Eye redness is also referred to as “bloodshot eyes” or “red eyes.” They can indicate the presence of various health issues. While some of these problems are harmless, others are severe and need prompt medical attention. The redness in your eye might be worrying. However, most serious eye issues occur when pain or changes in vision accompany redness.
In this blog, we'll explore all you need to know about eye redness and what you can do to prevent eye redness.
What are Bloodshot Eyes?
A "bloodshot eye" is a general term used to describe the condition of having irritated and red eyes.
Bloodshot eyes occur when small blood vessels underneath the surface of your eye enlarge or become inflamed. Typically, it arises from a reaction to something that irritates the eye. In this condition, the white part of the eye turns red, which is referred to as bloodshot eyeballs. Redness can impact one or both eyes and may develop gradually or appear suddenly, such as in the case of allergies or an eye injury. In some cases, you may even notice one eye very red while the other remains unaffected.
Below are some main signs that may accompany redness in your eyes.
1. Irritation
2. Burning
3. Itchy eyes
4. Dryness
5. Pain
6. Discharge
7. Watery eyes
8. Sensitivity to light
9. Blurry vision
In some cases, using the wrong skincare products could be responsible for eye redness. This is because skincare often migrates through the skin once it is absorbed and may irritate the eyes if it is not safe for use around the eyes.
Applying the right skincare product around your eyes, like an eye serum, can help reduce irritation and inflammation. Eye serum benefits include soothing the skin, reducing puffiness, and keeping the delicate area around your eyes hydrated, which may prevent further redness.
Check out our previous detailed guide to learn more about eye serum benefits for your overall eye health.
What are the Complications of Bloodshot Eyes?
Most cases of eye redness are harmless and resolve on their own, but in some instances, eye redness can signal a more serious issue. If your eyes remain red for more than a day or two, or if your child develops red eyes, it's important to consult your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you experience eye pain or discharge, seeking medical advice is essential to rule out more serious conditions.
Neglecting eye redness when it could be a sign of a more severe problem may lead to complications, including vision loss. If your red eyes impair your vision, you run a higher risk of injury when doing everyday tasks like driving or cooking.
Some untreated eye conditions, like infections, angle-closure glaucoma, or eye injuries, can cause irreversible damage, including permanent vision loss. That's why you should get yourself checked by a doctor as soon as possible to avoid long-term complications.
How to Prevent Bloodshot Eyes?
Here are some tips for how to prevent bloodshot eyes:
1. Don’t rub your eyes to prevent irritation.
2. Remove eye makeup properly.
3. Avoid dust, smoke, and pet dander.
4. Take regular breaks when using the computer.
5. Keep lenses clean and avoid over-wearing.
6. Use dehumidifiers to prevent mould and dampness.
7. Wash hands to prevent infections.
8. Choose the best eye serum that is doctor-approved.
Knowing how to prevent eye redness is crucial, but if you frequently experience bloodshot eyes or if the redness persists despite these efforts, it’s important to schedule an eye exam to identify any underlying issues.
How Long Do Red Eyes Last?
The duration of red eyes varies depending on the underlying cause. Typically, red eyes should improve within a few hours or days.
After a night of poor sleep or excessive alcohol consumption, red eyes may persist for several hours. Allergy-related red eyes may linger for around an hour and may come and go during allergy season. If caused by a viral infection, the pink eye usually clears up within a week, and bacterial conjunctivitis typically improves within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment. A subconjunctival haemorrhage can take a few weeks to resolve.
To speed up the recovery of bloodshot eyes, you can apply a cool or warm compress, use artificial tears or allergy eye drops, and rest your eyes.
Eye Redness: What You Should Remember?
Most people will have encountered bloodshot eyes at some point in their lives. In the majority of cases, red eyes are not a cause for concern. They occur when the eyes are irritated and typically resolve once the irritation subsides. Simple remedies frequently provide relief, but it's crucial to know when to consult a doctor, especially if you're uncomfortable, your vision is changing, or your eyes are persistently red. You can minimise redness and promote eye health by protecting your eyes from irritants and adopting good eye hygiene.
