Blood vessels visible in eyes: Causes, treatments, and when to seek help
Whether you're jamming to In Your Eyes, Lyin' Eyes, or Eye of the Tiger, you want to look good doing it. That's why it's a real bummer when the blood vessels in your eyes are standing out in stark contrast to their white background. The good news is that many causes of blood vessels visible in eyes can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications. Find out how to tame this troublesome symptom and get back to being your stylish self.
Understanding blood vessels in the eyes
Anatomy of the eye
It's easy to take your vision for granted. After all, you don't have to think about seeing — you just do it. If you dig a little deeper, however, you'll quickly realize that your eyes are a magnificent piece of machinery. Before you focus on what makes blood vessels visible in eyes, it's helpful to understand the basic anatomy of each eye.
For such tiny little orbs, the eyes sure do have a lot of components. Each one has more than 15 parts, from the lens and the pupil to the retina and the sclera. They all work together to take in information about your environment. One of the most important parts of the eye is the choroid, which contains blood vessels.
The central retinal vein and ophthalmic veins drain blood out of your eyes. Think of them as little vampires working to prevent blood from filling up your eyeballs. The central retinal artery and ophthalmic artery supply blood to the eyes. Like your other organs, eyes need the oxygen and nutrients in blood to stay healthy.
Your eyes also have a thin membrane designed to protect them from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. This membrane is known as the conjunctiva, and it has a network of tiny blood vessels inside of it. Depending on the lighting conditions, you may be able to see these blood vessels even if your eyes are perfectly healthy.
Causes of visible blood vessels
If you notice blood vessels visible in your eyes, don't panic. The most common causes include allergies, eye strain, and dry eye, all of which are treatable. When you're allergic to something, your body releases a chemical called histamine. This chemical increases blood flow, causing the vessels in your conjunctiva to swell. This makes them stand out against the whites of your eyes.
Staring at your phone or tablet for hours on end is fun, but it's not great for your eyes. You may develop a problem known as eye strain, which is code for, "Hey, it's your eyes. Remember us? We're exhausted!" In addition to redness, eye strain often causes dryness, itching, and sensitivity to light.
Tears aren't just for crying — they're also for lubricating your eyes. If you don't produce enough tears, or your tears evaporate quickly, you may develop dry eye. This causes the blood vessels to swell, making them more prominent. In other words, you can see them peeking through the conjunctiva.
Several health conditions also cause blood vessels to be visible in eyes. Corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), and pink eye are all possible culprits. You may also develop visible blood vessels in your eyes if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Both conditions increase the risk for blood vessel damage, which may cause blood to leak.
Treatment and management
There's no cloak of invisibility for red eyes, but there are several things you can do to make the blood vessels less visible. They include treating underlying conditions and getting professional eye care.
Treating underlying conditions
In some cases, lifestyle changes can help you reduce swelling and make the blood vessels in your eyes a little less prominent. For example, if you have diabetes, your primary care provider may recommend losing weight to keep your blood sugar in check. Cutting back on salt and exercising regularly may help you lower your blood pressure.
You may also benefit from taking medication to control your symptoms. If you have an eye condition, you may need to use prescription-strength eye drops or ointments to kill bacteria and heal damaged tissue. Beta-blockers, alpha blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other blood pressure medications may help you keep your BP low enough to prevent visible blood vessels in the eyes. If you have diabetes, you may need to take oral medication or give yourself insulin injections to keep your blood sugar under control.
Eye care and prevention
Proper eye care is essential for preventing eye redness and other symptoms. To stay on top of things, get an eye exam regularly. An eye care professional has the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to spot minor eye problems before they become more serious.
It's also important to maintain good eye hygiene. This involves washing your hands regularly, removing your makeup before bed, and protecting your eyes from the sun. If you wear contact lenses, wash your hands before you put them in or take them out. You should also use fresh contact solution every time you clean the lenses.
To reduce eye strain, take frequent breaks while using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Try to look away from the screen for at least 20 seconds during each break. Turn off the lights around your work area to prevent glare, a common source of eye strain. Blink frequently to produce more tears.
If allergies are causing blood vessels to be visible in your eyes, stay indoors when the pollen count is high. You pick up pollen every time you go outside, so you should also change your clothes and shower daily. For severe symptoms, wash your bedding several times per week to remove pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. Instead of opening the window to let in a cool breeze, use a fan or turn on your air conditioner.
The best way to combat dry eye is to drink plenty of water. Specialized glands above your eyes transform that water into fresh tears. It's not quite as impressive as turning water into wine, but it will keep your eyes lubricated. If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. It's also helpful to use warm compresses to clear blocked glands.
When to seek medical attention
If your eyes remain red despite your best efforts, you may need to seek medical attention. Here's how to tell if you need a higher level of care.
Recognizing serious symptoms
Persistent redness, severe eye pain, and sudden vision changes are concerning. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Consulting an eye care professional
A thorough eye exam makes it possible to identify the cause of bloodshot eyes, visible blood vessels, and other eye problems. Your eye care professional can even look at the back of your eye to determine if the arteries are swollen or damaged.
Once you know the cause of visible blood vessels, you can start making lifestyle changes or treating any underlying medical conditions. The sooner you get an eye exam, the faster you can improve your eye health. Regular exams are also essential for spotting the signs of glaucoma and cataracts.
Taking care of your vision
Good eye health starts with wearing the right contact lenses. Shop 1-800 Contacts to find your brand.
FAQs
Can allergies make blood vessels more visible in the eyes?
Yes. When you're allergic to something, your immune system releases a flood of chemicals. One of these chemicals, histamine, may cause the blood vessels in your eyes to swell. This makes the vessels more visible.
Can eye drops or medications help alleviate the appearance of visible blood vessels?
Eye drops or medications may make the blood vessels in your eyes less visible. For example, if you have an eye infection causing red veins to stand out, you may need antibiotic eye drops to get rid of the bacteria. Eye drops are also helpful for treating dry eye because they provide extra lubrication. If you have any underlying medical conditions, you may need to treat them with medication before your eyes go back to normal.
When should I be concerned about visible blood vessels in my eyes?
If you have visible blood vessels accompanied by severe eye pain or vision changes, seek immediate medical attention. When in doubt, get medical attention.