Bloodshot Eyes – Should You Be Concerned?

You wake up in the morning ready to start your day, only to discover that your eyes are bloodshot. That might not be surprising if you stayed up late, had too many drinks at a party, or spent time in a smoke-filled room. But bloodshot eyes can also signal an underlying eye problem.

Why Do I Have Bloodshot Eyes?

When blood rushes to the front of the eye, the tiny red blood vessels on the white of the eye dilate and become visible. Common causes include dry eyes, irritants such as smoke and pollen, lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and spending too much time in front of the computer.

Bloodshot eyes due to lifestyle and environmental irritants may disappear on their own. Lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep, cutting down on alcohol, and limiting screen time can often be helpful. If allergies are the culprit, antihistamines and antihistamine eye drops may relieve symptoms.

Medical Conditions That Can Cause Bloodshot Eyes

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious and affects both children and adults. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes irritated eyes, swollen eyelids, and eye discharge. Viral conjunctivitis comes with cold or flu-like symptoms. Your eye doctor can diagnose which type you have and recommend appropriate treatment.

Dry Eye Syndrome

If your eyes are chronically bloodshot, you may have dry eye syndrome (DES). Common signs include dry, irritated, burning, or stinging eyes, discharge, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

Uveitis

In addition to bloodshot eyes, if you also experience blurred vision, see floaters, or your eyes feel painful, you may have uveitis — an eye inflammation that can lead to serious conditions like retinal scarring, cataracts, and vision loss.

Glaucoma

In rare cases, bloodshot eyes may signal glaucoma. When intraocular pressure suddenly rises, the eye's blood vessels become dilated and visible, making the eye appear red.

Any time you notice bloodshot eyes that won't go away, don't wait. Schedule your eye exam with St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville today. Call (740) 695-0444.