What Causes Bloodshot Eyes?
- Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye: This is known to be one of the most contagious infections of the eye and seen as a common occurrence in small children or school going children. It is known to occur when the conjunctiva which is basically a thin and normally transparent membrane which covers the sclera as well as the lines of the eyelids tend to become infected. When the conjunctiva gets infected, the blood vessels which are present within them also gets irritated leading to swelling thereby giving the eye the appearance of pink or redness.
- Dryness in the eyes: The Chronic condition of dry eyes can tend to cause irritation to the surface of the eyes thereby making them swell and it would also become reddish or pinkish in color.This is known to mostly occur when the tear glands which are said to produce either insufficient quantity or quality of the tears for properly lubricating as well as nourishing the eye. Dry eye syndrome is not curable but it can be well managed if the root cause is identified on time.
- Allergic rhinitis: The immune system of the body is known to reach to any foreign substances which can include pollen, dust, or it can be pet dander then the body releases certain chemicals which also include histamine. This is released to fight off the allergens which the body thinks as foreign invaders. It is advisable to avoid those trigger allergens towards which one is sensitive or you can also take medications as prescribed by the doctor such as antihistamine drops for the eyes.
- Contact lenses: One of the major cause of bloodshot eyes are use of contact lenses. Those individuals who tend to extensively wear their lenses or do not handle these contact lenses properly are prone to bloodshot eyes. The reason is there is excessive build-up of irritating surface microbes or deposits.Contact lenses can mostly worsen the dry eye syndrome since they mostly decrease the amount of oxygen to reach the corneas and also restrict the normal flow of tear production mostly in case of improper fitting lenses.
- Computer vision syndrome: When an individual tends to stare at the computer screen for too long a duration then it can make the eye look red, tired and itchy.Blinking less while working on the computer for too long can also worsen the condition hence one must take frequent breaks between works and also use good lubricating eye drops.
- Injury caused to the eye: In case of any injury or trauma caused to the eye can lead to red and bloodshot eyes. In certain cases, they can also be accompanied by sub-conjunctiva hemorrhage.
- Corneal ulcer: There can be occurrence of certain infections of the cornea which may turn out to be life-threatening hence would need urgent treatment. The corneal ulcer is known to be caused by an untreated eye infection or the trauma caused to the eyes.
- Ocular Herpes: These are also referred to as eye herpes. They are known to be the persistent viral infection which can also lead to the eye turning red, pain in the eye, getting extreme sensitive towards light and swelling of the eyes. If this is left untreated then the herpes of the eye can lead to lasting scarring of the cornea and in few cases it may need cornea transplant as well.
- Uveitis: This is known to be an inflammation of the middle eye and it is often characterized with symptoms such as floaters, sensitive towards light, vision turning blurry and eyes are bloodshot red.
- Glaucoma: Occurrence of glaucoma is known to be also accompanied by sudden onset of sore or bright red eyes, loss of vision or nauseous feeling.
