Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that the white part of your eyes has become red? This can happen even when you have not been crying.
Red eyes occur when small blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged or inflamed. Sometimes the cause is minor, but in other cases it may require medical attention.
Here are seven possible reasons.
1. Lack of sleep
Not getting enough sleep can contribute to tired, irritated and dry eyes. This may make the eyes appear red.
2. Allergies
Dust, pollen, mould and other allergens can trigger an allergic reaction. The eyes may become red, watery and itchy.
3. Spending too much time looking at screens
Prolonged screen use can reduce how often you blink. This may cause dry eyes, irritation and redness.
4. Dry eye disease
When the eyes do not produce enough tears, or tears evaporate too quickly, the surface may become irritated. People may experience burning, a gritty sensation or redness.
5. Contact lens irritation
Wearing contact lenses for too long, sleeping in lenses that are not designed for overnight use or failing to clean them properly can irritate the eyes and increase infection risk.
6. Eye infections
Conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye, can cause redness, watering, discharge and irritation. It may be caused by a virus, bacteria or an allergic reaction.
7. A broken surface blood vessel
Sometimes a small blood vessel breaks beneath the clear surface covering the white of the eye. This can create a sharply defined red patch without causing pain or affecting vision.
When should you worry?
Seek urgent medical attention if redness comes with severe pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, injury, chemical exposure or a severe headache.
Avoid rubbing your eyes or using leftover prescription eye drops. Persistent redness should be assessed by an eye-care professional because the correct treatment depends on its cause.
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