Human eye is an organ of sight and it is perhaps the most important part of the body. It enables a person to visualize the world around him. Any problem with eyes should not be neglected even though it appears to be minor. Blood shot eyes is one such condition that needs to be monitored as there are many factors responsible for its development. It is a term frequently used for red patch on the surface of sclera (white of an eye).
In majority of cases bloodshot eye appears in the morning after waking.
What Causes Bloodshot Eyes In The Morning?
Bloodshot eye develops due to many different reasons. It can occur at anytime, but it is more prevalent to develop after straining the eyes for long time.
- Constant strain to the eyes from reading in dim light, working on computer overtime, too much exposure of eyes to flood lights, crying etc can lead to congestion in the blood vessels present on the surface of sclera.
- Insomnia and sleep deprivation.
- Exposure to chemical fumes and smoke, dust, dry weather, and intense sunlight.
- Reduced secretion of tear during night.
- Overuse of contact lens.
- Infection in eye, corneal scratch from foreign body or trauma.
- Excessive alcohol intake, cigarette smoking.
- Hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, cold and flu, liver disease etc.
- Forgetting to remove eye makeup at night.
- Some people may develop bloodshot eyes after swimming due to irritation of the eyes from chlorinated water.
Signs And Symptoms Of Bloodshot Eyes
Bloodshot eyes can develop at anytime but most often you may see it for the first time after waking up in the morning. Red blotch may be present in one eye or both the eyes depending on the underlying cause. There may or may not be associated symptoms.
Bloodshot eyes may appear scary when you see it for the first time. It may cover the whole white or a small patch of congestion. Below are some of the important symptoms that may be present with bloodshot eyes.
- Itching
- Blurry vision
- Watering in the eyes.
- Pain in affected eye.
- Irritation in the eye.
- Yellow or white discharge in the eye.
- There may be accompanying headache and body ache.
- Cough and sneezing if it is due to an allergy or viral infection.
Bloodshot eye without any other accompanying symptom subsides within two to three days.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bloodshot Eyes
Bloodshot eyes is usually not a concerning problem. Congestion gradually dissipates in two to three days without any treatment. If the red patch on sclera is caused due to eyestrain or fatigue, splash your eyes with cool water three to four times in a day is enough to cure the condition.
- You can also apply cold compress on the affected eye. During this period avoid wearing contact lens. Wear protective eye wear, when you are doing work which may produce dust particles in air.
- Cool teabags are relaxing for the irritated and fatigued eyes. Cool one or two tea bags in refrigerator. Place this cool tea bag on the affected eyes for 5 minutes.
- Since a spot of blood on sclera is an indication of high blood pressure, measure your blood pressure and control it if it is high with medications. Avoid drinking too much of alcohol, and caffeinated drinks as it may aggravate the condition.
If the problem is not relieved within two days, consult your ophthalmologist to rule out any major eye problem.