5 Common Causes of Bloodshot Eyes

Bloodshot eyes are so common that comments involving them are staples of popular culture yet what is it that causes bloodshot eyes? It turns out that many things can cause this condition and some, however, call for a visit to an eye doctor. Here are some of the conditions that fall into the latter category:
 

EYE ALLERGIES

There’s no need to run to the doctor if your allergies happen only occasionally, but if you commonly suffer from symptoms, it’s a good idea to see an optometrist for eye drops or other solutions. Symptoms of eye allergies include redness, itching, eye-watering, and burning.
 

DRY EYE

This condition results from the insufficient production or delivery of lubricating tears to the surface of your eye. It can be painful, cause corneal ulcers, or in rare cases, even result in vision loss. Dry eye has many symptoms, including bloodshot eyes, a feeling of grittiness, pain, a stringy discharge, and more.
 

GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is an eye disease involving the destruction of optic nerve tissue. It is typically caused by increased pressure inside the eye, though a few cases have no obvious cause. With the dangerous acute form, you may notice bloodshot eyes, severe eye pain, halos around lights, nausea, vomiting, and quickly-deteriorating vision.
 

PINKEYE

Technically known as conjunctivitis, pinkeye’s main symptom is pink or red eyes. It also causes watery eyes; green, white, or yellow eye discharge; burning or itching of the eyes, a gritty feeling, light sensitivity, and crusty eyelashes. This condition is highly contagious and is common in school environments.
 

A BROKEN BLOOD VESSEL

Intense coughing or sneezing, heavy lifting, strong vomiting, and even just rubbing your eyes too hard can break one of the tiny capillaries in your eyeball. This leads to a red spot on the eye. Normally, it is benign and will go away after a few days.
 

CONTACT US TODAY

If you suspect that your red eyes are the result of a serious eye condition such as the first four listed here, make an appointment with us here at Optics&EYECARE in Ashburn, VA.

Our optometrist will examine you and then prescribe the appropriate red eye treatment right away.