When you're sick, your eyes may become bloodshot primarily due to inflammation and infection related to your illness.
How Illness Causes Bloodshot Eyes
Here's a breakdown of the common reasons:
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Viral Infections (e.g., Common Cold, Flu): Viruses can directly cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), leading to red, irritated eyes. The same viruses causing respiratory symptoms can also affect the eyes. In this instance the symptoms in your eyes may be a direct result of the virus.
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Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections can also cause conjunctivitis. While bacterial conjunctivitis is often associated with pus or discharge, it can also present simply as redness with crusting of the eyelashes.
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Inflammation: Your body's immune response to being sick triggers inflammation. This inflammation can dilate the blood vessels in your eyes, making them appear red or bloodshot. Coughing or sneezing associated with a cold or flu can further strain the blood vessels, causing them to become more visible.
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Sinus Infections: Sinus infections can cause pressure and inflammation around the eyes, which can contribute to bloodshot eyes.
Differentiating Causes
While bloodshot eyes are often a symptom of a common illness, it's important to consider other potential causes:
| Cause | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Viral Conjunctivitis | Redness, watery discharge, sore throat, runny nose |
| Bacterial Conjunctivitis | Redness, pus-like discharge, crusting of eyelashes |
| Allergies | Redness, itching, watery eyes, sneezing |
| Dry Eye | Redness, gritty feeling, burning sensation |
| Eye Strain | Redness, headache, blurred vision |
What to Do
- Rest: Getting adequate rest allows your body to focus on fighting the infection.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated can help alleviate some of the symptoms of your illness, including dry eyes which can exacerbate redness.
- Avoid Touching Your Eyes: This prevents the spread of infection.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to your eyes can help soothe irritation.
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate dry, irritated eyes.
- Consult a Doctor: If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by pain, vision changes, or sensitivity to light, consult a doctor to rule out more serious conditions.
In summary, bloodshot eyes when you're sick are usually caused by viral or bacterial infections, inflammation, or straining due to coughing or sneezing, all of which cause the blood vessels in your eyes to become more visible.
