Why Eyes Get Red

Have you ever noticed that your eyes get red from time to time? Red eyes can be quite annoying, especially if you’re trying to look your best. But why do our eyes turn red in the first place? The answer is actually quite simple—your eyes get red when the tiny blood vessels on the white part of your eye become dilated and fill with oxygenated blood. From allergies to tiredness, there are a number of potential causes for red eyes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why eyes get red as well as how to treat and prevent it.

How blood vessels in the eye become dilated

There are several reasons why blood vessels in the eye become dilated. One reason is due to changes in light. When you are in a dark room, your pupils will dilate in order to let in more light. Once you step into a brightly lit room, your pupils will constrict in order to reduce the amount of light that enters your eye. Another reason why blood vessels in the eye become dilated is due to emotions. If you are angry or afraid, your body will release adrenaline and other hormones that cause your blood vessels to constrict. However, if you are happy or excited, your body will release chemicals that cause your blood vessels to dilate.

Common causes of red eyes

There are a number of different things that can cause red eyes, including:

-Allergies: Seasonal allergies or reactions to irritants like pollen, dust, or smoke can cause your eyes to become inflamed and red.

-Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, this is an infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies.

-Dry eye: This occurs when your tears are not able to adequately lubricate your eyes. It can be caused by medications, certain medical conditions, or simply aging.

-Eye fatigue: Spending too much time staring at screens can lead to eye fatigue, which can make your eyes feel dry and irritated. Giving yourself a break from screens every 20 minutes or so can help prevent this.

-Eye injury: Any type of injury to the eye, even something minor like getting poked in the eye, can cause it to become red and swollen.

How to get rid of red eyes

There are a few things you can do to get rid of red eyes. First, try using artificial tears. These can be found over the counter at your local pharmacy. Simply put a drop or two in each eye to lubricate the surface and help flush out any irritants.

If your red eyes are due to allergies, you can take an antihistamine like Claritin or Zyrtec. These can be found over the counter as well. Be sure to follow the directions on the package for best results.

If your red eyes are due to a viral infection, such as pink eye, there is not much you can do other than let it run its course. However, you can try using a warm compress on your eyes several times a day to help ease the irritation and discomfort.

In rare cases, red eyes may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition like glaucoma or uveitis. If you experience sudden onset of redness in one or both eyes, accompanied by pain or vision changes, it is important to see an eye doctor right away for further evaluation and treatment.

When to see a doctor for red eyes

If your eyes are red and painful, you should see a doctor. If you have red eyes and a fever, you should also see a doctor. If your eyes are just red and not painful, you might not need to see a doctor. However, if the redness does not go away after a few days, you should consult with a doctor to find out the cause.

If your eyes are red and painful, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If your eyes are just red and not painful, you should still see a doctor if the redness lasts for more than a few days.
The bottom line is that if your eyes are red and painful, or not going away after a few days, you should see a doctor to get it checked out.

Conclusion

Red eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental irritants, eye infections or allergies. Regardless of the cause, it is important to identify and address the underlying issue in order to reduce redness and discomfort. Protective eyewear like sunglasses should also be worn to help protect your eyes from further irritation. By following these steps, you can keep your eyes looking clear and healthy for years to come.