Red or bloodshot eyes are annoying and often harmless, but sometimes they mean something more serious. This guide will help you figure out common causes, simple fixes you can try at home, and warning signs that need a doctor.
Common causes include allergies, dry eyes, pink eye (conjunctivitis), rubbing, tiredness, contact lens wear, and broken blood vessels called subconjunctival hemorrhages. Allergies usually come with itching and watery eyes. Dry eyes feel gritty or burning and often worsen at the end of the day. Conjunctivitis brings stickiness, discharge, or both eyes being red.
Quick home steps that often help: flush your eye with clean water or saline, use cool compresses for itching and swelling, and rest your eyes from screens. Artificial tear drops soothe dryness. If you wear contacts, take them out until the redness clears and clean or replace them as recommended.
Over-the-counter options can ease symptoms. Antihistamine eye drops help allergic redness and itching. Lubricant drops relieve dryness. Avoid using redness-relief vasoconstrictor drops for more than a few days—they can create rebound redness. If you’re unsure which drops to use, ask a pharmacist.
See urgent care or an eye doctor right away if you have eye pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, severe discharge, or if redness follows an injury or chemical exposure. These symptoms can signal an infection, corneal abrasion, or other serious problems. If redness lasts more than a week despite home care, get medical advice.
For contact lens users, any sudden redness, pain, or reduced vision requires immediate evaluation. Contact lens–related infections can damage the cornea quickly. Don't try to self-treat serious contact lens issues.
Prevent red eyes by keeping hands clean, avoiding touching your eyes, replacing eye makeup often, and following contact lens hygiene. Use a humidifier if your environment is dry. Wear sunglasses to protect against wind, smoke, and UV light. For allergy season, keep windows closed and wash pillowcases often.
A few things to avoid: don’t share eye drops or cosmetics, don't sleep in disposable contacts unless designed for overnight use, and skip smoky or dusty areas when possible. If you take medications that can dry eyes, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Most cases of red eyes clear within days with simple care. When in doubt, see a healthcare provider—especially if vision changes or pain appear. Quick action can save your eyesight and stop small problems from becoming big ones.
Kids' eyes can get red from viruses, allergies, or blocked tear ducts. If a baby has red eyes with pus or fever, call a doctor. For school-age kids, keep them home if they have contagious conjunctivitis until a clinician says it's safe.
Don't assume redness always needs antibiotics. Viral infections and allergies won't improve with antibiotics and may clear. If a provider prescribes drops or oral meds, follow directions and finish the course. Ask questions if symptoms don't match what you told.
