Bloodshot Eyes in the Morning

Bloodshot eyes, otherwise known as red eyes, is a condition, wherein the eye develops some blood red patches or a red-colored sclera (white portion of the eye). This is due to the inflammation and enlargement of the blood vessels in the sclera, due to too much blood flow. While some cases of bloodshot eyes need immediate medical attention, others may not be that severe. Most of the cases of bloodshot eyes in the morning do not develop any additional symptoms, but, some people may experience pain, irritation or vision problems along with this condition. Let us take a look at the various causes of bloodshot eyes in the morning.

What Causes Bloodshot Eyes in the Morning?

As mentioned earlier, bloodshot eyes in the morning, is a condition, which can be caused due to various reasons. One of the reasons is inflammation of the small blood vessels of the sclera, which get congested with blood. This condition develops as a result of insufficient blood supply to that part of the cornea. The following are some of the causes for bloodshot eyes in the morning.

• It can be due to fatigue, eyestrain or irritation due to presence of foreign body in the eye.
• Environmental factors, like, dry weather conditions, sun exposure, dust, etc., may also cause bloodshot eyes in the morning.
• Medical conditions, like, cold, allergies, deficiency of vitamin B2 and B6, lack of sufficient amounts of amino acids, like, histidine, lysine or phenylalanine, trauma and bleeding disorders are also among the common causes of bloodshot eyes.
• Eye infections, inflammation of the eyes and corneal scratches can also cause this condition.
• Lifestyle factors, like, improper diet, lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive use of cosmetics, excessive smoking, etc., may also lead to bloodshot eyes in the morning.
• One of the common causes for bloody patches in the eyes is subconjunctival hemorrhage, which creates a bright red area in the sclera. This is due to the bleeding under the conjunctiva, as the small blood vessels in this area rupture.
• Other uncommon reasons include diabetes, iritis, stress, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, glandular fever, acute glaucoma, pregnancy, IBS, etc.

Symptoms of Bloodshot Eyes in the Morning

The symptoms and treatment of this condition depends on the cause. While, in some people, the condition may subside within a few days (with or without medical attention), some may need urgent treatment. For example, if the cause is subconjunctival hemorrhage, the affected person may not feel any pain, but it can be sometimes itchy. In most cases, the condition subsides within one or two weeks. But, if you develop bloodshot eyes in the morning due to eye infections or inflammations, then the condition may be accompanied by symptoms, like, itching, discharge, pain, irritation and vision problems. Apart from the above said symptoms, there can be additional ones like, swelling, dryness in the eyes, sneezing or cough, discharge of mucus or pus, eye twitching, etc. If the condition does not cause any additional symptom, you may wait for two three days. If it does not subside, then visit a doctor. If there is any additional symptom, you must consult a doctor at the earliest.

Bloodshot Eyes in the Morning - Treatment

As in the case of bloodshot eye symptoms, treatment for this condition also is based on the cause. In case of bloodshot eyes, allergies can be one of the reasons and if you are diagnosed with same, medicines, like, antihistamines will be prescribed. If the reason is dry eyes, it can be countered with artificial tears. In case of subconjunctival hemorrhage, no treatment is recommended, if there is no infection or significant trauma. So, the treatment for bloodshot eyes in the morning is based on the cause. If you have this eye problem, due to any reason, avoid rubbing the eyes with hands. You may also use some ice packs or rinse the eyes with cool water. These measures may soothe the eyes and alleviate the pain and swelling.

You can also adopt for some preventive measures, like, staying away from allergens, if you are allergic. A change in environment may also benefit you. Avoid stress, exposure to sun, excess alcohol consumption, smoking, etc. Wear sunglasses while going out. Switch over to a proper diet, which is beneficial for the eyes. In short, if the cause is something avoidable, then you must try for that, in order to prevent the occurrence of bloodshot eyes in the morning. In case of any underlying disease, which causes this condition, you must treat the condition. Most cases of bloodshot eyes in the morning without any additional symptoms are found to be harmless and will subside within a few days. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, if there are additional symptoms or if the condition does not subside within a 2-3 days or if the condition is very severe.