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How to Get Rid of Red Veins in Eyes

by Dr. Joe Morales

How can one get rid of red veins in the eyes? Red veins in eyes can permanent veins in the corner of eye whites. We are going to look at; red veins in the eye causes, how to get rid of red veins in eyes and how to treat them.

What are red veins in the eye?

Before thinking of how to get rid of red veins in the eyes, it is important to understand what red veins in the eye means. Red eye is a term used to describe red, irritated and bloodshot eyes. Red eye usually means that the whites of the eyes appear bloodshot.

Red veins in eye

Red veins in eye

This happens because of changes to the blood vessels that supply the membrane covering the front of the eye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the eyelids. The blood vessels of this membrane can dilate, causing the eyes to appear reddened.

What causes red eye veins?

Red eye is caused by swollen or dilated blood vessels on the sclera, the white outer surface of the eye. It is also caused by allergy, eye fatigue, over-wearing contact lenses or common eye infections such as pink eye (conjunctivitis).However, redness of the eye sometimes red eye can be as a result of a more serious eye condition or disease.

There are many other factors that may lead to red eye veins. However, it is very important to know the red veins in the eye causes. This knowledge will help one to get rid of red veins in the eye.

1. Red eyes as a result of conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is also called pink eye, pink eye can cause inflammation in the eye area. The highly contagious condition appears in three forms: bacterial, viral, and allergic.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically treated with a prescription antibiotic. Viral conjunctivitis can be soothed with a cool compress and cool artificial tears. Symptoms generally clear in less than two weeks.

Allergic conjunctivitis also benefits from cool compresses and cool artificial tears. You should also consider cool allergy eye drops. Your doctor can help you identify the specific source of irritation and how to reduce it.

2. Red eyes caused by allergens

Many people experience eye irritation when exposed to pollen. To reduce irritation, stay inside when pollen counts are highest. This is usually during mid-morning and early evening. You should also take precautions when conditions are windy. Use eye protection outdoors.

Mold is another common allergen. If that’s the case for you, keep the humidity level of your home between 30 and 50 percent.  If you live in a humid climate, you may need a dehumidifier. Make sure you regularly clean high-humidity areas, such as basements or bathrooms, to keep them free of mold.

Pet dander can be controlled with some common sense strategies. If possible, keep your pets outside. You should also keep them away from things that will touch your eyes, such as bed pillows. Avoid rubbing your eyes after touching your pet, and wash your hands after any contact has been made.

3. Red eyes caused by blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common inflammatory eye disorder that causes redness in the eye area. It can also cause: itchiness, burning, flaking, and crusting. However, there is no strong strong evidence to suggest that antibiotics are effective against blepharitis. The best practice is to keep the eyelids clean and using a warm compress.

4. Red eyes caused by subconjunctival hemorrhage

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is less common type of red eye is a single, it is characterized by blood-colored patch on the eye. This blotch is typically a bruise similar to what you may have on the skin. It may arise after a minor bump or even coughing or sneezing. High blood pressure and use of blood thinners increase the chance of a hemorrhage. The patch normally clears up in two weeks without any treatment. However, consider seeing a doctor if you’re having any pain or persistent discomfort.

5. Eye redness caused by dry eyes

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your tear glands produce either an insufficient quantity or quality of tears to properly lubricate and nourish your eyes. Chronic dry eye can cause the surface of the eye to become inflamed and irritated, making your eyes look red.  Tears are very useful in the eye. They lubricate your eyes and help keep them clean.

6. Burst blood vessel in the eye

Straining, coughing or injuring your eye can sometimes cause a blood vessel to burst on the eye surface, causing a bright red blotch. This is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This condition may look alarming, especially when one is taking medication such as aspirin or warfarin (these reduce the blood’s ability to clot, which can exaggerate the redness), but it’s not usually serious and should clear up on its own within a few weeks.

7. Eye redness caused by Iritis 

Iritis is the inflammation of the iris (the colored part of the eye). This condition is also known as anterior uveitis. When an individual is having iritis, they eyes become very sensitive to light. The vision becomes blurred and may experience headache.

There is no cause that has been identified to cause iritis, although iritis can sometimes be caused by an underlying problem with the immune system or an infection. Iritis usually responds quickly to treatment with steroid medication to reduce the inflammation. It rarely leads to severe problems.

8. Red eye triggered by acute glaucoma

Acute glaucoma is a serious condition where there is a sudden increase in pressure inside your eye. Your eye will probably be severely red and painful, and you may feel sick and see halos around lights. Your vision may be blurred or cloudy.

9. Red eye caused by corneal ulcer

An ulcer on the cornea (the clear outer layer at the front of the eyeball) is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It can cause the eye to become red and sensitive to light, and it can feel like there’s something in your eye.

Bacterial corneal ulcers are usually seen in people who wear contact lenses. Viral corneal ulcers are often seen in people who frequently get cold sores. If the particle has scratched your eye, it may feel a bit uncomfortable when the anaesthetic eye drops have worn off. You may be given antibiotic eye drops or ointment to use for a few days to reduce the risk of infection while it heals.

Other causes of red eye

Other causes of red eye include:

1. Smoking cause red eyes

Smoking cause heart and lung disorders. In addition to significantly increasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and uveitis, tobacco smoke is a toxic eye irritant that also can cause dry, red and itchy eyes.

Smoking marijuana also causes red, bloodshot eyes. THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, causes significant dilation of blood vessels on the eye, producing eye redness that can last several hours or even longer.

2. Red eyes from drinking alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption also can cause eye redness. Alcohol reduces oxygen to your red blood cells, causing blood vessels to clump together and resulting in a ruddy complexion and red, bloodshot eyes.

3. Pregnancy causes eye redness

During pregnancy, there is hormonal changes. These changes may greatly affect the eyes in many ways. The eyes may become red and bloodshot, as well as dry, itchy and become very sensitive to light. It can alter the shape of eye cornea and one may develop an intolerance to contact lenses or even experience blurry vision. These problems, including eye redness, usually are temporary and resolve completely within weeks or months after childbirth.

4. Eye redness caused by cold and flu

Bloodshot and puffy eyes, along with a runny nose, are common symptoms of a cold or flu. Red eyes in this instance typically are caused by a sinus infection or blocked sinuses, especially when accompanied with sneezing and coughing.

5. Red eye from whitening eye drops

Eye drops marketed for red eyes contain vasoconstrictors, which are chemicals that shrink the blood vessels on the surface of your eye to reduce redness. However, whitening eye drops can cause more harm than good over the long term.

6. Environmental and workplace hazards

Extremely dry air, dust, smoke and excessive sun exposure are known eye irritants that can cause red eyes, among other symptoms. Corneal scratches caused by windblown particles such as sand and wood filings or flying bits of metal and glass can cause a serious eye injury.

It is therefore advisable to always wear protective eyewear such as safety glasses when you are at risk of foreign objects striking your eye, whether it be at work, playing sports or performing chores around the house such as mowing the lawn.

7. Lack of sleep causes red eye

Lack of enough sleep causes the eyes to be puffy and form dark circles. Moreover, rubbing of puffy eyes causes them to become extremely red.

8. Red eye when swimming

Pool sanitizers like chlorine, as well as bacteria found naturally in any type of water, including oceans, lakes and rivers — can cause eye disorders on swimmers. If an individual is prone to red eyes, it is advisable to use swim goggles before taking a dip to avoid irritated, bloodshot eyes after swimming.

See also:

How to reduce redness in eye

There is possibility of reducing the redness of the eye. The correct remedy for your red eyes depends on the specific cause. Generally, one or more of the following will ease the discomfort of most cases of red eyes.

1. How to Use of Warm compress to reduce eye redness

Warm compresses can be very effective in reducing redness in the eye. The heat produced can increase blood flow to the area. It can also increase oil production on your eyelids. This allows your eyes to create more lubrication. For maximum results, follow the steps below:

  1. Soak a towel in warm water and wring it out.
  2. The area around the eyes is sensitive, so keep the temperature at a reasonable level.
  3. Place the towel on your eyes for about 10 minutes.

2. Apply Cool compress to reduce eye redness

Use a towel soaked in cold water and wrung out may also provide short-term relief for red eye symptoms. It can relieve any swelling and reduce any itchiness from irritation. Be sure to avoid any extremes of temperature in the area around your eyes, or you may make the problem worse.

3. Use of artificial tears to reduce eye redness

Tears are very useful in the eye. They lubricate your eyes and help keep them clean. Short-term or long-term dryness might call for over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes healthy. If cool artificial tears are recommended, consider refrigerating the solution

4. Spoon the eyes to reduce eye redness

Since reducing temperature has the effect of constricting blood vessels, which leads to decreased redness, swelling, and irritation, this simple method is a great option when you need to relax your eyes, but don’t want to mess with much.

  • Take four metal teaspoons and place them in ice water.
  • Once they’re cooled (not frozen), place two of the spoons, with the concave side toward your skin, following your eye socket’s natural contour.
  • Lay back, and relax.
  • When the first set of spoons becomes warm from your body heat, replace it with the second set that’s been chilling.
  • Continue alternating spoons for up to 20 minutes.

5. How to use eye rinse to reduce eye redness

Soothing eye rinse works very well for tired, dry, and bloodshot eyes. It should be noted that, with any home remedy, you want to ensure that your utensils and containers are sanitized before you begin. The steps below should be followed for effectiveness:

  1. Bring the water to a boil and remove it from heat.
  2. If you’re using fennel seeds, crush them using a mortar and pestle.
  3. Add one of the herbs listed above to the boiled water, cover the pot, and let steep for 30 minutes.
  4. Strain the liquid twice through a nylon stocking, coffee filter, or very fine cloth.
  5. Pour the strained liquid into a sterilized container.
  6. You can refrigerate this rinse for up to seven days.

Application: Splash the rinse into open eyes, or mist into open eyes. You may also use an eye cup, which I haven’t been able to master, but don’t let that stop you!

6. Use of damp tea bags over the eyes

Damp tea bag cause a relaxing and cool effect on the eye. Many green, black, and many herbal teas provide a variety of benefits, including the reduction of inflammation and eye redness. A few top contenders specifically worth applying to your eyes are green, black, catnip, rose petal, chamomile flowers, elder flowers, eyebright, fennel seeds, lavender buds, and blackberry leaves.

7. Removal of makeup and eye lenses

Eyes need to be given enough rest. Not only does leaving your makeup on cause premature aging for your skin, but doing so could also result in clogged tear ducts, which mean the potential for a stye, or simply not enough lubrication to keep your eyes clear and vibrant.

Furthermore, leaving your contact lenses in can be even more damaging, as they have a tendency to deposit microbes and other particulate on the surface of your eye. The next thing you may develop a fungal infection from leaving your lenses in too long.

8. How to use cool eye mask to reduce eye redness

Another gem from organic body Care Recipes is the rejuvenating and hydrating eye mask. It is very lovely and refreshing. In order to use rejuvenating and hydrating eye mask effectively, follow the guidelines below:

  1. Using your mortar and pestle, combine ingredients into a smooth, thick paste and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Add a few drops of water if mixture is too thick.
  3. Lie down, close your eyes, and finger paint your entire eye area, including your eyelids.
  4. Rest and relax for 10 minutes, then
  5. Rinse your face with cool water.

9. Have enough sleep to reduce eye redness

Having enough sleep is very important or a few hours extra every now and then. Compromising your sleep means your heart is not working at optimum levels, nor are your thyroids or kidneys. These organs need adequate time to recharge, and skipping on sleep robs them of it. So, if you want to keep your eyes (and other organs) healthy, clear, and free of bags or dark circles, it is advisable to ensure that you are getting enough sleep.

How to treat red veins in your eyes

If you regularly experience red, irritated eyes, you may need to think beyond quick fixes. Here are a few lifestyle changes that may relieve your symptoms. You should also talk to your doctor if the problem persists.

1. Switch contacts to treat red veins

When wearing eye lenses is accompanied by eye redness, the problem may involve your eyewear. The materials found inside certain lenses can increase your likelihood for infection or irritation. The contact solution that you use can also affect your eyes. Certain solution ingredients aren’t as compatible with certain lens materials. Make sure you’re using the best contact solution for your lenses.

2. By paying attention to the kind of diet you take

If you aren’t staying hydrated, it can cause your eyes to be bloodshot. Generally, a person needs about 8 cups of water a day to maintain a proper fluid balance. Eating an excessive amount of inflammatory foods may cause eye redness. Processed foods, dairy products, and fast foods can all cause inflammation if eaten in excess.

One can relieve this by limiting the amount you eat or adding more inflammation-reducing foods to your diet. Research has found that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation. These are commonly found in fish, such as salmon, and seeds and nuts, such as flaxseed. You can also take supplements containing omega-3s.

By being aware of your surroundings to get rid of red veins in eyes

Environment can also affect your eyes. If you’re constantly surrounded by allergens, such as pollen or smoke, it may be at the root of the problem. Dry air, humidity, and wind can also have an effect.

Sources and references

  1. NHS Choices: Red eye
  2. Healthline: Why eye redness happens and how to treat it
  3. com: Red Eyes, Bloodshot Eyes: Causes and Treatment
  4. MEDICAL NEWS TODAY: How to Get Rid of Red Eyes: Home Remedies and Health Tips

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