Bloodshot Eyes | Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Red, bloodshot eyes can indicate several conditions. They may look alarming, but they’re usually caused by a minor eye irritation or condition, like conjunctivitis.

What is a bloodshot or red eye?

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 is probably due to an injury. If the whole of the front of the eye appears reddened this might be caused by infection, allergy, or simply tiredness.

Symptoms of bloodshot eyes

Depending on the cause of your condition, you may also experience other symptoms in combination with redness. Let’s look at some of the most common ones:

Redness: The white of one or both eyes turns red or pink, either in certain spot or all over. You may also experience visible red veins in your eyes.
Pain: a painful bloodshot eye can range from minor soreness to a severe discomfort.
Itching: feeling like you need to scratch your eye or eyelid to ease discomfort.
Swelling: 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.
Headaches: bloodshot eyes and headaches can be a sign of other underlying conditions, including eye strain and glaucoma.

What causes bloodshot eyes?

When it comes to the reason for bloodshot eyes, if your eye is painless, it is usually caused by a minor eye condition. These conditions don’t tend to affect your vision, and many often get better within a week or two with minimal intervention, but others may indicate something more serious.

Causes of a red eye include:

Iritis: Iritis is inflammation of the iris, the coloured part of the eye. You may have a red eye, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and/or a headache.
Blephariti: common condition which causes redness, swelling and irritation of the eyelids.
Burst blood vessel (subconjunctival haemorrhage).
Anterior uveitis: Inflammation of the middle of the eye which may be accompanied by eye pain, light sensitivity, floaters and/or vision problems.
Conjunctivitis: A viral or bacterial infection of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye and inner surfaces of the eyelid.
Corneal ulcers: A Corneal ulcer can cause redness, light sensitivity, pain, and the feeling of there being something in the eye. Severe cases can result in permanent damage if left untreated.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an increase in eye pressure resulting in redness, pain, nausea, haloes around lights, and blurred vision. Untreated, it can lead to permanent sight loss.
Scratched eye: Redness and pain can be caused by foreign particles like grit getting into the eye. Opticians can use anaesthetic drops to remove them.
Dry eyes: Insufficient or poor‑quality tears cause discomfort, soreness, and redness. They’re‑ usually easily treatable with eye drops and home remedies.
Stye: Small, painful lumps that form either on or inside the eyelid, which can cause the eye itself to become watery and red.
Scleritis: Scleritis is a form of eye inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Alcohol and/or drug misuse: Alcohol and substance abuse can cause the pupils to dilate, resulting in red, bloodshot eyes which can become chronic in some cases.

Hear from the expert

Dr Nigel Best, one of our senior optometrist’s, states that, “It’s important if you have red eyes that you have them examined by an optometrist, in particular if your eye is painful, if you’re sensitive to light or if there’s any discharge as this could indicate an underlying problem which may need to be checked out."

Can I get rid of bloodshot eyes?

In many cases bloodshot eyes will clear up on their own without requiring any treatment. However, depending on what’s caused the condition, there are a variety of bloodshot eye treatments that can help you to manage symptoms and reduce discomfort. In severe cases, further tests and ongoing treatment may be required.

Home remedies and self‑care

Eye drops: Over‑the‑counter eye drops can be used to lubricate dry eyes and soothe irritation.
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 hayfever, where the eyes can become itchy.
Allergy medication: If an allergic reaction is causing your red eyes, taking antihistamine medication can help to address the underlying allergic response and alleviate physical symptoms.

Medical treatment

Prescription medication: If over‑the‑counter options don’t‑ seem to be helping, or the problem is recurring, your general practitioner or IP optometrist can prescribe prescription bloodshot eye treatments. This may take the form of anti‑microbial eye drops, steroid eye drops, or ointments.

When to seek immediate medical help

Contact your optometrist, GP, or local eye emergency department immediately for appropriate advice if:

You have a painful red eye.
You’re experiencing other symptoms, in particular; a bloodshot eye and headaches, reduced vision, sensitivity to light, or feeling sick.
You recently injured your eye – especially if something has pierced your eye.
If your symptoms are becoming increasingly worse

Conclusion

Bloodshot eyes are a very common eye symptom that most of us will encounter. In the majority of cases, they aren’t problematic and won’t need treatment, but for some they could be a sign of other conditions like conjunctivitis or anterior uveitis.

Generally, maintaining good eye and overall health is enough to reduce a person’s risk of red eyes. Having your eyes tested regularly at your local Specsavers will ensure you’re able to flag any concerns, get advice and manage any conditions that may be detected.

FAQs

About the author

Ross Campbell

BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret

Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale & Northallerton, a pre‑registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.

Relevant guides and articles

Conjunctivitis (red or pink eye)
Conjunctivitis is a common condition caused by inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye and inner surfaces of the eyelid.
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Bloodshot Eyes (Red Eye)

What is a bloodshot or red eye?

Symptoms of bloodshot eyes

What causes bloodshot eyes?

Hear from the expert

Did you know about Specsavers eye health appointments?