8 Common Reasons Why Your Eyes Are Red

Finding your eyes red is never a pleasant experience. Your eyes might appear to be normal, even when you’re feeling stressed or tired. However, if you notice that redness for extended periods of time, it could be a sign that there’s something more wrong than normal. There are many common reasons why your eyes are red and how to deal with this issue effectively. Read on to find out more about the causes of red eyes and how to treat them effectively.

1. Bright lights and colors

If you’re in a bright room or outside when the sun sets, your eyes are more likely to become red. This is because of light sensitivity, but it’s not just about the amount of light – it’s also about the color of the light. 

Colors like orange and green are less sensitive than colors like red and blue. If you experience this often or notice that your eyes are red around sunset, use sunglasses or a hat to protect your eyes from being exposed to strong colors.

2. Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes can’t produce tears and lubricate the surface of the eye. The lack of tears leads to irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. The most prominent symptom of dry eyes is a persistent feeling that something is in your eye. 

Other symptoms often include blurry vision and a burning sensation in the eyes that can feel like an itchy or irritating sensation. If you suspect that you might have dry eye syndrome, contact an ophthalmology practice as soon as possible to determine what’s wrong and how to treat it effectively.

3. Smoker's eye condition

Smoking can cause your eyes to become red. It’s the nicotine in cigarettes that causes this phenomenon. Another common reason for red eyes is allergies or hay fever. Hay fever attacks are commonly known as allergies because they affect the nose, throat, and lungs. If you have trouble breathing, you may experience itching and burning in your eyes as well.

4. Conjunctivitis 

One of the most common causes of red eyes is an infection known as conjunctivitis. This condition can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies and can be treated with antibiotic drops or ointments. It typically clears up on its own within a few days, but if it becomes chronic, your vision may become affected. 

5. Contact lens-related red eyes

If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to be sure that your eye drops are up-to-date. Follow the directions on the label carefully to ensure that you’re getting the proper care for your lenses. Additionally, removing your contacts before bed can help prevent dryness or discomfort in your eyes. If you experience redness, burning, swelling, a discharge from the eye, or vision changes, you should remove your contact lenses and go to an emergency room.

6. Blepharitis and inflammation

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid that can cause red eyes, swelling, and irritation. This condition can be caused by allergic reactions or bacterial infections. Symptoms include dryness and a burning sensation in the eye. Treatment for this condition includes corticosteroid medications and antibiotics.

7. Stress and anxiety

If you are constantly feeling stressed, your eyes may start to feel tired and strained. Additionally, this leads to an increase in bloodshot eyes and a headache that might cause your vision to be impaired. If you’re experiencing stress or anxiety, try taking some time out for yourself. This can help relieve some of the tension in your body, which will aid in reducing the redness of your eyes. 

8. Lack of sleep

If you’re feeling tired and have a hard time falling asleep at night, it could be because of a lack of sleep. It’s important to get enough sleep to feel rested and refreshed in order to prevent eye redness. Even if you don’t get the full eight hours of sleep, it’s still recommended that you try to get as close as possible. If you can’t fall asleep easily, try meditating or taking a walk outside.