When should I be concerned about a bloodshot eye?

Call 911 or your local emergency number for red eye if: Your vision changes suddenly. It is accompanied by severe headache, eye pain, fever or unusual sensitivity to light. You also experience nausea or vomiting.

What do red pupils mean?

A red reflex is produced when the flash of a camera lights up the blood-rich retina. If the eyes are looking directly at the camera lens and the color of the reflex in both eyes is red, in most cases that’s a good indication that the retinas of both eyes are unobstructed and healthy.

Can your pupils go red?

As your camera’s flash goes off, the pupil doesn’t have time to react, and the light causes a reflection on the retina which bounces back to the camera. There’s a layer on the back of the eye called the choroid which is full of blood causing the reflection color to be red.

Why are my eyes bloodshot and dilated?

Dilated pupils can be related to certain medications or drug use. Red or bloodshot eyes can also be related to drug use but can be due to allergic reactions and other conditions as well. If you are concerned about these or any other symptoms, seek the advice of a healthcare provider.

Can a bloodshot eye be serious?

Redness of the eye, also called bloodshot eyes, can indicate the presence of several different health issues. While some of these issues are benign, others are serious and require emergency medical attention. The redness of your eye may be a cause for concern.

Can bloodshot eyes be serious?

Red or bloodshot eyes occur when small blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged and congested with blood. Red eyes alone are not usually a reason for concern. However, if there is also eye pain, watering, dryness, or impaired vision, this can indicate a serious medical problem.

What can you do for bloodshot eyes?

How To Get Rid of Red Eyes

1. Use over-the-counter artificial tears.
2. Use over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops, especially if you are prone to seasonal allergies.
3. Use decongestants.
4. Place cool compresses or washcloths on your closed eyes a couple of times a day.

What is a bloodshot eye a symptom of?

Red eyes usually are caused by allergy, eye fatigue, over-wearing contact lenses or common eye infections such as pink eye (conjunctivitis). However, redness of the eye sometimes can signal a more serious eye condition or disease, such as uveitis or glaucoma.

What causes enlarged (dilated pupils and red (bloodshot) eyes?

WebMD Symptom Checker helps you find the most common medical conditions indicated by the symptoms enlarged (dilated) pupils and red (bloodshot) eyes including Cocaine abuse, Indoor allergens, and Allergic reaction. There are 19 conditions associated with enlarged (dilated) pupils and red (bloodshot) eyes.

What does it mean when your eyes become bloodshot?

Your eyes can become bloodshot because of allergies. Red eyes associated with burning and itching are often caused by allergies. The eyes become red because the blood vessels in the front part of the eye dilate and become larger. Fluid accumulates and causes swelling.

What should you do when your eyes are red and Bloodshot?

If your eyes are red and bloodshot due to dry eye syndrome, it might be helpful to instill lubricant eye drops into your eyes. Lubricant, or rewetting eye drops, are sold over the counter and can be used throughout the day. 2

Can allergies cause bloodshot eyes?

People with allergies often experience sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and burning sensations in their eyes. All of these are things that can easily irritate the eyes, and may cause bloodshot eyes.