What are the Causes of Bloodshot Eyes and Its Treatments

What are the Causes of Bloodshot Eyes and Its Treatments









Bloodshot Eyes

Bloodshot eyes is a term used to refer to an eye condition where the blood vessels of the cornea are diluted, engorged with blood, and appear red. Most of the time, it is a fatigue-related symptom and will not be a cause for concern, but there also are instances when the condition is caused by a disease process needing medical attention.

A blood shot eye, with the engorged veins should be differentiated from sub-conjunctival hemorrhage where there is bleeding into the conjunctival tissue as a result of a burst blood vessel.

Bloodshot Eyes Causes

There are a number of conditions that can lead to bloodshot eyes and these can be benign or they can also be pathological in nature. Some of the most common causes of bloodshot eyes include:

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  Sleep Deprivation
  
  


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  Alcohol Intake Resulting in a Hangover
  
  


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  Certain food items, salty and sugary foods can lead to red eyes on waking.
  
  


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  Cosmetic products not properly removed and worn to bed
  
  


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  Sun exposure
  
  


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  Decreased tear production, this may be due to chronic dry eyes.
  
  


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  Fatigue
  
  


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  Stress
  
  


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  Contact lens overuse
  
  


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  Infections; this can include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, corneal infections, etc.
  
  
  


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  Diabetes
  
  


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  Foreign body
  
  


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  Hypertension Medication and Blood Thinners
  
  


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  Allergies
  
  


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  Upper Respiratory Conditions, colds and flu
  
  


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  Pregnancy
  
  


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  Live problems; this may also be accompanied by jaundice
  
  


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  Kidney Failure
  
  


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  Smoking
  
  


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  Environmental Toxins
  
  


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  Menstruation
  
  


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  Dry Air
  
  


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  Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  
  


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  Vitamin Deficiencies
  
  

Treatment Options for Bloodshot Eyes

With the many different causes of bloodshot eyes, it is important to understand the exact cause of the condition in order to create the proper treatment plan.

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  Rest and Sleep. This is the recommended treatment when the blood shot eyes are caused by sleep deprivation, hangover, and fatigues.
  
  


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  Antibiotic Medication. This is given to patients who are suffering from eye infections.
  
  


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  Artificial Tears. This is given to patients who have chronically dry eyes and those who have to work in dry air. It may also be the treatment of choice for patients who have to remove small foreign bodies.
  
  


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  Clean the eye before bed. This is removing all cosmetics and make-ups.
  
  


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  Wear glasses in between periods of wearing contacts.
  
  

There are also certain foods that can help to clear bloodshot eyes, they include:

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  Fresh Fruits, especially berries
  
  


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  Water, drinking lots of water can help keep a person well hydrated.
  
  


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  Raw vegetables, especially those which are rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C
  
  


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  Legumes
  
  


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  Grains
  
  


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  Olive Oil
  
  


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  Mustard Greens, Spinach, and Kale
  
  


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  Fish
  
  

Foods that should be avoided include:

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  High sugar food items
  
  


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  Refined oils
  
  


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  Refined Salts
  
  


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  Dairy Products
  
  


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  Smoked, grilled, or fried food items.