What causes bloodshot eyes?

May 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Eye redness may be caused by factors such as eye strain, prolonged熬夜 (late-night waking), trauma, glaucoma, or conjunctivitis. It is important to maintain good eye habits in daily life, avoid staring at electronic devices for extended periods, ensure adequate rest and sleep, maintain proper eye hygiene, and prevent eye injuries. By taking these measures, the risk of eye redness can be effectively reduced and eye health protected.

Under normal circumstances, eye redness may be caused by factors such as eye strain, prolonged熬夜 (staying up late), trauma, glaucoma, or conjunctivitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Eye strain

Staring at electronic devices such as computers and smartphones for extended periods, or reading in poorly lit environments, can keep the eyes in a state of prolonged tension. This leads to fatigue of the eye muscles and poor blood circulation, resulting in eye redness. Other symptoms may include dryness, pain, and excessive tearing. It is advisable to take regular breaks from electronic screens to allow the eyes to rest.

2. Prolonged熬夜 (staying up late)

Chronic lack of sleep disrupts the body's biological clock and causes hormonal imbalances, which in turn affect ocular blood circulation and lead to blood vessel congestion in the eyes. This may also be accompanied by dark circles, puffiness under the eyes, and dryness. Maintaining sufficient daily sleep is important to ensure adequate eye rest.

3. Trauma

Direct impact or pressure on the eye from external forces may damage the eyeball or surrounding tissues, causing rupture of blood vessels, bleeding, and redness. Pain and swelling may also occur. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, amoxicillin capsules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets.

4. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage. It can cause eye redness, along with symptoms such as decreased vision, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications like carteolol hydrochloride eye drops, timolol maleate eye drops, or acetazolamide tablets.

5. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye caused by infection or irritation from bacteria, viruses, or allergens. The inflammatory response leads to eye redness, often accompanied by foreign body sensation, burning, and light sensitivity. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as epinastine fumarate eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, or sodium cromoglicate eye drops.

To maintain eye health, it is important to practice good eye habits: avoid prolonged screen time, ensure sufficient rest and sleep, maintain proper eye hygiene, and prevent eye injuries. These measures can effectively reduce the risk of eye redness and protect overall eye health.

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