Why Your Eyes Are Always Red (and How To Fix Them)

Most of the time, red eyes are a harmless reaction to dust or other allergens. But sometimes, inflamed eyes signal that you need to see an eye doctor — and the sooner, the better.

10 reasons why your eyes might be red all the time

How can you tell what’s a concern and what’s not when it comes to having red eyes?

Ophthalmologists Nicole Bajic, MD, and Catherine Hwang, MD, outline some common conditions that cause red eyes and how to find relief.

1. Allergies

Seasonal allergies to ragweed and different kinds of pollen can cause red eyes. As your body tries to fight off the allergen, it releases the chemical histamine, which leads to inflammation and redness. And you could have red eyes all year if you’re in constant contact with pet dander, mold and other allergens.

2. Eye irritation

Got something in your eye? Eye irritation can happen when something gets into one or both eyes. Whether it’s smoke from a campfire, a grain of sand or another irritant, the redness usually goes away once you flush it out.

3. Dry eyes

Do you consistently feel a burning, itchy or gritty sensation in your eyes? You may be dealing with dry eyes. When you don’t have enough tears, your eyes can turn red and uncomfortable.

Allergies, weather, computer screen use, medications and surgeries can all contribute to dry, red eyes. The condition also tends to become more common with age.

4. Broken blood vessels

Broken blood vessels on the eye’s surface may look and sound alarming, but bloodshot eyes are usually painless and don’t affect your vision — and they’re typically nothing to worry about. They can happen after:

• Straining, like during a cough, sneeze or bowel movement
• Sustaining an injury to your head or eye
• Aggressively rubbing your eye
• Taking certain medications like blood thinners

“A broken blood vessel in the eye is like a little bruise. They often appear worse before they get better,” Dr. Hwang explains. “But most people don’t even notice them.”

5. Pink eye

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) occurs when viruses, bacteria or irritants (like chlorine) cause inflammation or infection of the thin membrane that covers the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. This causes the white part of your eye to turn pink or red.

Depending on the type of conjunctivitis you’re dealing with, your eyes may also itch or burn, while your eyelids become puffy, droopy and/or crusted with discharge. If you experience these symptoms, see a provider right away. Pink eye is often very contagious and can cause significant eye damage if left untreated.

6. Other infections

Sometimes, red eyes are a sign of an eye infection. They tend to happen because of bacteria, viruses, allergens, fungi and parasites that travel from your hands to your eyes.

Eye infections typically involve symptoms like:

• Pain
• Discharge
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Blurred vision

Untreated infections can cause erosion on the surface of your eyes and lead to permanent damage. So, if you suspect you have an eye infection, see a provider right away.

“We want to treat those infections quickly,” states Dr. Hwang. “Otherwise, it can turn into a bad ulcer.”

7. Internal styes

Internal styes are inflamed oil glands on your inner eyelid. They rub against your eye, leaving it sore, painful, irritated and red. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if you have an internal stye or if it’s something else, so it’s worth getting it looked at. Often, using a warm compress can provide temporary relief.

8. Corneal ulcer

Corneal ulcers look like white or gray spots on the colored part of your eye. Infections most commonly cause them, leading to bloodshot eyes that are painful and sensitive to light. You might also have discharge or feel like you have something in your eye.

A corneal ulcer is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage if it isn’t treated. Contact an eye care provider immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

9. Blepharitis

Eyelid inflammation can cause chronic red eyes, along with symptoms like:

• Crust on your eyelashes and eyelid corners
• Greasy eyelids
• Swollen eyelids
• Dry eyes
• Itchy eyes

Unfortunately, many of these symptoms resemble those of other common conditions. If you’re experiencing these concerns, it’s best to see an ophthalmologist to figure out what’s causing them.

10. Iritis

Most symptoms of iritis — an inflammation of the colored part of your eye — are vision-related, Dr. Hwang says. In addition to red eyes, you may have:

• Pain or irritation
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Floaters
• Headaches

Iritis can only be diagnosed by an eye care provider, and while it’s fairly common, it won’t go away with home remedies. If left untreated, iritis can lead to vision loss, so it’s another condition worth treating right away.

Tips to find relief at home

The key to relieving red eyes depends on what’s causing them — and there’s so much overlap among possible conditions that it’s always a good idea to have an eye professional take a look.

In most cases, relief for common causes of red eyes involves:

• Using over-the-counter options, like artificial tears, allergy pills and/or nasal sprays
• Keeping your eyes clean with warm compresses and avoiding irritants, like makeup, contacts or harsh skin care products

You also want to avoid eye drops marketed as “redness relievers.” These drops work by shrinking the blood vessels on the surface of your eyes. But when the drops wear off, those blood vessels can grow even larger, making your eyes look redder than before. Using them too often can also make redness a permanent problem.

If you don’t usually have allergies, or your symptoms aren’t improving with over-the-counter treatment, see your primary care or eye care provider.

When to worry

Some symptoms always warrant a trip to an eye care provider, especially if they linger longer than a day or two. Redness may be a cause for concern if it occurs with:

• Eye pain
• Vision changes
• Discharge

These more serious symptoms could be a sign of infection or conditions that require emergency treatment. It’s always best to be seen by a professional.

“Causes of red eye cover a wide spectrum, including emergency conditions that need to be taken care of as soon as possible,” reiterates Dr. Bajic. “Don’t ignore concerning symptoms. There really could be something serious going on.”