What are the reasons behind my frequently bloodshot eyes?

Bloodshot eyes are often associated with late nights followed by early morning obligations.

Other factors can also contribute to irritated eyes besides this cause.

Two ophthalmologists provided eye-opening insights on the triggers and treatments for bloodshot eyes, as consulted by Planet Chronicle Digital.

What causes bloodshot eyes?

The sclera, the white surface of the eye, has tiny blood vessels that swell when the eyes get irritated, according to Usiwoma Abugo, M.D., an ophthalmologist at Katzen Eye Group in Lutherville, Maryland.

She observed that when the white of the eye turns pink or red, it is a sign of something happening.

There are many potential causes of red or bloodshot eyes.

Abugo informed Planet Chronicle Digital that they can be a reaction to an irritant like pollen, pets, dust, or smoke, or a symptom of a medical condition, such as a bacterial infection, virus, or cornea injury.

Here’s some more information on some of the primary culprits.

Allergies

Abugo stated that when an allergen enters the eye, the eye produces a substance known as histamine in response.

Redness and swollen, itchy tissues occur when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye become leaky and swollen.

Dry eyes

Abugo informed Planet Chronicle Digital that dry eye is a very prevalent eye condition.

"If the eye lacks sufficient tears to remain moisturized, it turns red, and the blood vessels on the eye's surface become more visible, swollen, and irritated."

Tiredness

The "red-eye" flight is named as such because it often results in bloodshot eyes, which is typically due to fatigue, which is linked to dry eye, according to the doctor.

She pointed out that when you're fatigued, your body's natural tearing or lubrication system malfunctions, resulting in dry eyes.

Contact lenses

Lenses that are not properly cleaned or fitted can cause eye irritation and redness.

Failing to properly care for your lenses could result in a severe eye infection, Abugo cautioned.

"Your eye care team recommends caring for your lenses, removing them as prescribed, and wearing only lenses prescribed by a professional," she advised.

Eye infections

Pink eye can be caused by either bacteria or a virus.

According to Abugo, the swelling of the eye's surface results in a pink or red color.

Relieving and preventing bloodshot eyes

Dr. Michelle Andreoli, an ophthalmologist at Northwestern Medicine in Naperville, Illinois, provided Planet Chronicle Digital with tips for treating red eyes at home.

Artificial tears can be used to relieve irritation and remove allergens from the eye.

Andreoli advised against using decongestant (anti-redness) drops as they do not address the root cause of the problem and can worsen redness over time.

She recommended using over-the-counter antihistamine drops to alleviate itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergies. (It's important to consult with a doctor before using any medication.)

A cool compress can also provide some relief.

To prevent redness, Anderoli advised avoiding smoke, fumes, pollen, dust, chlorine, or pet dander if they are known irritants.

She advised washing your hands frequently, avoiding eye contact, and washing your eyelids daily with a gentle cleanser.

The doctor stated that if you have an eye infection, they will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or other medication as deemed necessary.

When to see a doctor

According to Andreoli, bloodshot eyes are a common occurrence and are usually not a sign of a serious issue.

If symptoms persist after a week of home remedies, she suggests consulting an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Some severe eye conditions linked to red eyes are uveitis, an inflammation of the eye, or an infection.

There are often additional symptoms, such as pain, discharge, and blurred vision, in addition to the initial symptom.

Eye infections, if not treated, can sometimes result in devastating damage, including vision loss, according to Anderoli.

"Luckily, effective treatments are available to avoid this worst-case scenario."

If you experience eye redness with any degree of vision loss, seek medical attention immediately, advised the doctor.

It is advised by the American Academy of Ophthalmology that all healthy adults undergo an eye exam before the age of 40 to detect any indications of eye disease.

Early detection of eye conditions and diseases can prevent their progression, but they often start without any visible symptoms.

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