Image: www.menshealth.com
Eye redness known as blood shot eyes, is from irritated or inflamed blood vessels on the surface of the white part of the eye (the sclera). Red eye usually is a symptom of other eye conditions that can range from benign to serious, not just from over indulging in your favorite adult beverage.
The most common causes of bloodshot eyes:
- Irritants such as:
- Dry air
- Smoke exposure
- Air pollution
- Fumes
- Exposure to the sun
- Dust
- Allergy
- Colds
- Coughing or vomiting
- Rubbing the eyes
- Sleep deprivation
- Prolonged screen time
- Pool Chlorine
- Eye infections
- Blepharitis
- Conjunctivitis or pink eye
- Corneal Ulcers
- Uveitis
- Other causes
- Recent eye surgery
- Trauma or injury to the eye
- A rapid increase in eye pressure
- Corneal scratches
- Scleritis – inflammation of the white of the eye
- Eyelid styes
- Bleeding issues
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cigarettes, drug and Alcohol use
- Wearing contact lenses
Most causes of bloodshot eyes aren’t severe, however you should seek medical help if:
- Your symptoms persist more than a week
- You experience changes in vision
- You have pain in your eye (s)
- You have a discharge from one or both eyes
- You take blood thinning medication
- Your eye(s) is red after trauma
- You have a headache or blurry vision
- You see white rings or “halos” around lights
- You experience nausea and vomiting
Don’t use “red eye remover” eye drops. These drops contain vasoconstrictors that shrink blood vessels. You may experience red eye more often over a period of time. The best way to get rid of bloodshot eyes is to see your doctor to determine the cause and extent of bloodshot eyes.
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#PittsburghEyeCare
#PittsburghOptometrist
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