OPHTHALMOLOGY

Gregory Eippert, MD

Q: Lately, my eyes are red and sometimes bloodshot especially in the morning when I awaken. The redness usually lasts a day or so, goes away, and then recurs every so often. What causes this to happen and should I be concerned? A: Red or bloodshot eyes occur when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye (conjunctiva) become irritated causing them to be enlarged or swollen. Symptoms associated with this condition may include burning sensation, watery eyes, itchiness, foreign body sensation, or light sensitivity. In many cases, red, bloodshot eyes are usually temporary and will clear up on their own. One of the most common causes for this condition is allergens and environmental irritants such as pet dander, pollen, dust, wind, dry air, and sun. Additional causes can include eyestrain, having a cold, allergies, lack of sleep, excessive dry eyes, not removing make-up, swimming, or sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes.

To help relieve the symptoms of red or bloodshot eyes in general, there are several things you can try that will help in various settings. 1) Use artificial tears 3-4 times daily. 2) Avoid using ‘gets the red out’ eye products that, with repeated use, make the situation worse. 3) Avoid rubbing your eyes. 4) Use a humidifier to improve the moisture in the air. 5) Use oral antihistamines to stop allergic symptoms. 6) Make-up: Don’t sleep with make-up on, make sure all make-up is removed before you go to sleep, and don‘t share make-up. 7) Clean your eyelashes regularly. 8) Use only eye skincare products around the eye. 9) Avoid smoky environments. 10) Protect your eyes from the sun. 11) For contact lens wearers, keep lenses cleaned and disinfected; wash hands before inserting or removing contacts; do not sleep in contacts. 12) Cool compresses. 13) Keep hydrated. 14) Blink to help prevent eyestrain especially when staring at a computer screen or any electronic device for long periods of time.

While red or bloodshot eyes may often be intermittent and short term, they can sometimes indicate a more serious problem. If your red, bloodshot eyes are chronic, severe, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms, see your eye doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Gregory Eippert, MD

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