When your eye turns red, it can mean different things. It could be from something simple like irritation or something more serious that needs urgent medical attention. If you know the difference, it can help you decide if you should see a doctor.
Whether it's from a long day staring at screens, an allergic reaction, or something more serious, eye redness (Bloodshot Eyes) can be uncomfortable and concerning. If you also have pain, fever, blurry vision, or other problems with your red eye, it's best to see an eye doctor. They can help you feel better.
Keep reading to find out the reasons your eyes may turn red and what causes red eyes.
What Causes Red Eyes?
Let's now examine what causes bloodshot eyes. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Allergies
When you have an allergy, your eyes may get red and swollen. They might also feel itchy, have a burning sensation, or tear up more than usual. Sneezing and other symptoms, such as an itchy, runny nose, may occur alongside these eye allergy symptoms. Some things that can cause these allergies are pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and irritants like cigarette smoke or air pollution.
Conjunctivitis
When you have conjunctivitis, it means that the part of your eye called the conjunctiva is swelling and inflamed. Your eyes might appear pink or red, and you may also feel itching, burning, or like something is in your eye. You might have more tears than usual, and there could be mucus or pus coming from your eye, which can make your eyelids crusty. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or environmental irritants such as smoke.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don't make enough tears, which can make your eyes feel uncomfortable. This may lead to eye redness (Bloodshot Eyes), a burning feeling, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. It's a very common condition, especially in women, people over 50, and those who wear contact lenses.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition where your eyelids get swollen and red. It can make your eyes feel itchy and cause extra tears. When you wake up, you might also notice crust on your eyelids. Bright light might bother your eyes if you have blepharitis, and it can cause more serious symptoms like losing eyelashes, having them grow in the wrong place, or blurry vision if it's not taken care of. Blepharitis can happen if there are a lot of bacteria on your eyelids if your oil glands get blocked, or, in rare cases, if you have mites on your eyelids.
Contact Lens
People who wear contact lenses touch their eyes and the area around them more often than those who don’t wear them. This can make them more likely to have red eyes because of several reasons, including:
- Scratches or scrapes on the clear front part of the eye
- Allergies in the eyes
- Infections in the eyes
- Sores on the clear front part of the eye, which can happen if you sleep while wearing contacts
- Dry eyes
- New blood vessels growing on the clear front part of the eye
- Bumps under your eyelid
- Inflammation in the eye from wearing contacts overnight
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers are sores that affect the outer part of your eye. They can cause red eyes, severe eye pain, increased tearing, pus discharge, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and eyelid swelling. Corneal ulcers can be caused by bacteria, viruses, dry eyes, sleeping in contact lenses, and injury to the cornea. It's important to see a doctor promptly if you have symptoms of a corneal ulcer, as it can permanently damage your vision if not treated.
Injury
If something hurts your eye, it might make it red or swollen. You could also have trouble seeing or moving your eyes. Some common causes of eye injuries are getting something in your eye, getting hit, or coming into contact with chemicals.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure inside your eye increases because the eye makes too much fluid. This can harm your optic nerve and cause vision loss.
There are different types of glaucoma. One type is called angle-closure glaucoma, where eye pressure rises quickly. This type of glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the drainage area for eye fluid, leading to a rapid increase in eye pressure. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma happen suddenly and may include:
- Red eyes
- Intense eye pain
- Seeing rainbow-coloured rings or halos
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Some Other Causes of Eye Redness
- Eyelid stye
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage
- Scleritis
- Uveitis
- Endophthalmitis
- Cornea inflammation
Quick Recap: What Causes Red Eyes?
If you're wondering what can cause blood shot eyes? This blog can give you detailed insights. There are multiple causes for red eyes, from simple irritations like dryness or allergies to more serious conditions like infections, injuries, or glaucoma.
If your red eye comes with any worrying symptoms, you should consult with an eye doctor. They can help find the root cause and give you the right treatment. While some causes of red eyes are harmless and go away on their own, others may need immediate medical attention to protect your vision. In addition to taking care of your eyes, it’s also important to focus on the skin around your eyes for optimal eye health. If you're looking to keep the skin around your eyes healthy, you can buy an eye serum online to help soothe and hydrate your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions On Red Eyes Causes
What makes eyes turn red?
Eyes turn red when the small blood vessels under the surface of the eye get larger or inflamed. Usually, this happens as a reaction to something irritating the eye. Redness can affect one or both eyes and can develop slowly or suddenly, such as with allergies or an eye injury.
Should I be concerned if my eyes are red?
If your red eyes don't clear up after a few days, especially if you have thick pus or mucus for a long time, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. You should also get in touch with your eye surgeon if your eyes are red and painful or if you've had eye surgery in the past.
How long will a red eye last?
A red eye usually goes away in a week or two if it’s caused by something minor, like conjunctivitis or a small burst blood vessel. These issues don’t usually cause any pain or vision problems and tend to heal on their own.
What deficiency can make your eyes red?
If you have low levels of vitamin A, you might have watery and red eyes.
Why did my eye turn red all of a sudden?
Irritation, allergies, infection, or other medical issues, as well as exposure to dry air or too much sun, can cause your eyes to suddenly turn red by making the blood vessels on the surface bigger or inflamed.
