10 Causes of Red Eyes and How to Treat Them

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your eyes are constantly red? If so, you may be wondering What causes red eyes? Red eyes, commonly known as bloodshot eyes, might signal various health problems. Some of these problems are minor and dangerous and require immediate medical treatment.

The redness in the eye may be cause for alarm. However, most significant eye disorders occur when you experience redness accompanied by discomfort or abnormalities in the vision. In this blog, we will explore some of the possible causes of red eyes, how they're treated, and when it's a great idea to see a doctor.

What is a Red Eye?

A red eye is a broad term for red, irritated, or bloodshot eyes. The redness occurs as microscopic blood vessels under the eye's surface enlarge or become irritated. It is typically a reaction to anything irritating the eye. The condition may affect either or both eyes and might develop gradually or suddenly, as in the case of allergy or an eye injury.

Eye discomfort, itching, discharge, puffy eyes, or vision changes, such as impaired vision, might accompany red eyes. On the other hand, a red eye regularly appears more severe than it feels. Many episodes of red eye are generally safe and gradual with over-the-counter or home remedies. 

Also, Read: 8 Causes Of Dark Circles Under Eyes: Know Solution & Prevention

What are the Causes of Red Eyes?

There are several reasons for red eye. It can be as easy as wearing contact lenses or gazing at a computer screen for too long without taking a break. The causes of red eye includes allergies, blepharitis (inflamed eyelid), conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye, eye damage, and glaucoma.

1. Allergies

If an irritating material enters a person's body (like dust, pollen, pet dander, or some compounds found in cosmetics or contact lens solutions), the body's immune system reacts. To fight allergies, the body produces histamine, causing blood vessels in the eyes to expand and the eyes to become red, watery, and itchy.

Eye allergies can cause blurred vision and mucus buildup in the eyes and corners of the eyelids, leading to persistent blurriness. There are several red eyes causes, It can be as easy as wearing contact lenses or gazing at a computer screen for too long without taking a break. Other reasons include allergies, blepharitis (inflamed eyelid), conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye, eye damage, and glaucoma.

2. Dry eyes

Dry eyes can cause redness, among other uncomfortable symptoms. Dry eye syndrome usually occurs when the eyes produce unnecessary tears or evaporate too fast. Tears are formed by tiny glands located above the eyelids. It functions to protect and cleanse the eyes. When your eyes do not produce enough tears, you have dry eyes.

Dry eyes are quite common, with studies predicting a prevalence rate of 5 to 50%. Women, those over 50, and people who wear contact lenses are more prone to develop the illness.

3. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the eyelids' insides and the eye's white region, gets inflamed. Pink eye is another name for this condition. Conjunctival inflammation can cause the whites of the eyes to look pink or red. Conjunctivitis can also cause the following symptoms:

• Itching.
• A burning feeling.
• A sensation of something is in the eye.
• Increased tearing.
• Mucus or pus discharge.

4. Eye Injury

Eye injuries or damage can result in red, bloodshot eyes. Blood vessels in the eye dilate (open), enabling extra blood to reach the injured area and speed up recovery. The red eye is caused by these open blood vessels. Many eye injuries include chemical exposure, puncture wounds, and abrasion. These eye injuries require rapid medical treatment and should be considered an emergency.

5. Blepharitis

It is a common condition in which the eyelids get red and irritated, aside from a red, puffy eyelid, burning sensation, itch, light sensitivity, and excessive tears. Blepharitis can create more severe symptoms, especially if left untreated. It can include problems like eyelash loss, eyelashes growing in the incorrect place, or blurred eyesight.

Blepharitis can develop if you have a lot of microorganisms on your eyelids. The disease might develop if the oil glands in the eyelids get clogged. In rare situations, a mite infection can induce blepharitis. 

Also Read: Eyes inflamed? It could be Blepharitis

6. Eyelid infection

A stye is an inflammation-causing obstruction of a meibomian gland inside the eye. Your upper or lower eyelid, outer or inside, may be affected. You will see the border of your eyelid turns red and bloated, and you will feel pain if you have a stye. This usually occurs due to the clogged gland; the affected area may be filled with meibum and, eventually, develop into a small pea.

7. Uveitis

Inflammation in the uvea, the center of your eye, is called uveitis. Between the retina and that white of your eyelid is a region called the uvea.  Red eyes can result from uveitis-related inflammation. There are further signs to watch for:

• Distorted vision
• Eye discomfort
• Eyes that float.
• Light sensitivity.

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8. Glaucoma

The condition results from high pressure rises due to fluid accumulation in the eye more than usual. The optic nerve gets damaged and harmed, possibly resulting in blindness. Angle-closure glaucoma symptoms include abrupt onset of eye redness. Other signs to watch out for include the following:

• Extreme discomfort in your eye.
• Seeing circles or haloes in rainbow colors.
• The hazy vision.
• Reduced vision
• Headache.
• Nausea or sickness

9. Wearing contact lenses

Others who use contact lenses have had to contact their eyes. As a result, people are more likely to cause eye redness because of several circumstances. A few of these are:

• Corneal scrapes or scratches.
• Ocular irritations.
• Eye ailments.
• Corneal ulceration can occur when wearing contact lenses to bed.
• Eye dryness
• Neovascularization refers to the development of new blood vessels in the cornea.

Also Read: Effects of Wearing Contact Lens Everyday

10. Corneal sores

Corneal ulcers are sores or ulcers that usually affect the cornea. The cornea's outer layer is called the cornea, and this illness is called keratitis. Other signs of the corneal ulcer besides red eyes include:

• Intense eye pain.
• Having an obstruction in your field of vision.
• Elevated tears.
• Pus is coming out.
• The hazy vision.
• Light sensitivity.
• Eyelid enlargement.

Also, Read 13 Healthy Eyesight Tips

How can eye redness be treated?

Once you know What red eyes cause, treatment becomes easier depending on the issue. If allergies, blepharitis, or conjunctivitis are the underlying cause of your eye redness, you can manage your symptoms at home. Among the things you can accomplish are the following:

• Use a cold compress.
• Reduce your screen time.
• Prevent irritants.
• Usage of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
• Do not wear contacts or cosmetics.
• Try using fake tears.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes and Dark Circles

Conclusion

In conclusion, red eyes can be caused by various factors, including dryness, allergies, infections, fatigue, and medication side effects. Understanding what causes red eyes can help individuals take steps to prevent and treat this common eye condition. If you are experiencing red eyes, seeking advice from an eye doctor or healthcare provider is recommended to help determine the causes of red eyes and provide appropriate treatment. Book an online appointment with the Best Eye Doctors in India.

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