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Bloodshot eye
Bloodshot eye

Red Eye or Eyes
Definition:
Red eyes are characterized by dilated blood vessels causing the appearance of redness on the surface of the eye.

Alternative Names:
Bloodshot eyes; Scleral injection; Conjunctival injection.

Considerations:

Bloodshot eyes appear red because the vessels in the surface of the white portion of the eye (sclera) become enlarged. This may result from mechanical irritation, environmental irritants (such as extremely dry air, excess sun exposure), allergic reactions, infection, and other medical conditions.

A bright red, uniformly dense bloody area on the sclera results from a small amount of bleeding into the conjunctiva. It is often first noted in the morning on arising.

This is a fairly common occurrence, and of little significance. If upon awakening in the morning, you notice a bloody blotch in one eye that doesn't hurt, but just looks bad, don't worry. It is usually caused by straining or coughing, and it generally clears up on its own after a few days.
Common Causes:
Home Care:
For fatigue or eyestrain, try to rest. No treatment is necessary. Otherwise, see your primary health care provider or an ophthalmologist for medical treatment.

If conjunctivitis is suspected or confirmed, avoid touching the infected eye and then rubbing the other eye -- this condition is very contagious.
Call your health care provider if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting eye redness in detail may include:
  • Location
    • Are both eyes affected?
    • If only one eye, which one?
    • What part of the eye is affected -- all of the white part, or just a small location?
  • Time pattern
    • Did it begin suddenly?
    • Has it ever happened before?
    • Does it persist?
  • Other
    • Does it get worse after movement of the eyes?
    • What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination should include a detailed eye examination.

Intervention:
The eyes may need irrigation with normal saline solution, and any foreign bodies will need to be removed. Eye drops may be prescribed.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to bloodshot eyes to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 1/28/2002
Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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