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What Is Eye Redness?

Eye redness, sometimes called red or bloodshot eyes, occurs when tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye dilate or become inflamed. This can be a reaction to irritation, fatigue or injury. Redness can affect one or both eyes and develop gradually or suddenly. While many cases are harmless, persistent or painful redness may indicate a more serious problem.

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What Is Eye Redness?

Eye redness, sometimes called red or bloodshot eyes, occurs when tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye dilate or become inflamed. This can be a reaction to irritation, fatigue or injury. Redness can affect one or both eyes and develop gradually or suddenly. While many cases are harmless, persistent or painful redness may indicate a more serious problem.

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Causes of Eye Redness

Common causes include allergies, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye, over-wearing contact lenses, eye injuries and glaucoma. Prolonged screen time, lack of sleep and exposure to smoke or chemical irritants can also cause redness. Serious conditions like uveitis, keratitis or trauma may require urgent care.

Symptoms and When to Worry

In addition to redness, you may experience itching, burning, discharge, swelling, watery eyes or blurred vision. Many cases improve with rest and over-the-counter drops, but if redness lasts more than a week or is accompanied by pain, fever or vision changes, see an eye care provider. Persistent redness in a child warrants prompt evaluation.

Treatment and Home Care

For mild cases, rest your eyes, apply cool compresses, massage your eyelids gently and use lubricating eye drops. Avoid rubbing your eyes and clean contact lenses properly. If allergies are the cause, antihistamine drops or oral medications may help. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics, steroids or other medications depending on the underlying cause.

Prevention and When to See a Doctor

Prevent red eyes by avoiding rubbing your eyes, cleaning contact lenses regularly, removing makeup before bed, taking breaks from screens and wearing sunglasses outdoors. Seek medical care if redness lasts longer than a few days, is severe, or comes with pain, discharge or vision changes, as some conditions can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can red eyes be contagious?

Some causes of red eyes, like viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, are contagious. Others, like allergies or dry eye, are not. Proper hygiene and avoiding contact with an infected person help prevent spread.

Do red eyes always mean infection?

No. Redness may result from allergies, dry eye, fatigue, broken blood vessels or minor irritation. However, it can also signal infection or inflammation, so observe for other symptoms and consult a doctor if you are unsure.

Are eye drops safe?

Over-the-counter lubricating drops are generally safe when used as directed. Decongestant ?get the red out? drops should be used sparingly, as overuse can cause rebound redness. Consult a doctor before using medicated drops.

How can I reduce eye redness quickly?

Resting your eyes, using lubricating drops, applying a cool compress and staying hydrated can help. Avoiding allergens and irritants, adjusting screen time and getting adequate sleep also reduce redness.