreads out like ketchup under plastic wrap. Sometimes the blood can gather so much that the eye appears swollen and pouches outward.It usually does not cause permanent harm to the eye and is rarely painful, but one study found subconjunctival hemorrhage was common enough to be the third-leading cause of eye emergency visits.Common causes include:Contact lens use (primary cause in younger people)Eye surgery complicationsConjunctival inflammation or tumorEye traumaHigh blood pressure (typically in older adults)High cholesterolDiabetesWhat to DoSchedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They will examine your eye and make sure that no other damage is present. They may also measure your eye pressure and look inside your eye.
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Subconjunctival Hemorrhageapomares / Getty ImagesAsubconjunctivalhemorrhage(also known as bleeding in the eye) causes the white part of the eye to become completely red. It occurs when ablood vessel burstsunderneath theconjunctiva, the transparent, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye.The blood has no place to go, so it spreads out like ketchup under plastic wrap. Sometimes the blood can gather so much that the eye appears swollen and pouches outward.It usually does not cause permanent harm to the eye and is rarely painful, but one study found subconjunctival hemorrhage was common enough to be the third-leading cause of eye emergency visits.Common causes include:Contact lens use (primary cause in younger people)Eye surgery complicationsConjunctival inflammation or tumorEye traumaHigh blood pressure (typically in older adults)High cholesterolDiabetesWhat to DoSchedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They will examine your eye and make sure that no other damage is present. They may also measure your eye pressure and look inside your eye.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
apomares / Getty Images
Asubconjunctivalhemorrhage(also known as bleeding in the eye) causes the white part of the eye to become completely red. It occurs when ablood vessel burstsunderneath theconjunctiva, the transparent, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye.
The blood has no place to go, so it spreads out like ketchup under plastic wrap. Sometimes the blood can gather so much that the eye appears swollen and pouches outward.
It usually does not cause permanent harm to the eye and is rarely painful, but one study found subconjunctival hemorrhage was common enough to be the third-leading cause of eye emergency visits.Common causes include:
What to DoSchedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They will examine your eye and make sure that no other damage is present. They may also measure your eye pressure and look inside your eye.
Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They will examine your eye and make sure that no other damage is present. They may also measure your eye pressure and look inside your eye.
19Acute Angle-Closure GlaucomaSometimes red veins in the eyes can signal a serious condition. One severe eye condition that may cause bloodshot eyes isacute angle-closure glaucoma(also narrow-angle glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma).This type of glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye rises quickly, causing:Sudden rednessSevere eye painBlurred vision (usually occurring in only one eye)What to DoAcute angle-closure glaucoma is a serious medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Usually, a laser is used to make a small hole in the colored part of the eye to drain the fluid and bring the eye pressure back down to normal.
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Acute Angle-Closure GlaucomaSometimes red veins in the eyes can signal a serious condition. One severe eye condition that may cause bloodshot eyes isacute angle-closure glaucoma(also narrow-angle glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma).This type of glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye rises quickly, causing:Sudden rednessSevere eye painBlurred vision (usually occurring in only one eye)What to DoAcute angle-closure glaucoma is a serious medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Usually, a laser is used to make a small hole in the colored part of the eye to drain the fluid and bring the eye pressure back down to normal.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Sometimes red veins in the eyes can signal a serious condition. One severe eye condition that may cause bloodshot eyes isacute angle-closure glaucoma(also narrow-angle glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma).
This type of glaucoma occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye rises quickly, causing:
What to DoAcute angle-closure glaucoma is a serious medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Usually, a laser is used to make a small hole in the colored part of the eye to drain the fluid and bring the eye pressure back down to normal.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a serious medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Usually, a laser is used to make a small hole in the colored part of the eye to drain the fluid and bring the eye pressure back down to normal.
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Episcleritis and Scleritis
Episcleritiscauses mild eye pain, irritation, and eye redness. Sometimes the eyes become tender to the touch.
Scleritisis a deeper inflammation of the eyeball’s outer coat. In this condition, the eye is usually deep red and very painful, with pain sometimes radiating to the surrounding face.
What to DoEpiscleritis can be treated with artificial tears. In addition, steroids can be used if this condition is causing troublesome symptoms.Scleritis needs immediate medical attention. It often requires oral anti-inflammatories and topical steroid drops.
Episcleritis can be treated with artificial tears. In addition, steroids can be used if this condition is causing troublesome symptoms.Scleritis needs immediate medical attention. It often requires oral anti-inflammatories and topical steroid drops.
Episcleritis can be treated with artificial tears. In addition, steroids can be used if this condition is causing troublesome symptoms.
Scleritis needs immediate medical attention. It often requires oral anti-inflammatories and topical steroid drops.
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Dehydration
The surface of your eyes is lubricated with each blink. When the body is dehydrated it doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to perform normal functions.
Fewer tears are available to lubricate the eye, causing the eyelids to rub on the cornea, creating a gritty, red-eyed irritation.
22Spider VeinsEye veins, also known as spider veins, are visible red or purple blood vessels on the surface of the eye.Several factors contribute to the development of visible eye veins:AgingSun exposureEye strainGeneticsEye injuriesThey are typically harmless but can be a cosmetic concern for some people.What to DoConsult your eye doctor if you develop red-veined eyes. It’s best to determine the cause and learn about your treatment options.
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Spider VeinsEye veins, also known as spider veins, are visible red or purple blood vessels on the surface of the eye.Several factors contribute to the development of visible eye veins:AgingSun exposureEye strainGeneticsEye injuriesThey are typically harmless but can be a cosmetic concern for some people.What to DoConsult your eye doctor if you develop red-veined eyes. It’s best to determine the cause and learn about your treatment options.
Spider Veins
Eye veins, also known as spider veins, are visible red or purple blood vessels on the surface of the eye.
Several factors contribute to the development of visible eye veins:
They are typically harmless but can be a cosmetic concern for some people.
What to DoConsult your eye doctor if you develop red-veined eyes. It’s best to determine the cause and learn about your treatment options.
Consult your eye doctor if you develop red-veined eyes. It’s best to determine the cause and learn about your treatment options.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you think you may have one of the following conditions, you should get medical attention as soon as possible to prevent serious complications:
Allergies, pink eye, blepharitis, and dry eye syndrome are also common causes of bloodshot eyes. While they are not cause for concern, you may need OTC or prescription medication to ease your symptoms.
COVID-19 can cause you to have red eyes, too, but this symptom should resolve as you recover. If eye redness persists beyond your illness, consult your healthcare provider.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience vision changes, floaters in your eyes, light flashes, a foreign body sensation in your eye, signs of infection, eye pain, or any other eye symptoms that concern you.
Summary
Bloodshot eyes can result from many things. Most often, the causes of dry, red, irritated eyes are minor (e.g., cigarette smoking, lack of sleep, or contact lens discomfort) and can be treated at home.
OTC artificial tears can help to quickly resolve bloodshot eyes in many cases. Taking an antihistamine for seasonal allergies, avoiding irritants, using a dehumidifier, and practicing good hygiene with frequent hand washing and clean linens are some practical steps to help relieve eye redness.
However, other causes of red veins in the eyes are more serious and can endanger your vision and overall health. So, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
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