HEALTH TIP

Red eye" is a general term used to describe red, irritated and bloodshot eyes. It also may refer to:

Red eyes occur when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye expand.

• Subconjunctival hemorrhage, or broken blood vessel on the sclera
• Blepharitis, or inflamed eyelids
• Stye, or a red bump on the eyelid
• Special-effect contact lenses to create a "crazy" red-eye effect
• Red eyes in photos

The appearance of red eye ranges in severity from a bright red that completely covers the sclera to a few enlarged blood vessels that look like wiggly red or pink lines across the "white" of the eye.
Red eyes usually are caused by allergy, eye fatigue, over-wearing contact lenses or common eye infections such as pink eye (conjunctivitis).
However, redness of the eye sometimes can signal a more serious eye condition or disease, such as uveitis or glaucoma. If your red eye persists or worsens, always contact your eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.