Red Eye: Causes and Treatment 2026

Red eye is a very common condition nowadays and can be a source of concern and stress for many patients, especially because in some cases it may be linked to underlying problems that require ongoing medical care. This is particularly true when the redness is accompanied by eye pain, blurred vision, or changes in visual sharpness. In this article, we will review the symptoms of red eye and the most important causes that can lead to it.

What Is Red Eye?

Red eye (eye redness) is a medical condition in which the white part of the eye (the sclera) appears red. This happens when the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye become swollen and congested, and in some cases, small superficial blood vessels may rupture. These changes not only make the eye irritated, painful, and uncomfortable, but also make the person look tired and unwell.  

A subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding on the surface of the eye) usually does not damage the eye and is generally easy to treat. However, if it keeps recurring, is associated with pain, or lasts for a long time, it may point to a more serious underlying problem and should be taken seriously.  

For that reason, you should always consult an eye specialist if you notice redness in your eyes, or if your child’s eyes look bloodshot, as this may indicate conjunctivitis (pink eye) or a bacterial eye infection.

“Red Eye” in English

In medical English, the condition is commonly referred to as: “Red Eye” or “Eye Redness.” This is the standard term used by physicians and other healthcare professionals to describe the appearance of redness in the white of the eye or the presence of prominent red vessels on the sclera.

Causes of Red Eye

There are many different causes that can lead to red eye. Some of the most common include: allergies, eye strain, wearing contact lenses (medical/vision correction lenses) for longer than recommended, allergic conjunctivitis, or viral eye infections.

Causes of Red Eye in Children

There are numerous causes that may lead to red eye in children, the most important of which include:

Causes of Red Eye in Infants

Below are some of the key causes of red eye in infants:

Symptoms of Red Eye

People with red eye may experience several symptoms. The most common include:

Diagnosis of Red Eye

To diagnose the cause of red eye, the eye specialist will perform several tests and examinations, such as:

When Should You See a Doctor for Red Eye?

You should see a doctor promptly if the redness in your eye is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

Complications of Red Eye

The potential complications of red eye vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of the more serious complications include:

Treatment of Red Eye

Several approaches can be used to treat red eye, including: anti‑inflammatory eye drops, oral medications, simple home remedies, and in some cases, surgical procedures may be required to address the underlying cause of the redness.

Home Treatment for Red Eye

Some natural, at‑home methods that may help relieve red eye include:

Treatment of Red Eye in Jeddah

The Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex is considered one of the leading centers for managing red eye in Jeddah. The center brings together a group of highly experienced ophthalmologists who are skilled in accurately diagnosing various causes of eye redness and providing the most appropriate treatment options. Do not hesitate to book an appointment with one of our eye specialists.

Red Eye in Pictures

Batal Complex Tips to Prevent Red Eye

Below is a set of preventive tips provided by the Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex to help you reduce the risk of developing red eye:

At the end of this article, we have reviewed the main causes and symptoms of red eye and highlighted key information related to this condition. You can always contact us at the Eye Center of Batal Specialized Complex to treat red eye problems under the care of specialized ophthalmologists and at reasonable, accessible prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Eye

The causes of sudden red eye usually relate to one or more of the following factors:

Below are the main treatment options for red eye:

– Anti‑inflammatory eye drops  

Not necessarily. Red eye may be due to simple, transient factors such as fatigue, eye strain, or exposure to dust.

Red eye becomes more concerning and potentially serious if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

Yes, high blood pressure can in some cases lead to eye redness.

Eye inflammation can sometimes be managed at home using the following measures:

Red veins or bloodshot eyes can be caused by any of the following: exposure to dust, smoke, or chemicals; excessive sun exposure; dry eyes; eye strain; infections; allergies; eye injuries; or certain medical conditions.

Red eye is not always a sign of poor eyesight or vision weakness.

Yes, lack of sleep and not getting enough rest can definitely contribute to eye redness.

In some cases, red eye can indeed be related to heart or cardiovascular conditions.

Some of the best types of eye compresses include: cold compresses, warm compresses, tea bags, and cucumber slices.

Some of the most common causes of a bright red blood spot on the white of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage) include: