Your eyes are red because the tiny blood vessels beneath their surface have become larger or inflamed. This is typically a reaction to something irritating your eye.
Understanding Eye Redness
Redness in the eyes occurs when the small blood vessels under the surface of the eye expand or become inflamed. This is a common response to various irritants and conditions.
Common Causes of Red Eyes
Here's a breakdown of why your eyes might be red:
- Irritation: Something is bothering your eyes, leading to inflammation.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause eye redness.
- Eye Injury: Physical trauma to the eye can result in redness.
- Infections: Infections in the eye can lead to redness and other symptoms.
- Dryness: Insufficient tear production can irritate the eyes and cause redness.
How Redness Develops
The redness can occur in one or both eyes, and it might:
- Develop over time, gradually becoming more noticeable.
- Appear suddenly, as can happen with an allergy or an injury.
How to Respond to Red Eyes
Here are a few steps you can take to address red eyes:
- Identify the Cause: Try to figure out what might be irritating your eyes.
- Use Eye Drops: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help soothe irritation.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from things that might be causing the redness, such as allergens or smoke.
- See a Doctor: If the redness doesn't improve or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or vision changes, it is important to seek medical advice from an eye doctor.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause | Enlarged or inflamed blood vessels under the eye's surface. |
| Triggers | Irritation, allergies, injury, infections, dryness. |
| Appearance | Can affect one or both eyes and can develop gradually or suddenly. |
| Action | Identify the cause, use eye drops, avoid irritants, see a doctor if needed. |
