How do red eyes occur?
Everything About Red Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Red eyes are caused by swollen or dilated blood vessels on the white outer surface of the eye. In some cases, redness of the eye can be accompanied by mild eye pain, itching, and slight swelling of the eye. In other cases, redness of the eye may not cause any irritation at all. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of red eyes, and how you can find relief.
Symptoms of Red Eyes
In some instances, the redness of the eye may be your only symptom. However, other common symptoms associated with red eyes include:
- Visible red or pink, wiggly lines across the "white" of the eye
- Irritation or discomfort in the eye
- Itchy eyes
- Swelling of the eyelids
What Causes Red Eyes?
Red eyes occur when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye expand, turning the white of one or both eyes a reddish color. Although there are many triggers that can make your eyes red and irritated, here are some of the most common everyday causes of red eyes:
- Eye allergies
- Contact lenses
- Dry eyes
- Excessive screen use
- Smoke and/or smoking
- Lack of sleep
- Swimming
- Eye fatigue
- Environmental irritants/pollution
Tips for Relief from Red Eyes
Using eye drops such as Clear Eyes, Visine, Lumify, and others offered on our website can be an effective way to relieve your eyes from redness due to minor eye irritations associated with red eyes.
Depending on the cause of red eyes, some tips to relieve your symptoms of red eyes include:
- Removing contact lenses
- Properly removing eye makeup
- Avoiding touching your eye
- Taking a break from looking at screens. Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and stare at something 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
If red eyes persist or are accompanied by more severe symptoms, please consult your eye doctor.