What causes red bloodshot eyes?
May 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Redness in the eyes may be caused by visual fatigue, poor sleeping posture, conjunctivitis, uveitis, glaucoma, or other reasons. Please seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain healthy habits and a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, and ensure sufficient sleep, which is beneficial to overall health.
Redness in the eyes, characterized by visible blood vessels, may be caused by visual fatigue, poor sleeping posture, conjunctivitis, uveitis, glaucoma, or other conditions. It is important to seek timely medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Visual fatigue: Prolonged熬夜 or excessive eye strain, especially from extended screen use or lack of rest, can lead to eye fatigue and result in red blood vessels in the eyes. Maintaining regular sleep habits, avoiding late nights, and taking breaks during visually intensive tasks can help alleviate symptoms.
2. Poor sleeping posture: Frequently sleeping face down can compress the capillaries around the eyes, leading to ocular congestion and the appearance of red blood vessels. Adjusting sleeping positions and avoiding prolonged pressure on one side of the face may improve this condition.
3. Conjunctivitis: This is an inflammatory condition affecting the conjunctiva. Poor personal hygiene, such as rubbing the eyes with dirty hands, may allow bacteria to enter and trigger conjunctivitis. Dilation of ocular capillaries increases blood flow, causing redness. Symptoms often include eye redness, swelling, and discharge. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets.
4. Uveitis: This refers to inflammation of the uveal tract in the eye. Eye trauma or inadequate eye care that allows pathogens to invade may lead to uveitis. Increased intraocular secretions may raise eye pressure and cause congestion, resulting in red blood vessels. Common accompanying symptoms include photophobia, eye pain, and tearing. Medications such as hydrocortisone tablets, butylscopolamine bromide capsules, or dexamethasone tablets may be prescribed under a doctor’s direction.
5. Glaucoma: A neurodegenerative disease caused by elevated intraocular pressure. Individuals with a family history—especially if one parent has glaucoma—are at higher risk. Increased eye pressure can damage surrounding nerves, leading to eye congestion and visible redness. Additional symptoms may include vision loss, optic nerve atrophy, and decreased visual acuity. Treatment may involve prescription eye drops such as timolol maleate ophthalmic solution, levobunolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, or betaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, used as directed by a physician.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle and sleep habits, avoiding late nights, and ensuring sufficient rest are beneficial for overall eye and general health.
