Most of us have, at one point or another, glanced in the mirror only to notice that our eyes look more red than white, maybe even a bit pinkish, without any warning or obvious reason.
You might even find yourself wondering, ‘Why are my eyes so red when I wake up?’ Well, the reasons for bloodshot eyes vary widely, and they can range from completely harmless to signs of a serious health issue.
In many cases, bloodshot eyes are not something to panic over. They can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly. However, there are instances where red eyes could be a symptom of a more concerning issue, in which case it’s essential to seek medical attention right away.
With this in mind, LADbible spoke with Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, a qualified ophthalmologist who diagnoses and treats eye conditions and performs eye surgeries, to provide some insights into when bloodshot eyes should be a cause for concern.
When You Don’t Need to Worry Too Much About Bloodshot Eyes
Dr. Hilal-Campo, who founded Twenty / Twenty Beauty, explained to LADbible why your eyes might turn bloodshot under relatively normal circumstances.
When this happens easily, it’s usually a sign that there’s not much to be worried about, and the redness may be more of a minor, short-term issue.
“Eyes appear bloodshot when the blood vessels in the whites of your eyes are swollen, making them more visible than usual,” she said.
“There are many things that can cause bloodshot eyes, ranging from more innocuous to serious. The most common causes of bloodshot eyes include allergies, dry eyes, and irritation.”
One of the most common culprits today is dry eyes, which is particularly prevalent in modern times because so many of us spend hours looking at screens, especially before bed. When we focus on screens, we blink less, which can worsen dryness.
Meenal Agarwal OD, an optometrist based in Ontario, Canada, further explains that extended screen time can also lead to eye strain, resulting in redness. She shared: “Nowadays, we see eye strain as a major cause of eye redness even in children.”
“We spend a lot of time staring and not blinking when looking at screens or reading in low light, so we wake up with bloodshot eyes.”
When You Should See a Doctor About Bloodshot Eyes
Since bloodshot eyes are so common and often clear up on their own, it’s understandable if you decide not to worry about them too much. Many people simply ignore mild redness, thinking it will go away.
But there are times when red eyes require more attention, as they could signal a more serious underlying condition that shouldn’t be ignored.
“While something as simple as getting an eyelash in your eye or feeling discomfort from a contact lens can cause redness, especially if you rub your eyes, bloodshot eyes can also be a sign of something more concerning,” Dr. Hilal-Campo explained.
“That includes injuries like a corneal scratch, which can turn into an infection if not addressed quickly. Or inflammatory issues like blepharitis and uveitis.”
“Infections like conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, as well as glaucoma, can also be characterised by bloodshot eyes.”
Uveitis is one such condition, involving inflammation inside the eye, often due to infection or even autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms can include blurred vision, extreme sensitivity to light, and eye pain.
If uveitis isn’t treated, it can lead to vision loss, so it’s important to take action if you experience any of these symptoms. Steroid treatments are often used to help manage this condition.
Another condition, blepharitis, refers to inflammation of the eyelids and is usually due to clogged oil glands at the base of the eyelids. This condition is especially common in people who have rosacea, which causes facial redness.
If your eyes are bloodshot and you’re experiencing other signs of illness without a clear, simple explanation, it’s best to consult a doctor promptly, Dr. Hilal-Campo advises.
She says: “If you can’t pinpoint a very obvious and more innocuous cause, like allergies or a cold, and you are experiencing other serious side effects like headache, nausea, or seeing halos, seek treatment from an eye doctor immediately.”
