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DESCRIPTION
Bloodshot eyes appear red and occurs when the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye (sclera) dilate excessively and become inflamed, enlarged, and congested with blood, usually in response to an insufficient supply of oxygen in the cornea or tissues covering the eyes. They are also called scleral injection, conjunctival injection, and red eye(s).
The condition is not, on its own, a problem, but is rather an indication of a greater disorder or the result of some minor irritant. At worst, they may on their own cause some minor cosmetic concerns. They are a common consequence of eyestrain, fatigue, mechanical irritation, environmental factors such as extremely dry air, sunburned sclera, allergic reactions, infection and other medical conditions and improper diet, especially the consumption of alcohol.
A bloodshot appearance can also result from deficiencies in vitamins B-2 (riboflavin) and B-6 (pyridoxine), and the amino acids histidine, lysine, or phenylalanine. Once the body receives the nutrients it needs, the congestion in the blood vessels should disappear.
A bright red, uniformly dense bloody area on the sclera results from a small amount of bleeding into the sclera. It is often first noted in the morning on arising. This is a fairly common occurrence and of little significance. If upon awakening in the morning, you notice a bloody blotch in one eye that doesn't hurt but just looks bad, don't worry. It is usually due to eyestrain or fatigue, and it generally clears up on its own after a few days.
COMMON CAUSES
Eyestrain. Fatigue. Blepharitis. Foreign bodies in the cornea and conjunctiva resulting in irritation. Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva. Corneal abrasion. Corneal ulcers and infections. Iritis. Ocular lacerations and intraocular foreign bodies. Uveitis.
Most commonly, bloodshot eyes are the result of fatigue and eyestrain, which require no real treatment and indicate no great disorder. Rest is always a plus. Topical antihistamines like Visine are good for treating bloodshot eyes, as they can reduce inflammation caused by whatever condition is present. Avoid at all costs unnecessary rubbing or scratching at the surface of the eye, as additional irritation will only worsen the condition and present the possibility for infection. Use eyedrops or a mild saline solution to soothe the eyes, if necessary, and do not allow contact with skin or hands, regardless of any itch.
A bright red, uniformly dense bloody area on the sclera results from a small amount of bleeding (hemorrhage) into the conjunctiva. It is fairly common occurrence and is usually caused by straining or coughing. It generally clears up on its own after a few days.
EYE INFECTION
Infection of the eye can be potentially very serious, but is usually the result of conjunctivitis, often called "pink eye". Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious and rather uncomfortable illness but is quite common and not terribly serious. Unless symptoms are exceedingly severe, conjunctivitis does not usually warrant a trip to the doctor or pediatrician, and can be controlled by preventing its spread. Do not rub one eye and then touch the other and avoid contact with others when infected. Wash your hands regularly during the period of infection to prevent transmission. If conjunctivitis lasts more than a few days, or if the itching seems more serious than commonly associated with the disease, a doctor's help may be necessary, and they may prescribe an antibiotic eyedrop or other antibiotic medication. Viral conjunctivitis, however, which is quite common as well, will not be sated with drugs, and must be allowed to run its course. A warm compress can be a welcome relief to the infected eye.
EYE INJURY
Be sure, when considering the possible cause of redness, that the eye is clear of foreign objects and damage. Small spots of blood without apparent pain or laceration are usually normal, the result of fatigue or strain, and will fade within a day, disappearing within several. If you believe your eye may be seriously injured, consult a health care provider immediately. Laceration to the white of the eye can occur without great ordeal, but damage to any of its sight organs can cause permanent damage. If obstacles are found, flush the eye with water or a saline solution appropriate to the eye's salinity (eyedrops will work). If removal is unsuccessful, consult a health care provider immediately.
Note: There may be other causes of bloodshot eyes. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as exact location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Visit with your health care provider to explore the possible explanations for bloodshot eyes, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
TREATMENT
Treatments depend upon the cause of the condition, but may generally be performed without the aid of a medical care provider.
HOME CARE TREATMENT
For fatigue or eyestrain, try to rest; no treatment is necessary. Otherwise, see your primary health care provider or an ophthalmologist for medical treatment.
If conjunctivitis is suspected or confirmed, avoid touching the infected eye and then rubbing the other eye. This condition is very contagious.
CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR EYE SPECIALIST IF:
Bloodshot eyes persists for longer than one or two days.
There is unexplained eye pain and vision problems.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER'S OFFICE:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting eye redness in detail may include:
- Location of eye redness.
- Are both eyes affected?
- If only one eye, which one?
- What part of the eye is affected - all of the white part, or just a small location?
- Time pattern... Did it begin suddenly? Has it ever happened before? Does it persist?
- Does it get worse after movement of the eyes?
- What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination may include a detailed eye examination.
INTERVENTION
The eyes may need irrigation with normal saline solution, and any foreign bodies will need to be removed. Eye drops may be prescribed.
AFTER SEEING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to bloodshot eyes to your personal medical record.
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Allergies
Homeopathic Remedies For Eye
Herbs That Reduce Eye Discomforts
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS & NUTRITION
HERBS
Use Red Raspberry Leaf to alleviate redness and irritation. Prepare a raspberry leaf tea, allow to cool, and soak a clean cloth or piece of sterile cotton in the tea to make a compress. Apply the compress to the eyes with the lids closed for 10 minutes or as needed.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTHY EYES
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Vitamin A 25,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Promotes healthy skin and hair.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels,Plus
Natural Beta-Carotene
Or
Carotenoid ComplexAs directed on label. Needed for all eye disorders.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 SoftgelsPlus
LuteinAs directed on label. Lutein can help protect the retina from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and free radicals. Needed for all eye disorders.
Lutein Supplement, Nature's Way, 20 mg, 60 Softgels,
Lutein Esters, 20 mg, 60 SoftgelsAnd
ZeaxanthinAs directed on label. Needed for all eye disorders.
Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene,Vitamin B Complex 50-100 mg daily. The B Vitamins help prevent loss of eyelashes.
Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs,
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 CapsPlus Extra
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)As directed on label. The B vitamins help prevent loss of eyelashes.
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps,
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin), 100% Natural, 100 mg, 100 CapsPlus Extra
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)As directed on label. The B Vitamins help prevent loss of eyelashes. Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure.
Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B-3), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 CapsVitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) 50 mg 3 times daily. Involved in cellular reproduction. Deficiencies have been associated with bloodshot eyes.
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), 100 mg, 100 CapsPlus
Brewer's Yeast2 Tablespoons daily. An excellent source of protein and a good source of B-vitamins.
Brewer's Yeast, Debittered, NOW Foods, 1 lb.,
Brewer's Yeast, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 200 TabsVitamin C With Bioflavonoids 1000-2,500 mg 4 times daily. Important antioxidants and necessary free radical destroyers. Required for tissue growth and repair.
Vitamin C Liquid w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.,
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs,
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps,
The Right C, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 120 TabsFree-Form Amino Acid Complex As directed on label. Take on an empty stomach 1/2 hour before meals. To supply protein, needed for healing and repair of tissue. Use a formula containing both essential and non-essential amino acids.
AMINO 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps,
Branched Chain Amino Acid Powder, NOW Foods, 12 oz.,
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs,
Branched Chain Amino Acids, Free Form, 120 Caps
EYE CARE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for eye-related problems.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Beta Carotene is 100% all natural from Dunaliella Salina.CamoClear Soothing Eye Wash, Herbal Eye Wash, CamoCare, 10 Single Use Droppers
CamoClear Soothing Herbal Eye wash gives you instant, natural and long lasting relief for dry, tired or irritated eyes, due to dust, pollen, pollution, smoke irritants, sun glare, wind, swimming, air conditioning/heating and computer work.Clear Eye Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
To nurture the eye and pacify the nervous system, protect retina, and improve eyesight.Clear Eye & Sharp Ear, TCM Formula, Shanze Xiaozhi, 60 Caps
Clear Eye & Sharp Ear Chinese Formulas are made of extracts from astragalus root, pueraria root, seashore vitex, common peony root, cimicifuge, phellodendron, licorice, cnidium, Chinese angelica root (Dong Quai) and ginseng.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops, Homeopathic, 0.33 fl. oz.
Eye Doctor recommended Similasan Eye Drops for dry, red eyes stimulate the eye's natural ability to fight dryness and clear redness due to smog, stress, age, contact lens wear, etc.Essential Fatty Acids, By Deborah Lee
"Woodland Health Series". Describes the benefits and functions of the three essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid.EyeFactor HAÖ for Healthy Vision with HA, Hyalogic, 120 Count
Hyaluronic acid makes up 95% of the fluid inside the eye. Acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye.Eye Support Formula With Bilberry, Lutein & Antioxidants, NOW Foods, 60 Caps
NOW "Health Care Provider Recommended" Eye Support Formula eye supplement offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual functions with Lutein and Bilberry.Fisol Fish Oil Supplement, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 90 Softgels
Fisol, enteric coated, fish oil supplement delivers 30% EPA and 20% DHA. The unique coating withstands stomach acid so Fisol dissolves in the small intestine and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.Magnesium Citrate Complex, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Magnesium Citrate is an advanced chelate from which enhances absorption of magnesium by providing excellent solubility.Nature's Way Ginkgold Eyes Plus Lutein, 20 mg, Vegetarian, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Ginkgold eye supplement supports visual function and is the only Ginkgo extract shown to stimulate activity in all areas of the brainNeuromins DHA Supplement (Docosahexaenoic Acid), Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 Softgels
Neuromins brand high quality DHA Supplement is sourced from microalgae and fortified with Vitamin C and E.Once Daily Multi-Vitamin With Iron, All Natural, Lactose Free, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs
Nature's Way Daily Multi Vitamin with Iron provides many of the essential nutrients that modern diets may lack. They are useful for protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age.Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Synthovial Seven, Pure Hyaluronic Acid, Hyalogic, 1 oz.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been proven by numerous medical studies to alleviate pain and suffering from arthritis of the knee and other joints.Taurine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is not utilized in protein synthesis, but is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the nervous system.Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene, 60 Caps
Visi Clear Eye Vitamin with Lutein and Bilberry is one of the few products that provide both lutein and whole kale and Zeaxanthin, another powerful carotenoid, to maximize antioxidant activity.Vision Formula With Lutein & Bilberry, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Vision formula with Lutein & Bilberry Eye Supplement supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, a key carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables, which protects the retina by blocking harmful blue light.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-12 Supplements & Products
An assortment of various B-12 products.Zinc Chelate, 100% Natural, Zinc Supplement, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way chelated Zinc supplement is 100% natural chelated with an advanced amino acid complex for superior absorption.
HerbalRemedies: Eye Problem Information
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
If You are having problems with your vision and/or suspect an infection of your eye.
If You have allergies that may be causing visual problems.
You have been exposed to toxic substances that are affecting your eyesight.
You or a family member (such as a child) is having problems distinguishing colors or find colors confusing. This member may need to be tested for color blindness.
You or a family member are having problems with vision and/or you suspect an infection. Call your health care provider immediately if you experience severe eye pain or a sudden change in your vision, such as loss of vision or double vision.
You have any increase of symptoms. You may need frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. If you have blurred or double vision that develops slowly; are having a problem seeing because of daytime glare or have difficulty driving at night because of glare from headlights, you need to see your health care provider.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. There may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Are having vision problems that are affecting your ability to perform daily activities.
Call your child's health care provider if your baby does not look directly at or respond readily to faces or large, colorful objects by age 2 to 3 months or if your child scowls, squints, or shields his or her eyes more than expected when in sunlight, or light seems to hurt your child's eyes.
You and your family members should have your eyesight checked regularly by your health care provider to rule out any problems and to receive a prescription for contacts or eyeglasses, if they are needed. Preserve you vision... it is very important.
TYPES OF EYE PROBLEMS & DISORDERS
Maintaining Healthy Eyes
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
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Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
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