Why have i woken up with a bloodshot eye

The type you have will determine how and if your doctor can treat it—for example, if it's bacterial, antibiotic eyedrops can help.

If you have either viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, practice good hand hygiene to keep it from spreading to other people in your household. Sharing towels or makeup, or just touching your eyes and then making contact with another person, can transmit it.

If you've ever had one too many drinks and noticed at the time or the next day that your eyes sported bright red spider veins in them, then you've experienced alcohol's effect on the eyes.

Here's what happens: Alcohol causes the tiny blood vessels on the eyes to dilate—so more blood flows through them. The more you drink, the more visible and red they appear against the whites of your eyes, says Dr.

Over the counter eye drops can help lessen the redness, and as the alcohol leaves your system in the hours after your drinking binge, the blood vessels will return to normal. Tired eyes tend to be bloodshot eyes. That's because a lack of sleep can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, which in turn causes blood vessels in them to dilate and appear red. Another factor that leads to redness comes into play as well.

A stye is a small red bump that forms on your eyelid or bottom edge of your eye after an oil gland there becomes plugged up. You could have just one or several, and each will resemble a pimple or boil. One of the first signs is redness, along with swelling and sensitivity. They're caused by bacteria and almost everyone will have them at some point. Luckily a stye doesn't affect your vision.

Your optometrist may find that your tear glands are clogged and should be cleaned with Blephex or Lipiflow , in which case you should see a change in your eyes within a few days. In more severe cases, your eye doctor may prescribe you medicated eye drops. There are also steps you can take at home to find relief and avoid triggers that could set off your burning eyes:.

If you are tired of waking up to burning, red eyes, seek treatment from an optometrist to find long-lasting relief. True Eye Experts can help your mornings be pain-free, besides the annoying clang of the alarm clock.

This damage may allow pathogens to penetrate the eye. Without appropriate treatment, corneal ulcers can lead to vision loss, so this is a medical emergency. Treatment options include antibiotics and antifungal agents. Serious cases may require a cornea transplant. A person whose body does not produce adequate tears to lubricate and nourish the eyes may develop dry eye syndrome. Hormonal changes, some medical conditions, and some medications can cause dry eye syndrome.

Chronic dry eye can cause the surface of the eye to become red, inflamed, and irritated. A doctor can determine if dry eyes are due to an underlying medical condition. An ophthalmologist can perform tests to measure tear production, if necessary. For mild cases, over-the-counter medications — such as artificial tears, gels, or ointments — may be helpful.

Other options include prescription eye drops and surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Some lifestyle tips for preventing dry eye syndrome include:. Get some more tips on treating dry eye syndrome here. The conjunctiva contains many blood vessels and capillaries. If these vessels break , blood can leak into the area between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. When this happens, a small amount of blood builds up under the conjunctiva. This small accumulation of blood is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage can result from a minor injury or trauma to the eye, including rubbing the eye due to allergies. Common causes also include coughing, sneezing, and straining. People who have diabetes , have high blood pressure , or take certain medications, such as blood thinners, may have a higher risk.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages occur on the surface of the eye. Because they do not affect the cornea or the interior of the eye, they do not impact vision. They are not usually painful, and the only symptoms may be red spots in the white of the eye. Although redness or blood in the eye can look serious, most subconjunctival hemorrhages are generally harmless and will clear up on their own within a few days.

Although more serious examples, like a black eye, often come to mind when thinking of injuries your eyes can sustain, it is important to note that even minor injuries can cause it. For example, getting soap or a foreign chemical in your eye can cause enough irritation to produce that red look. If you have sustained any injuries to your eyes and symptoms have not been going away, it is important to speak with a professional eye doctor to ensure an effective treatment is implemented.

Another cause for red eyes is infection. An infection can be caused by a transfer of bacteria, and can be treated to ensure full functionally and comfort is restored. One common example of a transfer of bacteria resulting in an eye infection is pink eye. Since an infection is very serious, it is important to note your symptoms and talk directly with a professional as soon as possible. To get more information on the health of your eyes and to schedule an eye exam, contact Advanced Eye Medical immediately.

Experiencing red eyes when you wake up is not pleasant and often can cause concern. To ensure the overall health of your eyes and to restore their color back to their natural look, make sure to take note of your symptoms, do your research, and visit the professionals to get on track to effective relief from symptoms.