Top Causes Of Bloodshot Eyes?
The Importance of Understanding the Cause of Bloodshot Eyes
The causes of bloodshot eyes can vary. It is essential to understand the motivation to treat the condition properly. If you have noticed your red eyes, go to DeCarlo Optometry Placentia, your best optometrist in Orange County. We offer red-eye checks and other eye services. If you are a new patient, you can fill out this form. Call us at (714) 996-1136 for your inquiries.
What are Bloodshot Eyes?
People often have bloodshot eyes when they are tired, stressed out, have allergies, or are bothered by something. But in some cases, this symptom could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Blood vessels that have burst can cause eyes to be red and swollen. It often starts when someone coughs, sneezes, throws up or gets hit. Pink eye is one illness that can make them red (conjunctivitis).
See a doctor if your eyes are red to make sure you don’t have any other health problems. What’s making your eyes red will determine how you treat them. Symptoms are usually easy to treat at home.
Symptoms of Bloodshot Eyes
The most common sign of bloodshot eyes is that the whites of the eyes look red. But it could also have other symptoms, like:
- Blurred Vision
- Burning sensation
- Sensitivity to light
These can sometimes indicate something more serious, like uveitis or glaucoma. If you have severe symptoms, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible.
Other less common symptoms include:
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
- Eye discharge
- Eye pain
- Swelling
Most of the time, bloodshot eyes aren’t a big deal and will go away on their own in a few days. But you should see a doctor if you have severe symptoms or if your symptoms last longer than a week.
Top 9 Reasons for Having Bloodshot Eyes
1. Allergies
Most of the time, they are caused by allergies. Histamine is a chemical your body makes when it comes in contact with an allergen. It can make the blood vessels in your eyes get bigger and swell up, making them red and itchy.
2. Eye Fatigue
Another common cause of bloodshot eyes is eye fatigue, also called eye strain. It happens when you are tired from reading or watching screens for too long. It can make the small blood vessels swell and itch.
3. Dry Eyes
You have dry eyes when your tears can’t keep them moist. It can happen because of medicine, specific health problems, or just getting older. Your eyes are more likely to get red and irritated when dry.
4. Infection
An eye infection can also cause a bloodshot eye. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, discharge, and crusting around the eyelashes. If you think you might have an eye infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
5. Conjunctivitis
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The clear tissue covering the whites of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids is called the conjunctiva. It’s a common problem, usually caused by an allergy or infection.
6. Blocked Tear Duct
A blocked tear duct can also cause bloodshot eyes. It happens when the duct that drains tears from your eye becomes clogged. It can be due to an infection, injury, or tumor. A blocked tear duct can also cause it to weep more than usual.
7. Eyelid Problems
Problems with the eyelids can also cause red eyes. It includes things like blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, and sty, a growth on the eyelid that looks like a pimple. The tiny blood vessels can become irritated by both conditions.
8. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve. It’s usually caused by increased pressure in the eye. It can cause blood vessels in the eye to become damaged, leading to bloodshot eyes.
9. Sjögren’s syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes problems with the glands that make tears and saliva. It can make your eyes and mouth feel dry and cause fatigue, joint pain, and rashes. People with Sjogren’s syndrome are more likely to get red, irritated eyes.
If your eyes are red, you should see an eye optometrist near me to ensure there isn’t something more serious. Most of the time, bloodshot eyes aren’t a big deal and will go away on their own. But if your symptoms are severe or last longer than a few days, you should see a doctor to make sure they aren’t signs of something more serious.
Bloodshot Eye Treatment
Suppose you also have pain, sensitivity to light, or discharge from your eyes. In that case, you should see a doctor rule out any underlying conditions. Most of the time, red eyes are just caused by dryness or irritation and can be fixed at home. Here are some tips for relieving the illness:
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to moisturize your eyes and reduce redness.
- Apply a warm compress for a few minutes to help soothe irritation.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can further irritate them. The best medicine for red eyes is over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines. Also include oral decongestants if allergies are the cause of your bloodshot eyes.
- If your bloodshot eyes are due to fatigue, get more rest and take breaks throughout the day to reduce strain.
Suppose home treatments don’t improve your symptoms. See your doctor if you experience severe pain, light sensitivity, or discharge. They may prescribe medicated eye drops or ointments to help relieve your symptoms. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat underlying conditions causing bloodshot eyes.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Check-Up?
It’s important to get your eyes checked regularly, especially as you get older. Macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma are all eye diseases and conditions that are more common in older people because they are linked to aging.
How often you should see an eye doctor is something your doctor can tell you. Most of the time, adults over 40 should get their eyes checked every two years if they have a family history of eye disease or are more likely to get eye disease. Your doctor may tell you to check them more often.
You have to take the initiative to go to your optometrist first. After he or she looks into your eyes, a suggestion is made for your regular or next visit. If you have red eyes, you should go to the doctor to make sure nothing else is wrong.
Reasons Why You Should Have A Regular Eye Check-Up
To Protect Your Vision
By having a regular eye checkup, you can identify any potential vision problems early on. In that case, you can get the necessary treatment to protect your vision.
To Catch Other Health Problems
An eye exam can also help detect other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or brain tumors.
To Improve Your Quality of Life
By maintaining good eye health, you can improve your quality of life. Good vision allows you to enjoy activities you love, participate in work and school more effectively, and stay independent as you age.
To Save Money In The Long Run
Investing in regular eye care now can save you money down the road. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can often be more cost-effective than waiting until the problem has progressed.
To Peace Of Mind
Knowing that you are taking care of your eyes and doing everything you can to protect your vision can give you peace of mind. So, if you have been putting off getting an eye exam, be sure to schedule one soon!
About DeCarlo Optometry
Dr. DeCarlo is an expert in computer vision syndrome. We can help you choose the right lenses for your lifestyle. It includes computer progressives and progressive digital lenses for everyday life.
The office has high-quality eyewear from brands like Tom Ford, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, and Nike. It also includes Oakley, Ray-Ban, Calvin Klein, and XL frames for people with big brains. Dr. DeCarlo can’t wait to meet you and give you the best eye care possible.
We are an Eye Center Optometry that offers a lot of services for your eyes. Feel free to check our clients’ testimonials and read our latest blog. You can reach us by filling out this form or calling us at (714) 996-1136.
DeCarlo Optometry Placentia Offers The Following Services:
- Keratoconus Dry Eye
- Computer Lenses
- Myopia Control Ortho-k
- Red Eye Check
- Eye Exams
- Eye Glasses
- Contact Lenses
- Glaucoma Treatment
- LASIK Co-management
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Frequently Asked Questions
A subconjunctival hemorrhage can be caused by a small injury or trauma to the eye, like rubbing your eyes because you have allergies. Coughing, sneezing, and straining are also often to blame. People who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or take certain medicines, like blood thinners, may be at a higher risk.
Most of the time, a red eye is nothing to worry about, and it usually goes away on its own. But sometimes it’s serious and you need to go to the hospital.
The connection between high blood pressure and trouble seeing. Most of the time, high blood pressure and red eyes happen at the same time. Blood vessels are all over the eyes, and when blood pressure is high, they tend to get stiff and stick together.
Yes, stress can cause red eyes, but it usually does so in a roundabout way. When you’re stressed, your body often produces adrenaline, which can make you feel tense and give you dry eyes. As we’ve talked about, both stress and dry eyes can make your eyes red.
Red eyes are common and can be caused by allergies, viral infections, or dry eyes. But sometimes they are caused by more serious health problems that need to be treated by a doctor. In general, you should see a doctor if you are in a lot of pain, your vision is changing, or your symptoms keep getting worse.
1-Get some fake tears from a store. 2-Use antihistamine eye drops that you can buy over-the-counter, especially if you have seasonal allergies. 3-Use decongestants. 4-Close your eyes and put cool compresses or washcloths on them a few times a day.
Since the start of the pandemic, COVID-19 has been linked to more eye problems than just conjunctivitis. These include episcleritis, uveitis, inflammation of the lacrimal gland, changes to the retina and optic nerve, and problems with eye movement.
