Red Eyes After an Exercise

Strenuous exercise can make the whites of your eyes turn red. A number of factors can cause the appearance of red eyes, but in nearly all instances the condition is easily treated and resolved. If you develop a severe case of red eyes during or after exercise, speak to your doctor. He can help make a diagnosis and recommend effective treatment.

Exercise

Certain forms of exercise, such as lifting weights, require straining and cause momentary spikes in your heart rate. The strain and increase in blood flow builds up pressure in your head, which causes blood vessels to expand, including those in your eyes. If the pressure is too great, the tiny blood vessels in your eye can burst and make the sclera -- the white part of your eye -- appear red. The more strenuous the exercise, the greater the amount of pressure that builds in your head.

Irritation

Blood Shot Eyes When Working Out

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Certain irritants can cause your eyes to turn red. Sweat can easily get into your eyes during exercise, causing them to sting. The sweat also inflames the eyes' blood vessels. Natural elements, such as allergens, wind and dust can also irritate your eyes and inflame the blood vessels when exercising outdoors. Certain climates are harsher on eyes than others, but ultimately it is your sensitivity to allergens and your eyes' resilience to natural elements that determine the severity of your red eyes.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Some people develop a severe case of red eyes in which nearly the entire white area of the eye appears red and bloodshot. Such extreme instances of red eyes are caused by subconjunctival hemorrhages; these can occur especially during exercises that require intense straining. During a subconjunctival hemorrhage, blood vessels in the eye rupture and blood spreads on the surface of the eye. The blood does not leak out of the eye because of the conjuctiva -- the clear membrane that covers the eye. The conjuctiva does not absorb blood quickly, so the blood remains trapped on the eye until the hemorrhaging stops and the body can resorb the blood. A subconjunctival hemorrhage rarely requires medical attention. The blood typically clears up within 10 to 14 days from the time of the hemorrhage.

Treatment and Prevention

How to Reduce Eye Redness

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You can relieve the irritation and inflammation of red eyes by applying over-the-counter eyedrops. The clear solution in eyedrop products cools the eyes and eases itchiness from irritation. Eyedrops also help slow any hemorrhaging that is occurring in the eyes. Choose artificial tears over anti-redness eyedrops. The ingredient oxymetazoline in anti-redness drops can cause a redness rebound effect if you use the drops excessively or longer than a couple of days. If you have sensitive eyes and exercise outdoors, wear eye protection, such as sunglasses or clear athletic glasses designed to block wind and air particles from getting into your eyes. When performing strenuous exercise, focus on continuously breathing. Avoid holding your breath when lifting heavy weights. This only adds to the strain and pressure that builds in your head.

Medical Attention

Though most cases of red eyes resolve on their own, you should seek medical attention if your condition lasts for more than two days. You should also see your doctor if you experience pain in your eyes or your vision changes. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if your eyes turn red after having been penetrated, or you develop a headache, blurred vision and are confused. Nausea and vomiting, along with seeing halos around lights, are other serious symptoms that require immediate professional care.