Bloodshot Eyes – Should You Be Concerned?

You wake up in the morning ready to start your day, only to discover that your eyes are bloodshot. That might not be surprising if you stayed up late to finish a project, had too many drinks at a party or spent time in a smoke-filled room. But bloodshot eyes can also signal an underlying eye problem.

Why Do I Have Bloodshot Eyes?

When blood rushes to the front of the eye, the tiny red blood vessels on the white of the eye dilate and become visible. Bloodshot eyes tend to be caused by: dry eyes, irritants such as smoke, pollen and perfume, lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and spending too much time in front of the computer.

Bloodshot eyes due to lifestyle and environmental irritants may disappear on their own, or you can try to relieve them with over-the-counter eye drops. Lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep, cutting down on alcohol and limiting screen time can often be helpful.

At other times, underlying problems requiring prompt medical attention can cause your eye's blood vessels to dilate. These include:

Conjunctivitis

Also known as "pink eye," infectious conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the eyelid and the front surface of the eye. There are two types: bacterial and viral. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes irritated eyes, swollen eyelids, eye discharge, and crusty eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis may cause cold or flu-like symptoms, runny nose, fever, itchy eyes, and excessive tearing.

Dry Eye Syndrome

If your eyes are chronically bloodshot you may have dry eye syndrome (DES). Signs include dry, irritated eyes, burning or stinging, discharge, light sensitivity, a feeling of something stuck in your eyes, blurred vision, and watery eyes. Dry eye syndrome is most commonly caused by a blockage of the tiny meibomian glands in the eyelids.

Uveitis

In addition to bloodshot eyes, if you also experience blurred vision, see floaters or your eyes feel painful, you may have an eye inflammation called uveitis. Left untreated, uveitis can lead to serious conditions such as retinal scarring, cataracts and vision loss.

Glaucoma

In rare cases, bloodshot eyes may signal the presence of glaucoma. This disease causes damage to the optic nerve due to excessive pressure within the eye. If you have bloodshot eyes along with risk factors for glaucoma (family history, aged 60+, diabetes, high blood pressure), immediately schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

Bloodshot Eyes Won't Go Away?

Any time you notice bloodshot eyes, don't wait. Schedule your eye exam with Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna in Gahanna today.

Q&A

Can I get bloodshot eyes after LASIK surgery? LASIK surgery is highly effective, but like all surgical procedures, it can have side effects. Your eyes may be bloodshot or you could see halos from a few days to three weeks after surgery. Eye drops and liquid tears can alleviate these symptoms.

What Should I Expect from a Glaucoma Exam? Your eye doctor may perform tonometry (eye pressure test), gonioscopy, vision field test, dilated pupil exam, and retinal photo or OCT to assess for glaucoma.