Bloodshot eyes after exercising can occur because of a number of factors and are typically not a cause for concern. Bloodshot eyes can be a sign of irritation, dryness or an allergic response. If your eyes are extremely dark red after exercising, it could be from a broken blood vessel. If you experience pain along with red eyes after exercising, consult your doctor.
Sweat in the Eyes
Getting sweat in your eyes while exercising can cause them to become bloodshot. The redness can also be accompanied by stinging or blurred vision. This reaction occurs because sweat has a different acidity than your natural tears. To prevent sweat from getting into your eyes, wear an absorbent headband during exercise. To improve the redness that sweat can cause, use a drop of over-the-counter artificial tears to rinse your eyes out. This will also alleviate any burning or stinging you may experience.
Dry Eyes
Dryness is a common cause of bloodshot eyes. Your eyes can become dehydrated along with the rest of your body while you exercise as you sweat and deplete all your fluids. Many people work out with a fan blowing on them to keep them cool; however, the extra airflow past the surface of your eyes can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly. To prevent bloodshot eyes because of dryness, drink plenty of water before and during exercise. If you use a fan to stay cool, point it away from your eyes. A drop of over-the-counter artificial tears will help with the redness by replenishing the tears.
Ocular Allergies
If you exercise outside, you may be exposing your eyes to a number of allergens such as pollen, animal dander and air pollutants. An allergic reaction in the eye causes the release of chemicals that dilate or expand the blood vessels, causing redness, itching, tearing and swelling. Over-the-counter antihistamine drops can alleviate the redness and itching. It may also help to flush your eyes with a few drops of artificial tears after exercising outdoors to dilute the allergens.
Broken Blood Vessel
A broken blood vessel, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when one of the tiny vessels underneath the conjunctiva, the clear surface of your eye, breaks open. The blood then becomes trapped under the transparent surface and appears very dark red. The blood vessels under the conjunctiva are small and delicate and therefore can break easily with an increase in pressure like strenuous exercise and weightlifting. A subconjunctival hemorrhage usually resolves on its own within 14 days.
