If you notice that your eyes have become redder over time, you have bloodshot eyes. While irritation can result in this condition, bloodshot eyes can also highlight ocular conditions that require a much more thorough medical assessment. Read through these six common conditions that cause bloodshot eyes for more information.
1. Allergies
Allergies can cause red eyes when an irritating substance gets into the eye and the immune system reacts. The body releases histamine to fight off the allergens, which causes the blood vessels in the eyes to enlarge. This reaction causes your eyes to become red, watery, and itchy.
Common outdoor triggers include pollen from grasses and trees, while common indoor triggers include pet dander, dust, and mold. Other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and a stuffy nose, may accompany these symptoms.
2. Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a condition in which the eyes produce inadequate tears or tears with insufficient lubrication to maintain the eyes' moisture. Dry eyes can cause the eyes to become easily irritated and inflamed, which leads to redness.
Other symptoms of dry eyes include stinging or burning, periodic tearful and dry eyes, and possible mucus discharge. People more prone to dry eyes include individuals over 50 and those who wear contact lenses.
3. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection of the conjunctiva. This thin transparent membrane lines the eyelid's inside and covers the eye's white part. When the conjunctiva is infected, the blood vessels become irritated and swollen, making the eye appear red or pink. Two common types of conjunctivitis exist: allergic and infective.
Allergic conjunctivitis can result from an allergy or an irritant but can also result from irritation from contact lenses. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Infective conjunctivitis results from a virus or bacteria and is very contagious. Symptoms include itchy eyes, excess tears, redness, discharge, sensitivity to light, poor vision, and a gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
Infective conjunctivitis can spread through direct contact with contaminated fingers or personal items. Infective conjunctivitis can occur together with an upper respiratory infection.
4. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is when a blood vessel in the eye breaks and leaks blood onto the surface of the eye. This leakage causes the eye to appear red. The condition may look serious, but it is usually benign and resolves itself in one to two weeks. It can result from extreme eye disturbance, intense coughs, vomiting, and eye injury, and may be more likely in people who have diabetes, hypertension, or are taking blood thinners.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure in the eye increases due to the eye producing more fluid than the normal rate. This development can lead to redness in the eye, as well as other symptoms such as eye pain, interrupted vision, headache, and nausea. Red eyes can be a sign of acute glaucoma, a sight-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
6. Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers are an open sore on the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye, which can be caused by a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection. They can also result from scratches and burns that affect eyelid function. Other symptoms of corneal ulcers besides red eyes can include pain or soreness, light sensitivity, eye discharge, affected vision, and a white spot on the cornea.
An ophthalmologist and optometrist can offer better insight into these conditions and guide you on how to treat and prevent them. Contact us at Calvert Ophthalmology Center
for eye health assessments and other optometrist and ophthalmologist-related therapies. We serve the areas of Bowling Green, Madisonville, Hopkinsville, Clarksville, and Franklin.
