Red Veins in Eyes: Causes and Treatment

Do you have red veins in your eyes? While it’s normal to feel a bit concerned, it’s not always something to worry about.

Redness is a common eye problem, and it’s not always a sign of a serious condition. However, it’s worth knowing the potential causes of red eyes so you can seek relief.

Here are some of the most common causes of red eyes and the best ways to get your eyes feeling — and looking — normal again.

What Are the Possible Causes of Red Eye?

The main anatomical explanation of red eyes is inflammation and swelling in the sclera, or the white part of the eye. When the blood vessels in your sclera swell, it can change the appearance of the whites of your eyes, making them look reddish.

The reason your eyes look veiny when they’re red is because they really do have veins in them. Blood vessels are arteries and veins that carry blood to and from your eyes, but they aren’t usually visible.

That said, here are the most common reasons why they might become easier to see:

Contact Lenses

If you wear contacts regularly, you might experience irritation from time to time. This issue is especially common for folks who forget to clean or replace their contacts when they’ve run their course.

Cleaning your contacts is an absolute must to avoid red, irritated eyes. Poor contact lens hygiene can also result in eye infections, which nobody wants to deal with.

Additionally, wearing contacts that don’t fit well or leaving your lenses in for too long can cause red veins to appear in your eyes. The same goes for wearing a folded or ripped contact lens.

The best way to avoid eye redness from contacts is simple: wear glasses! Glasses don’t irritate your eyes the way contacts often do, making them a more comfortable and hygienic choice for many people. However, if you prefer to wear contacts, cleaning them daily, good hand hygiene and handling them carefully can make a big difference.

Sleeplessness

Lack of sleep can also make your eyes look red. Sleeplessness can increase the flow of blood and other fluids around your eyes, making them look puffy and red. That’s because your eyes self-clean at night, and missing this crucial step in your body’s recovery cycle can negatively impact your appearance.

As you can imagine, the best way to avoid this issue is to prioritize getting a good night’s sleep as often as possible. You might need as much as nine hours of shut-eye per night to feel fully rested and rejuvenated, especially if you haven’t been sleeping well on a regular basis.

If you need to cover up the telltale signs of a sleepless night, we recommend taking these steps:

• Skip Contact Lenses: Wear your glasses instead! As we mentioned before, contacts can irritate your eyes and lead to more redness when you’re tired.

• Use Eye Drops: These can help you seek relief from redness and dryness. In most cases, you can use over-the-counter drops.

• Stay Hydrated: After a night of poor sleep, drink water throughout the day. Getting enough fluids can help you avoid further dryness and irritation.

Allergies

Allergies are another common cause of red eyes, along with other uncomfortable symptoms. If you have seasonal allergies triggered by a common allergen like pollen or mold, you might find that your eyes get red, teary, and itchy when you’re outside.

Additionally, if you’re allergic to pet dander or other indoor allergens, your eyes might also get red, puffy, and itchy. Over-the-counter antihistamines and eye drops can help you deal with these symptoms, but a heavy-duty treatment like immunotherapy might be necessary in more severe cases.

However, it’s worth noting that some over-the-counter allergy medications can actually dry your eyes out more. For this reason, we recommend combining OTC antihistamines with eye drops to compensate for the dryness caused by these medicines.

Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common cause of red veins. Pink eye, in turn, is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

This eye condition is very contagious and can spread when someone with pink eye touches their eyes. Thankfully, with the help of some home remedies, conjunctivitis usually goes away on its own.

Even still, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor if you have pink eye. That way, you can manage your symptoms and avoid spreading conjunctivitis to others.

If you have pink eye, you can seek relief with over-the-counter eye drops like artificial tears. That said, the most important aspect of recovery is leaving your eyes alone. Touching your eyes increases the risk of spreading the disease and can further irritate your veins.

If you’re unsure if you have pink eye or are dealing with another cause of red veins, look for symptoms like swelling, discharge, and tearing.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is another eye condition which causes red, inflamed and itchy eyelids. that can make your eyes red and irritated. It can be caused by blocked oil glands, or bacteria caused by poor eyelid hygiene. A common symptom of Blepharitis is a dandruff like crusting around the eyelid margins.It’s caused by a blocked oil gland, which becomes swollen and causes a burning sensation around your eye.

The following problems often cause this condition:

• Bad Hygiene: Blepharitis sometimes develops because of poor eyelid hygiene. More specifically, these clogged oil glands can develop because of dirty makeup brushes, not washing your face and eyes enough, or using too many comedogenic (pore-clogging) products.
  
  
• Not Blinking Enough: Blinking lubricates your eyes and keeps them functioning. When something like looking at a screen for too long disrupts your normal blinking frequency, it can indirectly lead to blepharitis.

• Eyelid Mites: Demodicosis, a mite that feeds on human skin, sometimes lives in the eyelashes and can cause blepharitis. This mite is one reason why eye doctors recommend intentionally washing your eyelids.

The best way to avoid blepharitis is to practice good hygiene. An exfoliating eyelid scrub can be helpful if your eyelashes and eyelids tend to get red. Additionally, if your eyelids seem chronically irritated, it could be worth talking to your eye doctor about alternative solutions.

Dry Eye Syndrome

If your eyes are dry, irritated, and red, you may have a chronic (but harmless) condition called dry eye syndrome.

When you have chronic dry eyes, it can be a sign that something is wrong with your eye care routine or overall lifestyle.

Some of the most common causes are:

• Looking at a computer screen for too long

• Not getting enough sleep at night

• Taking medications that cause dryness as a side effect

• Changes in hormones, which can affect your skin, eyes, and more

• Poor contact lens hygiene

When your eyes are bloodshot because of dry eye syndrome, over-the-counter eye drops might be the best solution. However, it’s important not to overuse eye drops, as this can dry out your eyes in the long run.

That’s because overusing eye drops can make you develop a tolerance to their active ingredients. If you use eye drops that contain blood vessel-constricting ingredients, don’t overdo it. Tolerance to these ingredients can lead to a rebound effect, making your eyes more dry and red than they were before.

Dry Eyes From Dehydration

It might sound like a stretch, but not drinking enough fluids, such as water, can also dry out your eyes.

This common problem stems from eye irritation. Usually, your eyes are lubricated and soothed every time you blink. If you don’t have enough fluids, your blinks won’t serve this important purpose, and your eyes will be left red.

It’s no secret that drinking plenty of water is the best (and only) way to stay truly hydrated. Sadly, it can be a hard habit to form, especially if you prefer to reach for coffee or soda.

If you’re having trouble developing hydration habits, try skipping all non-water drinks and committing to a set amount of water each day. Drink whenever you’re thirsty — you don’t need to chug to stay hydrated.

It’s worth mentioning that dehydration is no laughing matter. When it’s serious and chronic, you can end up in the hospital. Drinking plenty of water should be a part of your daily routine to avoid an emergency.

Scleritis

Scleritis is a form of sclerasclare inflammation that can cause severe pain and redness across the surface of the eye. It’s sometimes caused by an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, which is why your healthcare provider might use more than just an eye exam for an accurate diagnosis.

If you have symptoms of scleritis, your doctor might also refer you to an ophthalmologist and order blood work. If the results of your blood work indicate that you may have an autoimmune condition, you may need to adjust your lifestyle or take medication to resolve your eye symptoms (and feel better overall).

Photokeratitis

Photokeratitis is a condition caused by too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays. It causes light sensitivity, pain, redness, and watery eyes. Thankfully, these symptoms normally go away within a few days. Still, long-term exposure can lead to chronic problems, including cataracts.

If you’ve dealt with photokeratitis before, you know how uncomfortable it can be. The best way to prevent this condition is to protect your eyes when you’re out in the sun. A pair of polarized sunglasses will do the trick.

COVID-19

If you’ve recently tested positive for COVID-19, you might deal with symptoms that closely resemble pink eye.

Research shows that one in 10 people who contract COVID-19 experience eye-related symptoms, including redness, itching, and dryness. You might not experience these symptoms yourself, but it’s a good idea to prepare for them just in case.

There’s even a phenomenon called “COVID pink eye,” which refers to the full spectrum of conjunctivitis symptoms in people with COVID-19. This issue is most common in children, and it can make the illness even more contagious.

As always, make sure to get plenty of rest, take the medication recommended by your doctor, and avoid contact with others until you’re better. In addition, keep up to date with your vaccines to avoid getting sick again.

Your Glasses Frame

You might have heard that it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to glasses, which can cause symptoms like red and irritated eyes. While this is true, it’s not very common.

In most cases, an allergic reaction to glasses is caused by a metal, such as nickel. Nickel is a relatively common skin irritant, and it’s used to make some metal eyeglasses frames. If you have metal glasses and your eyes are red and irritated, the frames may be the cause.

We always recommend frames made from plastics like acetate for folks with sensitive skin. This material is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, and we use it in many of our frames here at Pair.

The Wrong Prescription

In addition, a prescription that’s too weak or too strong can cause eye strain, making your eyes red, teary, and irritated. That can be a real problem, especially if you neglect to get your eyes checked annually.

As a general rule, it’s best to get an eye exam anytime you notice vision changes or ocular issues. While it’s usually recommended to get an exam once a year, the sooner, the better.

Wearing glasses or contacts that aren’t the correct strength can cause other symptoms, including headaches and trouble focusing. If you’re noticing these issues, get your eyes checked out as soon as possible and update your prescription.

Eye Injuries

If you get something in your eye — usually referred to as a foreign object or foreign body — you might have to deal with residual symptoms. Something as small as an eyelash or a piece of dirt can cause eye irritation and make your eyes look red.

Sometimes, a foreign object in part of your eye can become a medical emergency and cause vision problems without prompt treatment.

Other Eye Symptoms

If you have any signs and symptoms of conditions like uveitis, a corneal ulcer, or glaucoma, go to your eye doctor ASAP. Bloodshot eyes are often a key symptom of all these conditions, and an optometrist or ophthalmologist can assess your overall eye health and diagnose you accurately.

Additionally, if you experience any kind of vision loss —including blurred vision or visual distortion —it’s a wise idea to visit your eye doctor right away. The same goes for eye pain that lasts longer than a few hours or is severe.

When Should You See a Doctor About Red Eyes?

Red eyes aren’t always a cause for concern. In fact, they’re often just a part of life. However, there are times when red veins in your eyes might call for closer attention.

Monitor these factors to determine whether you should seek medical attention for red eyes:

Whole-Body Symptoms

If your red eyes are accompanied by symptoms that affect the rest of your body, it might be time to see a doctor. For example, a fever, chills, a sore throat, or other signs of a viral or bacterial infection might indicate that you need medical attention to treat a deeper issue.

In some cases, red eyes are caused by a condition that needs to be treated with prescription medication, like antibiotics. These aren’t available over the counter, so you’ll need your doctor’s approval to get the help you need.

On the other hand, viral infections like conjunctivitis can also call for care from a doctor. If you’re experiencing pink eye symptoms along with a fever or other signs of an infection, visit your doctor’s office.

How To Keep Your Eyes Healthy and Comfortable

If you’re dealing with chronic red eyes, it might be a sign that your eye care routine needs an overhaul. Here are a few tips that may help you get more comfortable:

Switch From Contacts to Glasses

Based on some of the causes of red eyes we’ve covered, it’s clear that contact lenses are a major culprit behind this issue.

If you wear contacts regularly and frequently deal with red eyes, skipping them and opting for glasses instead can be game-changing. As we’ve discussed, improving your contact lens hygiene can also be helpful, but that can take a lot of effort.

For a low-maintenance solution, glasses are the way to go. Pair’s glasses are comfortable and easy to maintain, and we make it easy to find the perfect look with our magnetic Top Frames. These unique accessories attach seamlessly to your Base Frames, completely transforming the appearance of your glasses. That way, you can swap them out anytime the mood strikes.

Wash Your Face (and Eyes) Daily

Hygiene is a make-or-break factor when it comes to eye irritation. If you find that your eyes are regularly itchy and red, it might mean you need to be more diligent when washing your face.

If allergies primarily cause your irritation, a consistent face-washing routine can also be helpful. Cleansing your skin can wash away allergens that might be irritating your eyes and give you a fresh start for the day ahead.

Additionally, a specialized eyelash scrub in your face care routine can go a long way. A scrub can prevent your eyelids from developing clogged oil glands, which isthe root issue behind blepharitis.

Limit Your Screen Time

Not blinking enough is one of the main causes of red eyes, especially in the digital age. It’s easy to “forget” to blink when scrolling through TikTok or hard at work on your laptop, but it’s important to remember this vital aspect of eye health.

Taking a break from a screen every 20 minutes can help you avoid overdoing it and messing up your eyes’ natural processes. Additionally, limiting your screen time at night can be especially helpful —blue light can irritate your eyes anddisrupt your sleep schedule when you take in too much after sundown.

Eye Care Is Self-Care

It’s always worthwhile to prioritize your eye health —even if your eyes seem perfectly fine. Practicing daily eye care is the best way to avoid uncomfortable symptoms like redness and irritation.

Small habits like drinking water and going to the eye doctor can be key parts of your eye care routine — as can wearing a pair of glasses that fit you perfectly. When you give your eyes the care and attention they deserve, you might find that they feel more comfortable in the long run.

If you’re not sure where to start with eye care, you can learn more at the Pair blog.

Sources:

COVID-19 and Pink Eye Are Possibly Connected | Cleveland Clinic

Allergies: Symptoms, Reaction, Treatment & Management | Cleveland Clinic

Eye - foreign object in Information | Mount Sinai - New York

Red Eye - American Academy of Ophthalmology