Why Are My Eyes Bloodshot?

Bloodshot eyes—also called ocular redness—are a common concern. They occur when tiny blood vessels on the white part of your eye (the sclera) become enlarged or irritated. While often harmless, redness can sometimes signal serious conditions. Below is a complete overview of possible causes, simple relief measures, warning signs, and when to seek medical care.

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Common Causes of Bloodshot Eyes

1. Dryness and Irritation
   • Prolonged screen time, low-humidity environments or wind exposure
   • Inadequate blinking or contact lens overwear
   • Symptoms: gritty feeling, mild burning

2. Allergies
   • Pollen, pet dander, dust mites or certain cosmetics
   • Histamine release leads to itching, tearing and redness
   • Often seasonal; may accompany sneezing or nasal congestion

3. Infection (Conjunctivitis)
   • Viral conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
   • Bacterial conjunctivitis—thick discharge, eyelids stuck together
   • Azari & Barney (2013) systematic review: infection is a top cause of eye redness

4. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
   • Tiny blood vessel breaks, causing a bright red patch
   • Triggers: forceful coughing, sneezing, heavy lifting or vomiting
   • Usually harmless; resolves in 1–2 weeks without treatment

5. Eye Strain
   • Focusing on near tasks (reading, screens) for hours
   • Leads to muscle fatigue, redness and headache in some people

6. Environmental Irritants
   • Smoke, chlorine (pools), chemical fumes
   • Symptoms improve once irritant is removed

7. Systemic Health Issues
   • High blood pressure
   • Bleeding disorders or blood‐thinning medications
   • Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis) can reduce clotting factors, raising risk of subconjunctival bleeds (D’Amico et al., 2006; Parkes et al., 2010)
   • Autoimmune conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus

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Less Common but Serious Causes

• Acute Glaucoma
  • Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights
  • May be accompanied by nausea

• Uveitis (Inflammation Inside the Eye)
  • Deep, aching pain, light sensitivity
  • Requires prompt treatment to prevent vision loss

• Corneal Ulcer or Abrasion
  • Severe pain, tearing, “foreign body” sensation
  • Risk of infection and scarring if untreated

• Scleritis or Episcleritis
  • Inflammation of scleral tissues; may signal autoimmune disease
  • Deep, boring pain versus superficial irritation

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When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following, see a healthcare professional right away:

• Sudden, severe eye pain
• Changes in vision (blurriness, loss of vision)
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Persistent headache, nausea or vomiting with eye redness
• Redness after eye injury or chemical splash
• Bloodshot eyes with fever, rash or joint pain
• Signs of infection: green/yellow discharge, eyelid swelling

For a quick, free online symptom check specifically for eye redness, consider using this resource:
symptom check for Eye redness

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Home Care and Relief Strategies

Most minor cases of bloodshot eyes improve with simple measures:

• Cool Compress
  • Apply a clean, damp cloth over closed eyelids for 5–10 minutes
  • Reduces swelling and soothes irritation

• Lubricating Eye Drops (“Artificial Tears”)
  • Use preservative-free drops 3–4 times daily for dryness or minor redness
  • Avoid vasoconstrictor (“red-out”) drops—they can worsen redness if overused

• Limit Screen Time and Take Breaks
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
  • Blink consciously to keep eyes moist

• Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
  • Rubbing can damage surface tissue and introduce bacteria
  • If itchy, use cool compress or antihistamine drops instead

• Maintain Proper Contact Lens Hygiene
  • Replace lenses and cases as recommended
  • Never sleep in lenses unless specifically approved

• Manage Allergies
  • Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
  • Wash bedding frequently; consider air purifiers

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Preventive Tips

• Wear protective eyewear in windy, dusty or chemical environments
• Stay hydrated—good overall hydration supports tear production
• Ensure adequate sleep; fatigue can worsen redness
• If you smoke, consider quitting; tobacco smoke is a known irritant
• Monitor and control systemic conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes)

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Understanding Underlying Conditions

While most bloodshot eyes are benign, they may sometimes hint at underlying health issues:

• Liver Disease and Bleeding Risk
  Chronic liver conditions—such as cirrhosis—can impair production of clotting factors. This increases the likelihood of subconjunctival hemorrhages (D’Amico et al., 2006).
• Autoimmune Disorders
  Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause ocular inflammation requiring systemic treatment.
• Infectious Diseases
  Beyond conjunctivitis, infections such as herpes simplex or zoster can involve the eye surface or deeper tissues. Early antiviral therapy is critical.

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Red Flags: When Bloodshot Eyes Could Be Serious

• Redness that persists beyond 1–2 weeks without improvement
• Intense, unrelenting eye pain
• Vision changes or pupil irregularities
• Any signs of systemic illness (e.g., high fever, stiff neck)

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Next Steps and When to Talk to a Doctor

If your bloodshot eyes do not improve with home care, or if you notice any red flags, make an appointment with an eye care professional or your primary doctor. Prompt evaluation ensures identification of:

• Infections needing antibiotics or antivirals
• Inflammations requiring steroids or immunosuppressants
• Glaucoma or uveitis that could threaten vision
• Systemic diseases impacting eye health

Never ignore severe discomfort or vision changes. Speak to a doctor about anything that could be life-threatening or serious.

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By understanding the many possible reasons for bloodshot eyes—from simple dryness to more complex medical conditions—you can take the right steps to find relief and safeguard your vision. Remember: when in doubt, get checked. Your eyes deserve prompt, professional attention.