Health Tip: Why Are My Eyes Red?

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In: Eye Care / Vision

(HealthDay News) — The sclera, or white area of the eye, appears red when blood vessels swell.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine mentions these possible causes of eye redness:

  • Having a subconjunctival hemorrhage, or burst blood vessel, which could be triggered by straining or coughing.
  • Having inflammation or infection of the eyelash follicles or membrane that lines the eyelids.
  • Having an ulcer on the cornea (often caused by an infection).
  • Having an allergy or the common cold.
  • Having foreign matter in the eye.
  • Having an injury to the eye.
  • Having a bleeding disorder.