Bloodshot eyes can be both alarming and uncomfortable. But what if you had expert advice right at your fingertips to help you navigate these unexpected situations? Imagine having the confidence to manage eye issues effectively, safeguarding your vision and preventing future complications.
In this blog, we’ll share practical first aid tips from a seasoned optometrist to help you answer the question “why are my eyes red” with a focus on one of the most concerning symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing this issue yourself or searching for information for a loved one, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in and empower you with the knowledge to take control of your eye health.
Diagnosing Bloodshot Eyes: Key Questions for Self-Assessment
What causes bloodshot eyes? Whether you have a bloodshot eye on one side, or in both eyes, diagnosis can be difficult because they can be caused by a variety of factors. However, as an award-winning optometrist, I’ve compiled a short list of questions you can ask yourself to help determine the cause of your bloodshot eyes:
- Have you been exposed to smoke recently, such as sitting in front of a campfire? Or spent hours outside when forest fire smoke creates a haze over the Lower Mainland?
- Did you recently do a big spring cleaning involving dusty patio furniture or encounter a lot of dust in general?
- Have you been over wearing your contacts, leaving them in too long, or not replacing them within the recommended time period?
- Are your indoor fans or air conditioning cranked up to beat the summer heat?
- Have you been pushing yourself hard in life or work, causing great demands on your vision, leading to eye fatigue?
- To beat the heat, have you been swimming in public pools or hot tubs?
- Have you experienced any eye trauma recently, such as being accidentally scratched by your baby’s nails or getting sand in your eye?
Your eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body, so if you answered yes to even one question, it could be the cause of your bloodshot eyes. We’ll help you narrow down the cause and provide an optometrist recommendation on how to handle your bloodshot eyes.
Identifying Your Bloodshot Eyes Triggers (Plus Expert Tips)
In this section, we’ll help you match the specific self-diagnosis questions to their corresponding causes—whether they are environmental factors like smoke exposure or strain from prolonged screen time. Our goal is to provide you with reliable optometrist-based insights so that you can pinpoint the causes of your symptoms and get quick and easily actionable tips to manage and treat bloodshot eyes.
1. Environmental Factors
“Have you been exposed to smoke recently, such as sitting in front of a campfire?”
We’re grateful that this year’s forest fires haven’t been as bad as in previous years. However, smoke comes in other forms as well, such as outdoor summer events with smokers.
Optometrist Tip
Aside from us all doing our part to comply with fire bans and limiting our time in smoke-filled environments, close-fitting glasses or sunglasses will provide some barrier that slows the stream of air going into your eyes.
2. Allergies
“Are your indoor fans or air conditioning cranked up to beat the summer heat?”
The lower mainland is predicted to experience a warm summer, but many air conditioners and fans can worsen allergies by continuously pushing around pollen, and pet dander. Many individuals must decide whether to open their windows and doors to cool their home (and acquire pollen) or close them and melt in the heat.
Optometrist Tip
Try this simple hack! Cover your air conditioning vents with cheesecloth to trap allergens and select plants that purify the air. Or splurge on a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) purifier.
3. Hygiene
“Have you been over wearing your contacts, leaving them in too long, or not replacing them within the recommended time period?”
Millions of people wear contact lenses safely every day, but they require care. Oil, grime, cosmetics, and germs can build up on them, irritating and harming your eyes. Poor lens care can lead to eye infections, thus good hygiene is essential.
Optometrist Tip
Clean and disinfect your contact lenses daily using the recommended contact lens solution. Rub and rinse your lenses with solution before storing them in a clean case filled with fresh solution overnight. Learn more with our Contact Solution & Lens Care 101: Do’s and Don’ts.
4. Eye Fatigue
“Have you been pushing yourself hard in life or work, causing great demands on your vision, leading to eye fatigue?”
You may feel like your eyes are tired, heavy, or strained, and you may find yourself squinting or rubbing your eyes frequently. Working late at night, intense studying for exams, and excessive screen time can cause eye strain and fatigue, which can lead to redness.
Optometrist Tip:
Taking regular breaks and using lubricating eye drops can help keep the moisture in. The right eye drops can make a huge difference in managing dry eyes (and not all eye drops are created equal). Looking for an eye drop for red eyes? Check out the recently completed 3-point review of the Systane eye drops.
5. Infections
“To beat the heat, have you been swimming in public pools or hot tubs?”
Bacterial or viral infections, such as conjunctivitis, frequently cause bloodshot eyes. Viral conjunctivitis is transmitted through contact, such as hand-to-eye contact or contaminated objects (pink eye discharge, fecal matter, or other infected discharge) that come into contact with your eyes.
Optometrist Tip:
Something the simplest methods are the best! Where possible, wear swimming goggles to prevent infected pool water getting into your eyes.
6. Injury or Eye Compression
“Have you experienced any eye trauma recently, such as being accidentally scratched by your baby’s nails or getting sand in your eyes?”
Our eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of the body due to the high density of nerves, so it doesn’t take much to cause an eye injury, and there are many scenarios:
- Foreign object penetration: Hot oil or food particles can splash into your eye while cooking.
- Chemical exposure: splashing household cleaning chemicals like bleach or ammonia into your eyes while cleaning
- Blunt force impact: Getting hit in or around the eye with a football or frisbee.
- Sharp object accidents: During a home improvement project, a small piece of metal or wood can break off and fly into your eye.
Optometrist Tip
Accidents happen, so our advice isn’t “try to avoid eye injuries,” but rather how to tell if it’s a red eye emergency. If your bloodshot or red eyes are accompanied with symptoms like watering, eye pain, headaches, pain behind the eyes, or impaired vision, immediately seek medical attention.
3 Times to Seek Professional Help
1. Persistent Redness
If your eyes stay red for more than a few days after taking eye drops for red eyes, you should consult an optometrist. Persistent redness may signal an underlying problem that requires expert care.
2. Severe Pain or Visual Changes
Bloodshot eyes with significant discomfort, light sensitivity, or vision abnormalities should be seen by an optometrist immediately. These symptoms may indicate a severe eye problem, such as a corneal ulcer or acute glaucoma.
3. Discharge or Swelling
If you observe any discharge, swelling, or one eye that is much redder than the other (a bloodshot eye on one side), get medical treatment. These might indicate an infection that needs prescription medicine.
Reviewed by Dr. Amit Sahota, Registered Optometrist (BSc, OD)
Our Care Extends Beyond Our Burnaby Eye Clinic
As passionate optometrists dedicated to your eye health, we at Real Eyes Optometry are committed to providing comprehensive care that extends beyond the clinic’s walls.
Whether you come in for a thorough eye exam or benefit from our expert advice on managing bloodshot eyes, our goal is to empower you to live life with clear vision and optimal eye health. We believe in the value of proactive eye care and are here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that your vision remains a top priority. Schedule an appointment today to take the next step toward healthier eyes.
8 Common Questions Customers Ask Us
1. What are the most common causes of bloodshot eyes?
Bloodshot eyes can result from environmental irritants like smoke, dust, or pollen, eye strain from screens, poor contact lens hygiene, infections, or minor injuries. Understanding the trigger helps determine the best treatment.
2. How can I tell if my bloodshot eyes are caused by allergies or an infection?
Allergic redness is often accompanied by itching, watery eyes, and seasonal triggers. Infections may cause discharge, swelling, or redness in one eye and sometimes pain, requiring prompt medical attention.
3. Are over-the-counter eye drops safe for bloodshot eyes?
Lubricating or preservative-free eye drops can soothe irritation and dryness. However, drops with decongestants should be used sparingly, as overuse can worsen redness over time.
4. Can contact lens wear worsen bloodshot eyes?
Yes. Over-wearing, not replacing lenses on schedule, or improper cleaning can irritate your eyes and increase redness. Following proper hygiene and taking breaks from lenses can help.
5. When should I seek professional care for bloodshot eyes?
Consult an optometrist if redness persists for several days, if you experience severe pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, swelling, or unusual discharge. These could indicate serious eye conditions.
6. How can I prevent bloodshot eyes from environmental factors?
Wearing sunglasses, using HEPA air purifiers, and covering vents with cheesecloth can reduce exposure to smoke, pollen, and dust. Limiting time in polluted or smoky areas also helps.
7. Can eye strain from screens cause red eyes, and how do I reduce it?
Extended screen time can cause fatigue and redness. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Artificial tears can also help maintain moisture.
8. Are there home remedies for bloodshot eyes?
Cold compresses, frequent blinking, and short breaks from screen time can temporarily relieve redness. However, persistent or painful redness should always be evaluated by a professional.
