Bloodshoot Eyes

When you see people with bloodshot eyes, you may think that they have been crying or had one too many. And you may be right. When you "cry your eyes out," the small blood vessels in the eyes dilate or become inflammed. Drinking too much alcohol can have a similar effect.

Bloodshot eyes can also signal that you are suffering from a cold or allergies. But if your bloodshot eyes last for several days and you are taking an anticoagulant medication (blood thinner), you may be having an unfortunate reaction. Theses drugs can sometimes cause hemorrhage in the eye as well as other parts of the body.

Chronic bloodshot eyes can be a red flag that you have Ocular Rosacea. Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes the face to become red, oily and pimply. About 60% of people with Rosacea also have Ocular Rosacea, which can cause other eye problems such as watery eyes, dry eyes, eye irritation, and light sensitivity. If left untreated, Ocular Rosacea can lead to corneal damage and impaired vision.

If your eye is more pink than red, feels irritated, and has a watery discharge, you probably have Conjunctivitis, a highly contagious eye infection. Without taking special precautions, chances are it will spread to your other eye as well as to others in your household.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have bloodshot eyes along with any of the following signs: severe headache, blurred vision, mental confusion, nausea and vomiting, or seeing halos around lights. You may be having an attack of Acute Glaucoma (a sudden increase in eye pressure), which without prompt treatment can lead to blindness.