Bloodshot Eyes

What are the symptoms of Bloodshot Eyes?

A red, bloodshot eye normally occurs when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva) expand. If the redness occurs in small, localised areas or spots, this may be due to an injury. If the redness is spread across a larger area of the eye, this might be caused by infection, allergy, or simply tiredness. 

While redness is the most obvious sign that your eye is bloodshot, it may not be the only symptom that you have. Depending on the cause of your condition, you may also experience other symptoms. Let’s look at some of the most common ones: 

• Redness: The white of one or both eyes turns red or pink, either in a certain spot or all over. You may also notice visible red veins in your eyes. 

• Eye pain: A painful, bloodshot eye can range from minor soreness to severe discomfort. 

• Itchy Eye: Feeling like you need to scratch your eye or eyelid to ease discomfort. 

• Puffy Eye: Your eyelid may feel puffy or tight, making it hard to open your eye and impacting your vision. 

• Grittiness: Feeling like there’s something in your eye, even if you can’t visibly see anything in it. 

• Watery eyes: Where your eyes produce excess tears, commonly caused by dryness, irritation, or blocked tear ducts. 

• Photophobia: Your eyes might feel more sensitive to bright light than usual.

How are Bloodshot Eyes treated?

Having a red eye is a symptom of many different kinds of conditions. Each condition has its own treatment, so it's always best to get an optometrist's opinion when deciding how to treat a bloodshot eye. Your optometrist might recommend some of the following treatments after they've diagnosed the underlying cause. 

Mild bloodshot eyes 

Red eye can often be treated with home remedies and over‑the‑counter medication.

1. 1.

   Eye drops: Over‑the‑counter eye drops can be used to lubricate dry eyes and soothe irritation. 

2. 2.

   Cold compresses: Gently pressing a cold compress over your eyelids may help to reduce inflammation and redness, particularly if you’re suffering as a result of allergies like hay fever, where the eyes can become itchy. 

3. 3.

   Allergy medication: If an allergic reaction is causing your red eyes, taking antihistamine medication can help to reduce your discomfort. 

4. 4.

   Rest and lifestyle changes: Red eyes may go away on their own with rest. If your bloodshot eyes are linked to lifestyle, such as regular drinking, you might want to change your habits. 

5. 5.

   Screen time: You can reduce digital eye strain by following the 20‑20‑20 rule. Take a break of at least 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, and look 20 feet away. 

Non‑urgent bloodshot eye treatment 

If your bloodshot eyes are caused by an underlying medical condition, your optometrist will recommend tr

eatment based on the cause. For bacterial or viral infections, antimicrobial eye drops may be used. In some cases, you might be referred for steroid eye drops to help ease pain and reduce inflammation. 

Emergency bloodshot eye treatments 

If your bloodshot eye is very painful, bleeding, making you feel sick, affecting your vision or giving you a bad headache, you’ll need emergency medical care. Treatment will depend on the cause. You might be given lubricating or antibiotic eye drops or referred for steroid treatment if needed. In more serious cases, like an aneurysm, emergency surgery may be required. After the immediate issue is treated, you may also be referred to a specialist eye clinic for follow‑up care.