I often have bloodshot eyes. What causes them, and what can I do to whiten them up?
Bloodshot eyes refer to red, spidery veins on the white of your eyeball. They appear when the small vessels on the surface of the eyeball (the conjunctiva) are dilated. One of the most common causes of bloodshot eyes, also known as red eye, is being exposed to dry air for an extended time. This can occur during times of high heat or low humidity, or because you don’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist.
Other causes of bloodshot eyes include broken small blood vessels in the eye, which go away on their own; an abrasion or scratch on the clear surface of the eye; an irritant in the eye; colds or flu; eyestrain; lack of sleep; allergies; overuse of contact lenses; or rubbing your eyes excessively.
Bloodshot eyes can also be a sign of an underlying condition. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an infection that commonly produces red, irritated eyes, along with itching and a discharge from the eye. Blepharitis is another infection, of the eyelid, that produces redness, typically accompanied by a crust forming over the eyelashes. Glaucoma, which increases pressure in the eyes, can also cause red eyes.
Bloodshot eyes usually improve on their own when the cause is external and temporary, such as an abrasion or lack of sleep. Home remedies include using cold compresses and a plain saline eyewash or one that contains boric acid. Eye drops for “red eyes” may contain a decongestant to constrict blood vessels, but overuse of them can actually increase redness. Be sure to follow instructions carefully with any eye product.
If your bloodshot eyes are accompanied by a thick, mucousy discharge—it can be white, green, or yellow—you may have an eye infection. Check with your doctor. Also, if your bloodshot eyes don’t clear up after several days or worsen, or if you have eye pain or changes in vision, call your doctor, who will check your eyes, your eyelids, and your vision. If there is an infection, antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed.
