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Ask A Doc: 'Why Are My Eyes Often Bloodshot?'
Bloodshot eyes are often associated with late nights followed by early morning obligations.
While this is indeed one cause of irritated eyes, other factors can contribute to the condition.
To get a clear understanding of the triggers and treatments for bloodshot eyes, Fox News Digital consulted with two ophthalmologists, who provided eye-opening insights.
What causes bloodshot eyes?When the eyes get irritated, the tiny blood vessels on the white surface of the eye (the sclera) swell, said Usiwoma Abugo, M.D., an ophthalmologist at Katzen Eye Group in Lutherville, Maryland.
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When this happens, the white of the eye appears pink or red, she noted.
There are many potential causes of red or bloodshot eyes.
When the eyes get irritated, the tiny blood vessels on the white surface of the eye swell, which makes it appear pink or red. (iStock)
"They can be a response to an irritant such as pollen, pets, dust or smoke, or a symptom of a medical condition, such as a bacterial infection, virus or injury to the cornea," Abugo told Fox News Digital.
Here's some more information on some of the primary culprits.
AllergiesWhen an allergen gets into the eye, the eye responds by producing a substance called histamine, Abugo said.
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This causes the blood vessels on the surface of the eye to get leaky and swollen, which creates redness and swollen, itchy tissues.
Dry eyes"Dry eye is an incredibly common eye condition," Abugo told Fox News Digital.
"When the eye doesn't have enough tears to stay lubricated, the eye becomes red, and the horizontal blood vessels on the surface of the eye become more prominent, swollen and irritated."
TirednessThere's a reason an overnight flight is called the "red-eye" — bloodshot eyes are often caused by being tired, which is usually related to dry eye, the doctor said.
Allergies are a common cause of bloodshot eyes, according to experts. (iStock)
"When you are tired, your body's natural tearing or lubrication system becomes abnormal, leading to dry eye," she noted.
Contact lensesPoor contact lens hygiene or poorly fitted lenses can irritate the eye and lead to redness.
Not cleaning or caring for your lenses correctly could even lead to a serious eye infection, Abugo warned.
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"Make sure to care for your lenses as recommended by your eye care team, remove them as prescribed, and only wear lenses prescribed for you by a professional," she advised.
Eye infectionsConjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, can be caused by bacteria or a virus.
The condition causes the surface of the eye to swell, which gives the eye a pink or red color, said Abugo.
Relieving and preventing bloodshot eyesMichelle Andreoli, M.D., an ophthalmologist at Northwestern Medicine in Naperville, Illinois, shared with Fox News Digital some tips for treating red eyes at home.
Over-the-counter artificial tears can be used to address irritation and wash allergens from the eye.
An opthamologist said to avoid decongestant (anti-redness) drops, because "they don't solve the cause of the problem and can sometimes make redness worse in the long run." (iStock)
Avoid decongestant (anti-redness) drops, Andreoli advised, because "they don't solve the cause of the problem and can sometimes make redness worse in the long run."
Instead, she suggested using over-the-counter antihistamine drops to help with itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergies. (Always check with a doctor first.)
A cool compress can also provide some relief.
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To prevent redness, Anderoli said to avoid smoke, fumes, pollen, dust, chlorine or pet dander if those are known irritants.
Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes and wash eyelids daily with a mild cleanser, she recommended.
"If you do have an eye infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or other medication as deemed appropriate," the doctor said.
When to see a doctorBloodshot eyes are very common and rarely indicate something serious, according to Andreoli.
If symptoms aren't improving after one week of home remedies, however, she recommends seeing an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Contact lenses can cause redness for some people, especially when they are not cleaned or cared for properly. (iStock)
Some of the more serious conditions associated with bloodshot eyes are ocular inflammation (called uveitis) or an eye infection.
In that case, there are usually additional symptoms, such as pain, discharge and blurred vision.
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"If not treated, eye infections can sometimes cause devastating damage, including vision loss," Anderoli said.
"Luckily, effective treatments are available to avoid this worst-case scenario."
If eye redness is accompanied by any degree of vision loss, contact your eye care provider immediately, the doctor advised.
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The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all healthy adults get an eye exam by the age of 40 to catch any signs of eye disease.
Added Anderoli, "Lots of eye conditions and diseases can be treated when caught early enough, but often begin without any noticeable symptoms."
For more Health articles, visit www.Foxnews.Com/health.
Erica Lamberg is a contributing writer for Fox News Digital.
How Do You Get Rid Of Puffy Eyes?
Puffy eyes, or periorbital edema, refers to swelling around the eyes. The puffiness may occur above or below the eyes and can have many causes. Treatment depends on the cause.
When a person has periorbital edema, inflammation around the eye causes fluid to build up. This buildup of fluid gives the eye orbit a puffy appearance. People can have periorbital edema in one or both eyes.
This article explores the various causes and treatments for periorbital edema.
Periorbital edema is not the same as having bags under the eyes, which is a natural part of aging. Instead, it is a health condition and is normally temporary.
Numerous causes may lead to inflammation around the eyes, resulting in a fluid buildup. It is the fluid buildup that gives the eye orbit a swollen appearance.
For some people, periorbital edema may come on slowly. This type of periorbital edema is chronic. For others, it may come on quickly, and doctors refer to this as acute.
Below are some possible causes of periorbital edema.
Allergic reactionsAllergic reactions can cause skin inflammation around the eyes, and red and watery eyes.
In this case, taking antihistamines may reduce the symptoms.
If swelling around the eye is accompanied by other facial swelling or difficulty breathing, this may be anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic shock is an extreme allergic reaction and is a medical emergency. A person experiencing anaphylactic shock needs emergency medical treatment.
If a person thinks this may be the case, they should call emergency services without delay.
AgingAs a person ages, their body expels more water throughout the day. This can lead to the body trying to retain more fluid, causing swelling around the eyes.
Acute infectionAn acute infection may cause periorbital edema. If a person has an acute infection, they may experience additional symptoms. These include:
Conjunctivitis or periorbital cellulitisConjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is when the thin membrane covering the eye becomes inflamed.
The eye can appear red or pink, swollen, and irritated. This could be due to an infection or irritation.
Causes include viruses or bacteria, and conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. Treatment will depend on the cause but may include antibiotics.
A similar infection, periorbital cellulitis, affects the skin around the eyes and the eyelid, which can also cause periorbital edema.
CryingWhen a person cries, their tears may irritate around the eyes. This may lead to swelling.
Diet and lifestyleLifestyle causes of periorbital edema include:
These lifestyle changes may cause a person's body to retain fluid.
Eye injuryInjuries to the eye or eye area, such as a black eye, may cause swelling and bruising.
Thyroid diseasesAutoimmune thyroid disease may cause eye problems such as impaired vision and periorbital edema.
It is more common in Graves' disease but can also occur in people with hypothyroidism.
Other causesOther possible causes of periorbital edema include:
Symptoms associated with periorbital edema include:
Whatever the cause of periorbital edema, the following treatments may help reduce swelling:
Other treatments available for periorbital edema are specific to the cause. These include:
If a person thinks they may have periorbital edema, they can speak with a doctor. A doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause.
Tests that a doctor may carry out include:
The doctor will examine the affected area. They may also ask general health and lifestyle questions to establish a cause. Depending on the suspected cause, the doctor may carry out a series of tests.
Often, home remedies or over-the-counter treatments help reduce symptoms of periorbital edema.
However, periorbital edema can have a more serious underlying cause in some cases. A doctor can help diagnose this and recommend appropriate treatment.
If a person suspects an anaphylactic shock has caused swelling around the eyes, they should seek emergency medical treatment.
Tips To Prevent Pink Eye
After a recent warning by the KZN Department of Health about an outbreak of pink eye in parts of the province, Netcare Medicross is assuring residents that while there is no need for alarm, understanding more about this condition is important to prevent the spread and complications.
General practitioner Dr Nishen Gounder has provided more information on the matter as well as some prevention methods.
"Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the thin membrane, called the conjunctiva which covers the whites of the eye and the inner part of the eyelid," said Gounder.
" It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergic reaction or environmental irritation."
"These can cause the delicate eye membrane to become red and inflamed, resulting in discomfort including itching, pain, swelling, fluid discharge and a scratchy or gritty feeling, as if there is sand in the eye," he said.
It is highly contagious and easily spread in communities or schools through close contact and hand contamination.
If you suspect you or your child may have pink eye, seek medical attention.
To protect yourself against infection, be strict in general hygiene practices. Remember that handwashing with soap or alcohol-based sanitising is an effective way to keep you and your loved ones safe from pink eye and many other infectious illnesses.
Where possible, avoid contact with people who have pink eye. Avoid shaking hands, sharing pens, phones, touch screens and makeup.
If you're exposed to someone with pink eye, wash your hands often with soap and water and change your bedlinen daily. Don't share facecloths, towels or pillows.
Stop using contact lenses as soon as you suspect you may have pink eye.
Seek medical advice immediately if you experience severe pain, a change in your vision, any sign of pus or if you notice intense redness in your eyes.
Immunocompromised patients, such as those on cancer treatment or biological agents and those living with HIV and diabetes, should seek advice from their treating doctor as early as possible.
If you are diagnosed with pink eye, wash your hands often and do your best to prevent infecting those around you at home.
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