Why Are My Eyes Red?

Having red or bloodshot eyes may be an indication of several different issues. While some may be benign, they can be severe when it comes along with pain or changes in vision. Bloodshot eyes occur when minute blood vessels in one or both of your eyes expand. The reaction turns the white portion of your eyes reddish or pink.

 

Causes of Red Eyes

Red eyes may result from medical, environmental, or genetic conditions.

 

Medical Conditions

Some of the medical conditions that may result in bloodshot eyes include:

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a common eye infection, especially in children. It occurs when an infection reaches the white of your eye or conjunctiva. When this happens, it irritates the blood vessels, causing them to swell, resulting in a pink or red look. Sometimes, your eyelids may emit a sticky discharge, causing the eyelashes to stick together.

Pink eyes may result from either bacterial or viral infections. Viral infections, unlike bacteria, do not require prescription medication and often dissipate. However, both of these pink eye conditions are highly contagious.

Dry Eye

Dry eye results from insufficient production of tears or tears devoid of the lipid portion. Healthy and comfortable eyes require adequate tears that function. Apart from causing bloodshot eyes, other symptoms may include:

 

• Stinging or burning sensations

• Mucus discharge

• Overproduction of tears with periods of dryness afterward
  
   

Dry eye affects women and men alike. However, it is more prevalent in women going through menopause. As you age, your eyes produce lower amounts of the lipid portion of tears, increasing your risk of dry eye. The condition may also occur as a side effect of certain medications.

Trauma

A significant injury directly on your eye may result in red eyes. Following trauma, blood vessels dilate to allow extra blood to the injury site to facilitate healing. The open blood vessels cause the red pigment that appears in your eyes. Injuries that may cause such a reaction include chemical burns, puncture wounds, and corneal abrasions. These severe injuries require medical attention at a trauma facility.

Allergies

When foreign substances get into your body, they can irritate you. Thus, the immune system reacts. It does this by releasing histamine to exterminate the allergens. The reaction causes the blood vessels in your eyes to enlarge, resulting in itchy, watery, and red eyes. Some irritants that cause this include dust, pet dander, pollen, and chemicals in contact lens solutions or makeup.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that comes gradually without any initial symptoms. You may not notice that you have it until the visible signs require immediate medical attention. Watch for sudden, painful, bright-red eyes along with nausea, vision loss, and seeing halos around lights.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common condition that inflames your eyelids, causing them to swell and turn red. In addition, your eyes may become sensitive to light, itch, burn, and produce excessive tears.

Apart from these, other factors may also cause your eyes to turn red. These include bad habits like smoking and excessive alcohol abuse. Some whitening eye drops containing vasoconstrictors may also cause the same reaction.

For more about red eyes and what the underlying cause could be, contact Lakhani Vision Care at our Marietta, Georgia office. Call (770) 509-9932 to schedule an appointment today.