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Red Veins in Eyes: Causes & Treatment

Author: Harvey Lee| September 26th, 2017

Red Veins in eyes

Just the other night I saw red veins in the eyes of my husband. Luckily, it was only due to lack of sleep and fatigue. However, it is vital to know that red veins in the eyes can also be related to serious eye conditions and diseases. To clearly understand the causes of red veins in the eyes better, it is necessary to describe red veins.


We have several fine blood vessels on the surface of our eyes, which in the case of red veins become prominent and inflamed, resulting into redness on the surface of the eyes.

Causes of Red Veins in Eyes

  1. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a common and contagious eye infection wherein the blood vessels within the conjunctiva become irritated and swell, often giving the eyes a red appearance.


2.
Dry eyes

We are talking about chronic dry eyes. When our tear glands produce an insufficient quantity or quality of tears to lubricate our eyes, we face dry eyes syndrome.


3.
Allergies

Another very common cause for red eyes is allergies. When a foreign substance enters our eyes, our body releases histamine as a response to fight the culprits. As a result, the histamine released causes blood vessels in the eyes to enlarge, and thereby, making the eyes red and watery.


4.
Eye-related Trauma

A minor accident, such as cosmetic eyelid surgery, can cause trauma to the eyes, often leading to redness in the eyes. Even too much of coughing can cause redness in the eyes.


5.
Iritis

In this case, one experiences an inflammation of the iris, which is the coloured part of the eye. Generally people with iritis experience headaches and are incredibly sensitive to light.


6.
Extensive Use of Contact Lenses

If you are wearing contact lenses incorrectly, or extensively, then you may experience the discomfort of red eyes. Besides, contact lenses can also worsen the dry eye syndrome.


In addition to the mentioned causes, there are plenty of other causes too, such as Glaucoma, Uveitis, Ocular Herpes, Corneal Ulcer, Pregnancy, Smoking, and Swimming that causes red eyes.

Treatment of Red Veins in Eyes

Treatment for red eyes hugely depends on its causes. And therefore, it is profoundly significant to correctly identify the cause of your red eyes, for which, you must visit an eye doctor for proper diagnosis anytime you develop red eyes.


If you have been examined by an eye doctor and identified the causes of red eyes, consider the following treatment options:


1.Warm & Cold Compress

Soak a towel in warm water, wring it out, and place it on the eye for 15 minutes. In the same way, soak a towel in cold water and follow a similar approach. Doing this will reduce inflammation and itchiness.


2.Artificial Tears

When our eyes go dry, we need to artificially lubricate them, for which, we can rely on artificial tears that are available in local drug stores. Always use a good brand and ensure that they are preservative free eye drops.


3.Tea Bags

Teas such as green, catnip, chamomile, lavender and rose petal have a cooling impact on the eyes. Place the tea bag on your affected eye for 10 minutes every day for a week at least to feel the relief.


4.Eye Rinse

One of the easiest and best ways to reduce redness in the eyes is by rinsing the eyes regularly. You can try a home remedy by steeping crushed fennel seeds in boiling water, straining the liquid, and then pouring it into a sterilized container for further use.


5.Other Additional Ways

  • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Eat a healthy diet
Avoid wearing contact lenses if they cause eye irritation

Final Words!

Each year, doctors get stunned by seeing many of us taking our eyes for granted until a problem arise. It is a lesson for us to learn. We shouldn’t be taking the health of our eyes for granted, but instead be taking care of our eyes as a part of our daily routine.


If you experience red veins in your eyes, it is vital to take adequate measures to take good care of our eyes. Despite following the regular treatments, if red eyes still persists, then visit a doctor immediately.

About the Author

Harvey Lee is a health and beauty blogger and works with various industry leading health and beauty product brands e.g. EyeSoothe: UK's leading Eye Mask brand for various eye issues including Blepharitis, MGD, Dry eye syndrome and more. Harvey strongly recommends seeking physician opinion before replacing medication with natural or other non-clinical remedies

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