What causes bloodshot eyes? Common physiological causes

Bloodshot eyes means the whites of the eyes are red. Common pathological causes include keratitis, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, etc. Physiological causes include ptosis and pupil abnormalities. It is necessary to get a diagnosis in time. You can do a full body examination or ask about the medical history of bloodshot eyes.

1. What causes bloodshot eyes?

Bulging eyes

In hyperthyroidism, abnormal levels of thyroid hormones can cause the tissues around the eyes to swell, making the eyes appear to bulge out.

Drooping eyelids

As we age, most people experience droopy eyelids. But Andrew, associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of California, pointed out that this could also be a sign of myasthenia gravis.

Pupil abnormalities

Under normal circumstances, the left and right pupils should be symmetrical. If one pupil is larger than the other or one side contracts more slowly and with less amplitude, it may be an early symptom of diseases such as stroke and optic nerve tumor.

Yellowing of the eyeballs Abnormal liver function such as hepatitis and cirrhosis can cause bilirubin accumulation, leading to yellowing of the sclera. Bilirubin is a metabolic product of hemoglobin. When it functions abnormally, bilirubin cannot be excreted normally and will accumulate in the body.

2. Clinical Diagnosis

1. History of bloodshot eyes

Find out whether the bloodshot eye occurs in one eye, both eyes, simultaneously or one after the other.

Whether there is secretion and whether the nature of the secretion is purulent, mucous, or watery.

Are there any irritation symptoms such as tearing, eye pain, etc.

Whether vision is affected. If the red eye disease starts suddenly,

If there is bilateral discharge, no irritation symptoms, and no impact on vision, acute conjunctivitis is considered. If the eyes are red with no discharge and no other symptoms, it may be a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

If there is red eyes, visual impairment, and obvious irritation symptoms, it may be an inflammation of the cornea or iris and ciliary body.

If the red eyes develop suddenly and are accompanied by eye pain, swelling, halo vision, a sharp decrease in vision, and even nausea and vomiting, it may be acute angle-closure glaucoma.

2. Physical examination of bloodshot eyes

Full body examination to check for systemic infectious diseases, fever, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, blood disease, etc.

During an eye examination, the visual acuity should be tested first to determine whether the bloodshot eyes are due to an external eye disease or an anterior segment lesion. Further check whether the red eye is congestion, congestion or bleeding. Pay attention to intraocular pressure and whether there is swelling or inflammation in the eye socket. Check the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and pupil in detail, and if necessary, combine it with intraocular pressure and fundus condition.