Bloodshot Eyes: 10 Causes and Treatments
Red eyes can be caused by many different conditions. Below is a list of some to be aware of.
It is possible to tell your body something is wrong by the color of your eyes. Red, bloodshot eyes are a sign of sleep deprivation, contact lens irritation, or stye. For a better understanding of why your eyes may appear bloodshot and how to treat them, you should know what causes red eyes.
1. Consumption of alcohol
It is common to notice bloodshot eyes after drinking a lot of alcohol. This is caused by alcohol’s effect on the eyes.
There is more blood flowing through the eye as a result of alcohol dilation of the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. In Health, Jessica Lee, MD, assistant professor of vitreoretinal surgery, department of ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, said that the more you drink, the more visible and red they will appear against your whites.
The treatment
Redness can be reduced with over-the-counter eye drops. Additionally, the blood vessels will return to normal over time, as the alcohol leaves your body.
2. Allergic reactions
In addition to itching and watering, an allergic reaction may cause a blotchy redness, which is worsened if the eye is scratched.
In addition to dust, pollen, and pet dander, almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction.
A treatment plan
If you can determine what caused the reaction, and prevent exposure to it, the redness will gradually begin to fade. You may also try the following:
Antihistamines should be taken
If your eyes are closed, apply a cool compress or washcloth to them
Using eyedrops that are available over-the-counter (OTC) can alleviate allergies
3. Injuries to the cornea
A damaged cornea, the clear portion of your eye that helps focus light, may cause red eyes.
It is good to know the difference between a corneal abrasion and a corneal laceration. A corneal abrasion occurs when your cornea is scratched or scraped, which may be caused by eye rubbing, fingernails, or dry eyes.
The treatment
It may be necessary to wear a patch or special contact lens for the healing of corneal abrasions. Ophthalmologists may also recommend moisturizing or antibiotic eye drops that may take up to a week for the healing process to be complete.
To prevent further damage to the eye and remove foreign objects from the eye, it is usually necessary to undergo surgery to treat corneal lacerations.
4. Inflammatory glaucoma
As a result of excessive pressure on the eye, glaucoma results in the damage of the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the retina of the eye to the brain.
There are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with one type of glaucoma – called angle-closure glaucoma. Some of these symptoms include:
Vision is cloudy
Pain inside the eye
Vomiting and nausea
Halos appearing around lights
Eye swells
Assistive measures
The type of glaucoma you have may determine the type of treatment you receive. You may receive one of the following treatment methods:
Drops for the eyes
Treatment with lasers
Lowering the inner eye pressure with pills or intravenous medication
Surgical procedures
Having glaucoma can result in blindness, so if you suspect you may suffer from it, you should see an eye care professional for a complete eye exam. In the event you suffer from severe eye pain or suddenly lose your sight, you should seek medical attention immediately.
5. Contact-related irritation
In order to prevent eye redness, it is essential that you care for your contact lenses properly.
According to Dr. Lee, wearing contacts for long periods of time or while sleeping may restrict the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, resulting in bloodshot or irritated eyes.
A treatment plan
Please remove your contact lenses, but do not throw them away. See an eye care provider as soon as possible if you experience irritation as a result of your contact lenses.
Furthermore, you can prevent irritation by following these steps:
Maintaining proper lens care and cleaning them according to the instructions
Hygiene practices for contact lenses
Before going to sleep, remove your contacts
6. The condition of keratitis
There may also be a connection between contact lens irritation and keratitis, which is another cause of redness in the eyes. Keratitis, also referred to as a corneal ulcer, is an open wound in the cornea caused by infections, corneal abrasions, dry eye syndrome, or conditions related to the eyelids.
Assistive measures
When untreated, keratitis can lead to blindness or vision loss. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have keratitis.
Based on the type of germ responsible for the ulcer, the ophthalmologist may prescribe eyedrops. Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops may follow the antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops. For scarring or maintaining vision, surgery may be necessary.
7. Sleep deprivation
In the case of fatigued eyes, they are more likely to be bloodshot. “If your eyes are kept open for a long period of time due to lack of sleep, your cornea becomes ill-lubricated and can cause redness and dryness,” explained Dr. Lee.
According to one study, people with sleep deprivation have a higher incidence of dry eyes.
The treatment
Redness in the eyes due to fatigue can be treated by getting more sleep, using over-the-counter eye drops, and applying cool compresses when necessary.
8. The pink eye
There is a possibility that your red, swollen, teary, and itchy eyes are due to pink eye, a non-medical term used for conjunctivitis, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and allergies.
While pink eye rarely poses a serious threat, it may cause your eyes to become goopy and pinkish-red. You may need to stay home for several days if you have pink eye.
A treatment method
The symptoms of pink eye do not require medical attention. However, you should seek medical advice if you experience the following:
Severe or worsening eye pain
Eye redness may be accompanied by headaches, sensitivity to light, or changes in vision
It takes a few days for the infection to disappear
The eyelids or the area around the eyes are swollen and red
There is some uncertainty as to whether you have pink eye
If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotic eyedrops can help, while if it is a fungal infection, contact lenses may be prescribed.
9. Stye
As a result of an oil gland becoming plugged up, a stye develops on the bottom edge of your eyelid (or your lower eyelid). It is a small red bump that develops on your eyelid.
In addition to redness and swelling, styes may be accompanied by sensitivity and sensitivity may be the first sign. Styes are caused by bacteria.
Assistive measures
In order to get rid of a stye, you simply need to wait for it to disappear. It usually takes several days for the stye to disappear.
When you get styes often, consult an ophthalmologist, who may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to treat them. Touching the stye can worsen it, so you should avoid popping it.
10. Hemorrhage of the subconjunctiva
In subconjunctival hemorrhage, a blood vessel under the surface of the eye breaks, resulting in blood being trapped under the surface. This causes a bright red patch of tissue to form under the surface of the eye.
Assistive measures
In spite of the appearance of a serious condition, subconjunctival hemorrhage does not require treatment. The red patch usually fades over a period of weeks, and the bleeding is unlikely to affect vision.
Here is a brief overview
In some cases, you may not even require treatment for red, bloodshot eyes caused by allergies, corneal injuries, and styes; in others, you may require a course of antibiotics or even eye drops.
