Bloodshot eyes occur when the blood vessels in your eye become irritated and enlarged, which makes them more visible to the naked eye. Bloodshot eyes may include bleeding, or a small, non-life threatening hemorrhage in the eye, according to University Hospitals. Bleeding most often resolves itself within a few days and does not necessarily require medical treatment unless your child complains of eye pain or trouble seeing. Bloodshot eyes in kids are usually not a source of worry and can be treated easily.
Anatomy of the Eye
The visible parts of the eye are the sclera and the iris. The sclera is the white of your eye; this is the part of your eye that may appear yellow if you have jaundice, or red or pink if you have bloodshot eyes. The iris is the colored, circular part of your eye. You also have a clear membrane covering your eyeball called the conjunctiva.
Causes
Eye strain from overuse and not getting enough sleep are two easy-to-remedy and non-contagious factors that can lead to bloodshot eyes. Eye infections are the most common reason for eye redness and range from viral infections stemming from a cold or seasonal allergies, to bacterial infections such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis. Conjuncitivis, also called pinkeye, is a common childhood infection of the conjunctiva. Your child might also have bloodshot eyes if he's sustained an eye injury.
Bloodshot eyes may be just one symptom of an underlying illness, such as the case of Kawasaki disease. This condition most often affects children under the age of five and is thought to be viral or bacterial in nature.
Home Treatment
Home treatment can reduce the redness of bloodshot eyes if bacteria is not contributing to the problem, according to Texas Children's Hospital. Cleaning your child's eyelids with warm water can eliminate any debris that collects due to a virus, such as a cold or viral conjunctivitis. A warm compress on tired eyes may relieve some of the soreness and redness as well. Children who have Kawasaki disease do not require any specific treatment for the bloodshot eye symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Treating other symptoms such as fever and joint pain with anti-inflammatory medications may help your child's eyes return to normal.
Medical Treatment
Cases of bloodshot eyes that are determined to be a symptom of a bacterial infection or eye injury require more than simple home-care measures. Though most medications used to clear up eye infections can be administered by a parent at home, the ointments or drops are most often available be prescription only and require a visit to the doctor. Eye redness that is the result of corneal abrasions or ulcers may require patching until the eye heals, or even surgery in severe situations.
Prevention
Precautionary measures may be able to ward off or minimize symptoms. Bloodshot eyes that are the result of bacterial or viral infections may be avoided by frequent hand washing and reminding your child to keep her fingers away from her face, to prevent the spread of germs. Giving each family member separate towels and bedding can keep contagious conditions such as pinkeye from spreading.
Redness that stems from eye strain can be prevented by allowing your child frequent breaks when reading or doing homework; limiting screen time cuts down on eye strain as well. Avoiding environmental irritants, such as smoke, can also prevent bloodshot eyes.
