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Originally written January 22, 2019
You look in the mirror one morning and notice your eyes are red, irritated, or streaked with visible blood vessels. Bloodshot eyes are common, and in many cases, they’re harmless and temporary. However, red eyes can sometimes signal an underlying eye condition that needs medical attention.
Understanding what causes bloodshot eyes—and knowing when to see an eye doctor—can help protect your vision and eye health.
Bloodshot eyes occur when the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged or irritated. This dilation makes the whites of the eyes (the sclera) appear red or pink. The condition can affect one or both eyes and may develop gradually or appear suddenly.
While bloodshot eyes are often caused by everyday irritation, they can also be associated with infections, inflammation, or injury.
Bloodshot eyes can result from a wide range of causes, including environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions.
Temporary eye redness may be caused by:
These causes typically resolve once the irritation is removed.
Dry eyes are one of the most common causes of chronic redness. When the eyes don’t produce enough tears—or the tears evaporate too quickly—the surface of the eye becomes irritated and inflamed, leading to redness, burning, or a gritty sensation.
Wearing contact lenses for too long, improper lens hygiene, or poorly fitting lenses can irritate the eyes and cause redness. Contact lens–related redness should never be ignored, as it can increase the risk of infection.
Seasonal or environmental allergies can trigger eye redness along with itching, tearing, and swelling. Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust are common culprits.
Sometimes, a small blood vessel on the surface of the eye breaks, causing a bright red patch on the white of the eye. This can happen after coughing, sneezing, straining, or rubbing the eyes. Although it may look alarming, it’s usually painless and harmless.
More serious causes of bloodshot eyes include:
These conditions often come with additional symptoms such as pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.
Yes. Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is a common cause of bloodshot eyes. It occurs when the clear tissue covering the white of the eye becomes inflamed.
Pink eye may be:
Because some forms of conjunctivitis spread easily, good hygiene and prompt evaluation by an eye doctor are important.
Treatment for bloodshot eyes depends on the underlying cause. Mild cases may improve with simple at‑home care, while others require professional treatment.
Eye doctors generally do not recommend “get‑the‑red‑out” drops, as they temporarily constrict blood vessels and can worsen redness with repeated use.
If bloodshot eyes are caused by infection, inflammation, or another eye condition, an ophthalmologist may prescribe:
You should schedule an eye exam if bloodshot eyes:
Prompt evaluation can help prevent complications and protect your vision.
At CEENTA, our experienced ophthalmologists and eye care specialists diagnose and treat the full range of conditions that cause bloodshot and red eyes. Whether your symptoms are mild or concerning, our team is here to provide expert care and personalized treatment.
If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening eye redness, don’t wait to get answers.
Schedule an eye exam with CEENTA today and get the care your eyes deserve.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.
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