Can Bloodshot Eyes Be Serious?

Most causes of bloodshot eyes aren't dangerous. Eye redness is usually short-lived and resolves on its own. However, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition that requires treatment, such as a severe infection, a corneal ulcer, or glaucoma.

If you're not sure if you should see your healthcare professional, consider your other symptoms. For example, eyes that are red and sensitive to light, accompanied by blurry vision, or causing severe pain should be evaluated.

This article discusses red eyes and other symptoms that should not be ignored. It explains when bloodshot eyes may be serious, less-concerning causes of red eyes, and how a provider will come to reach a diagnosis.

When Red Eyes Are Concerning

Red eyes that are caused by an injury or accompanied by pain, unusual discharge, or vision changes can be a sign of a serious condition that should be evaluated.

Seeking medical treatment at the first sign of a problem can help you get a proper and prompt diagnosis, prevent more serious issues, and preserve your vision. In some cases, urgent medical attention is recommended.

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is a symptom of many neurological disorders, as well as conditions that affect the eyes.

If you have blurry vision with eye redness, this combination may be caused by a serious eye problem. An autoimmune disorder, severe infections, and edema (swelling) are some of the causes of a red eye with blurred vision.

Don't delay in getting a medical evaluation if you are having these symptoms.

Pain

Conjunctivitis, a common viral infection often referred to as pink eye, may cause discomfort or scratchiness of the eye but not extreme pain.

Conditions that cause significant eye pain that may also involve eye redness include keratitis, a corneal ulcer, iridocyclitis, acute open-angle glaucoma, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Sensitivity to Light

Photophobia, which is extreme sensitivity to light, is common with migraines and after head injuries. Along with eye redness, it can also be a symptom of eye irritation, inflammation, or any type of damage to the eye.

Light sensitivity is a general symptom that occurs when the cornea (the clear covering in front of your eye) is irritated, such as from a corneal abrasion or corneal ulcer.

It can also be caused by iritis, an inflammatory disorder of the eye in which the ciliary muscle behind the iris becomes inflamed and begins to spasm, causing the eye to feel sensitive to light.

Other possible causes of sensitivity to light include:

• An autoimmune disease such as lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, or multiple sclerosis
• Burns to the eye
• Eye trauma or recovery from eye surgery
• Infection
• Meningitis
• Wearing contacts that do not fit properly or for too long

Sensitivity to light can also be a side effect of medication. Phenylephrine, scopolamine, ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall, and eye drops used to dilate pupils or treat viral infections list light sensitivity as a side effect.

Street drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and other amphetamines can also cause sensitivity to light. In some cases, sensitivity to light does not have an identifiable cause.

Colored Halos

Colored halos are a symptom of cataracts, corneal edema, and acute closed-angle glaucoma. These conditions can also cause redness in the eyes, but that is not always the case.

When you have swelling in your eye, the cornea becomes thicker. As it thickens, it also becomes cloudy. When this occurs, light scatters, and you see halos.

This can be caused by a chronic disease process, or it can develop rapidly. You should see a healthcare professional if are seeing halos around lights.

Discharge

Red eyes accompanied by unusual discharge can be a sign of an infection or trauma.

Some eye discharge is normal. The eyes are self-lubricating and routinely produce small amounts of mucus and tears.

However, excessive or unusual discharge is another story. Signs that eye discharge should be evaluated include:

• Bloody discharge or mucus with a red or pink tint
• Excessive mucus that crusts over and makes it difficult to open your eyes
• Excessive tearing that persists and is not related to allergies
• Mucus that is green, grey, or yellow
• Thick or clumpy discharge
• White, stringy discharge in excessive amounts

What to Do About Red Eyes

If you don't have these other symptoms, it's likely that your red eyes are due to something benign like dryness, allergies, or an irritant (like smoke in the air).

In this case, the redness will go away on its own in a day or two. In the meantime, you can avoid making it worse by taking the following precautions:

• Don't touch or rub your eye.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses.
• Get plenty of rest.

If your eyes are red and itchy as a result of allergies, you can try using over-the-counter eyedrops to relieve your symptoms. Artificial tears can also help with dry eyes.

An over-the-counter eyewash solution may be helpful, too.

How Eye Conditions Are Diagnosed

An ophthalmologist will evaluate your eyes with an examination and by asking questions about your symptoms and health history. Some of these questions may include:

• Do your eyes hurt?
• Are you sensitive to light?
• Has your vision changed?
• Are your eyes watering or producing crust or discharge?
• Do you think something may have gotten in your eye?
• Have you been exposed to chemicals?

Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may take a sample of the fluid in your eye, test how your pupils respond to light, or ask you to read an eye chart. 

Summary

Most of the time, red eyes are not a reason to worry. They will usually resolve on their own in a day or two. Sometimes, though, red eyes can be a sign of a more serious condition.

If you have eye redness with sensitivity to light, blurry vision, pain, or discharge, or if you are seeing halos, see your eye healthcare provider.