Ever looked in the mirror and noticed red veins in your eyes? It can be a little alarming—but don’t panic just yet. Red eyes are actually pretty common and often nothing serious.
That said, it’s still good to know why your eyes are red and how to soothe them. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons for red eyes—and what you can do to get back to looking and feeling your best.
What Causes Red Eyes?
Red eyes usually happen when the white part of your eye (the sclera) becomes irritated or inflamed. That irritation causes the tiny blood vessels on the surface to swell up and become more visible—creating that red or bloodshot look.
Here are some of the most common culprits behind red eyes:
1. Contact Lenses
Wearing contacts too long or not cleaning them properly? That’s one of the biggest reasons for eye redness. Dirty lenses or poor hygiene can lead to irritation—or worse, eye infections.
Even things like wearing torn or ill-fitting lenses can trigger red veins and discomfort.
Fix it: Give your eyes a break. Try switching to glasses, especially if your eyes are already irritated. If you prefer contacts, make sure to clean them daily, practice good hand hygiene, and never wear damaged lenses.
2. Lack of Sleep
Didn’t get enough shut-eye? Your eyes might show it. Poor sleep can cause puffiness, redness, and dryness. That’s because sleep helps your eyes recover and flush out irritants overnight.
Quick tips to help:
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Switch to glasses instead of contacts—your tired eyes will thank you.
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Use lubricating eye drops to soothe irritation.
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Stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration makes everything worse—including tired eyes.
3. Allergies
If you’re allergic to pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust, your eyes can get red, itchy, and watery fast. It’s your immune system reacting to allergens in the air.
What helps: Over-the-counter antihistamines and eye drops. Just be aware that some allergy meds can cause dry eyes, so you may want to use hydrating drops as well.
4. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye is a common—and contagious—eye infection that makes your eyes red, watery, and itchy. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses.
Treat it gently: Artificial tears can ease discomfort, but the key is to avoid touching your eyes. If symptoms persist, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
5. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can make your eyes feel itchy, red, or even crusty. It’s often caused by clogged oil glands or poor eyelid hygiene.
Watch for: Flaky skin near the lash line, burning sensations, or swollen lids.
Fix it: Clean your eyelids regularly, especially if you wear eye makeup. Consider using a gentle eyelid scrub or warm compress. And blink more often—especially during screen time!
6. Dry Eyes
Chronic dryness can lead to red, irritated eyes. This can be caused by too much screen time, poor sleep, certain medications, or even hormone changes.
Solution: Use artificial tears, but don’t overdo it. Overuse can actually make dry eyes worse due to "rebound redness." If symptoms persist, talk to an eye care professional.
7. Dehydration
Not drinking enough water? It might be showing in your eyes. Without proper hydration, your body struggles to produce enough tears, leaving your eyes dry and red.
Pro tip: Make water your go-to beverage. Skip the sugary drinks and aim for steady sipping throughout the day.
8. Scleritis
This is a more serious condition where the white of your eye becomes deeply inflamed—often with pain. It can be linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
If your eye redness comes with pain or other systemic symptoms, definitely see a doctor. You may need blood tests or referrals to a specialist.
9. Sun Exposure (Photokeratitis)
Too much UV exposure can “sunburn” your eyes—leading to temporary redness, pain, and sensitivity to light. This is known as photokeratitis.
The fix: Prevention is key. Always wear UV-blocking or polarized sunglasses outdoors.
10. COVID-19
Surprisingly, red eyes can be one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Some people develop conjunctivitis-like symptoms during or after infection.
What to do: Rest, hydrate, and isolate while you recover. And if you have other symptoms like fever or a sore throat, check in with your healthcare provider.
11. Eyeglass Allergies
If your eyes feel irritated and you wear metal frames, you might be having a mild allergic reaction—often to nickel.
Try this: Switch to hypoallergenic materials like acetate, which is skin-friendly and used in many of our MANLYKICKSframes . Your eyes (and skin) will thank you.
12. Incorrect Prescription
Wearing glasses or contacts with the wrong prescription can strain your eyes. That can lead to fatigue, headaches—and yes, redness.
If you’ve been squinting or your vision seems off, it’s probably time for an eye exam.
13. Foreign Objects
Something as small as an eyelash or speck of dirt can scratch your eye and cause redness. If something feels stuck and the redness doesn’t go away, see a doctor to rule out more serious injury.
14. Other Serious Conditions
Eye redness can also be a sign of more serious conditions like uveitis, corneal ulcers, or glaucoma. If you notice vision changes, severe pain, or light sensitivity, seek medical attention ASAP.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Red eyes aren’t always an emergency—but sometimes, they are.
See a doctor if you experience:
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Fever or flu-like symptoms
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Eye pain that lasts more than a few hours
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Changes in vision
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Pus or thick discharge
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Swelling around the eyes
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, get it checked out.
How to Keep Your Eyes Happy and Healthy
Here are some everyday habits that can help prevent red eyes:
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Take contact lens breaks: Glasses are lower maintenance and gentler on your eyes.
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Get enough sleep: Your eyes need downtime, just like the rest of your body.
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Stay hydrated: Water helps your eyes stay moist and comfy.
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Wear UV protection: Sunglasses aren’t just stylish—they’re essential.
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Clean your eyelids: Especially if you wear makeup or have sensitive skin.
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Get regular eye exams: Updating your prescription can save you from strain and discomfort.
And if you’re ready to take better care of your eyes, ourMANLYKICKSframes are a great place to start. They’re comfortable, hypoallergenic, and ridiculously easy to customize with our magnetic top frames.
Let your eyes rest, protect them daily, and don’t hesitate to get help when something doesn’t feel right. You only get one pair—treat them well.