Red or bloodshot eyes are very common in New Zealand. Most of the time, it's nothing to worry about ‑ your eye will simply clear up by itself in a few days. But sometimes bloodshot eyes do need to be seen by an eye doctor (optometrist). And in some cases, you may even need to go to the ED.
Ever wondered what's happening when your eyes go red?
Bloodshot eyes are one of the most common reasons people visit a GP for eye problems in New Zealand. The terms ‘red eye’ or ‘bloodshot eye’ are used when the veins in the eyes become more noticeable than usual. Normally, the whites of your eyes (called the sclera) look mostly white, though you might see some faint pink veins. But when the blood vessels widen or burst, they become much more visible.
If the vessels dilate – known as conjunctival hyperaemia – you’ll see more red lines across the white of the eye. If a vessel bursts, often after something like a strong sneeze, it can cause a solid red patch. This is called a subconjunctival haemorrhage. It’s usually harmless and fades on its own within a few days.
A red, bloodshot eye normally occurs when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva) expand. If the redness occurs in small, localised areas, or spots, this may be due to an injury. If the redness is across a larger area of the eye, this might be caused by infection, allergy, or simply tiredness.
While redness is the most obvious sign that your eye is bloodshot, it may not be the only symptom that you have. Depending on the cause, you may also experience other symptoms. Let’s look at some of the most common ones.
The white of one or both eyes turns red or pink, either in a certain spot or all over. You may also notice visible red veins in your eyes.
A painful bloodshot eye can range from minor soreness to a severe discomfort.
Feeling like you need to scratch your eye or eyelid to ease discomfort.
Your eyelid may feel puffy or tight, making it hard to open your eye and impacting your vision.
Feeling like there’s something in your eye, even if you can’t visibly see anything in it.
Learn more about the feeling of something in the eye
Excessive tears being produced by the eyes, commonly caused by dryness, irritation or blockage of the tear ducts.
Your eyes might feel more sensitive to bright light than usual.
Your vision may feel more blurry than usual.
Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.
Book an eye testThere are a few different reasons your eyes might look bloodshot. We’ve grouped them into three types to help you work out what to do next.
Usually nothing to worry about. A bit of rest, some home care, or a quick chat with your optometrist should sort it.
Not an emergency, but you should try to see an optometrist within 24 hours.
Get help straight away. Call Triple One (111) or head to your local ED.
Some causes of red eye don’t need medical treatment and tend to clear up on their own in a few days. Often, simple changes like using eye drops, taking breaks from screens or avoiding certain triggers can help ease the problem.
Common causes include too much screen time (which can lead to digital eye strain), overuse of contact lenses, or mild allergies like hay fever. You might also get red eyes from chlorine in swimming pools, smoke, perfume, or air pollution.
Alcohol and drug use can make the blood vessels in your eyes expand, making them appear red. Another cause is a subconjunctival haemorrhage – a burst blood vessel in the eye. It can look dramatic but doesn’t usually hurt and clears up on its own within a couple of weeks.
Some of the things that cause bloodshot eye do need treatment and won't always go away on their own. Your optometrist can diagnose the following bloodshot eye causes.
Inflammation of the iris, the coloured part of the eye. It can cause redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and/ or a dull ache. It is recommended to see an optometrist for treatment and management. Needs treatment but is not always urgent unless symptoms are severe.
A common condition that causes redness, swelling, crusting/flakiness and irritation of the eyelids and eyelashes.
New Zealands’s high UV levels mean many people experience ‘eye sunburn’ each year. It can leave your eyes feeling sore, red and bloodshot.
Also known as pink eye, it is a common condition that can be bacterial, viral or allergic in nature. It affects the membrane covering the white of the eye and the eyelids the eye can appear quite red and can feel gritty, itchy, watery and/or sticky.
Learn more about conjunctivitis
Can cause redness, light sensitivity, pain, blurred vision and the feeling there’s something in your eye. Left untreated, they can lead to permanent damage.
Learn more about corneal ulcers
Also known as a corneal abrasion – is caused by trauma to the eye such as being poked by a fingernail/object, getting grit into the eyes, aggressive rubbing of the eyes or mishandling of contact lenses.
Can occur when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears dry up too quickly. It can lead to discomfort, soreness and redness. Often easily treated with over‑the‑counter lubricating eye drops.
Also known as 'Surfer's Eye', is a growth of fleshy tissue on the white part of the eye that can extend onto the cornea. Often caused by over‑exposure to UV radiation as well as wind and dust. In some instances, it can cause the eyes to become irritated and red.
A small, painful lump that forms on or inside the eyelid. It can make the eye red and watery.
A form of inflammation in the eye that can be linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Book an eye testSometimes, a bloodshot eye can be a sign of something more serious. If your eye is very sore, your vision suddenly changes, or you notice redness along with light sensitivity, halos, a headache or feeling sick, call 111 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. These could be signs of conditions like acute angle‑closure glaucoma or acute anterior uveitis – both need urgent treatment to protect your sight.
You should also seek medical help if your red eye follows an injury (like a knock or scratch), or if it gets worse quickly or spreads to both eyes. When in doubt, it’s safest to get it checked.
Often when people start using contact lenses, they might find that their eyes get red. This might be because they aren't changing them properly, not cleaning them enough, or simply wearing them for too long. If you get red eyes when using contact lenses, speak with your optometrist.
Very often, bloodshot eyes will simply clear up on their own in a matter of days without requiring any treatment. However, depending on what’s causing the condition, there are a variety of bloodshot eye treatments that can help you manage symptoms and reduce discomfort. If you notice any discomfort, book an appointment with your optometrist for assessment and advice. In severe cases of chronic or sore bloodshot eyes, further tests and ongoing treatment may be needed.
Red eyes can often be treated at home and with over‑the‑counter medication.
Over‑the‑counter eye drops can be used to lubricate dry eyes and soothe irritation.
Gently pressing a cold compress over your eyelids may help to reduce inflammation and redness, particularly if you’re suffering because of allergies like hay fever, where the eyes can become itchy and puffy.
If an allergic reaction is causing your red eyes, taking antihistamine medication (in the form of drops or tablets) can help to reduce your discomfort.
Ensuring you get enough sleep can help reduce eye redness. Reducing alcohol consumption and wearing sunglasses when outside may also help.
Redness due to digital eye strain can be reduced by following the 20‑20‑20 rule. Take a break of at least 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, and look 20 feet away.
If your bloodshot eyes are caused by an underlying medical condition, your optometrist will recommend treatment based on the cause. For bacterial or viral infections, antimicrobial eye drops may be used. In some cases of red eye, a steroid eye drop may be given to help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Book an eye testIf your bloodshot eye is very painful, bleeding, making you feel sick, affecting your vision or giving you a bad headache, you’ll need emergency medical care. Treatment will depend on the cause. This might range from receiving a lubricating, antibiotic or steroid eye drop, or may require oral medication.
In more serious cases, surgical intervention may be required. After the immediate issue is treated, you may also be referred to a specialist eye clinic for follow‑up care.
How long it takes for red eye to heal depends on what’s caused it. Most minor cases clear up on their own within a few days, though some can take a couple of weeks. If it hasn’t improved after two weeks, it’s best to see your optometrist.
If your eyes stay red for several weeks or months, it could be a sign of a longer‑term issue. This is known as chronic red eye. An optometrist can help find the cause and recommend the right treatment to get it sorted.
Getting a bloodshot eye is unpleasant. While it's normally not serious, it can feel worrying. Here are some simple ideas for avoiding getting bloodshot eyes.
Most people touch or rub their eyes much more than they realise ‑ so it's always good to wash your hands with soap often, especially when you've been outside or on public transport. Always wash your hands when handling contact lenses.
Getting enough water is as important to our eye health as it is almost every other part of our bodies. Dehydration can lead to decreased tear production and irritation, so be sure to keep well‑hydrated throughout the day.
Give your eyes plenty of rest ‑ aim to sleep 7‑9 hours per night. And try and remember to blink ‑ especially when using a screen or driving.
Try to reduce screen time, or follow the 20‑20‑20 rule.
Use safety glasses or goggles when gardening, doing DIY, or if you work in a job where small objects might fly in the air.
If your bloodshot eyes are caused by mild allergies, stock up on over‑the‑counter antihistamines.
Having regular eye examinations will help to identify any eye strain issues and other eye conditions that might be irritating your eyes.
Book an eye testIf you woke up with a bloodshot eye, it can be alarming and confusing ‑ especially if there was no obvious cause. There are plenty of possible reasons you might have a bloodshot eye in the morning, including things like:
Eye infections that developed while you were asleep
Tiny scratches or bumps that you didn't notice
Forgetting to take your contact lenses out while you were asleep
Coughing or sneezing hard
Dry eyes after sleeping in a room with air conditioning
Eye irritation from things like dust, sand, ash particles or UV radiation
Tiredness
If your red eye is caused by a minor issue like tiredness, air pollution or computer eye strain, it will usually clear up by itself in a few days. But you can help it to recover faster by staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, reducing screen time and avoiding anything that might irritate your eye. Lubricating eye drops and cold compresses may also help soothe your eye.
We usually advise seeing your GP or an optometrist (eye doctor) if you ever notice any changes in your eyes' health. That said, if the problem seems to be mild and painless, it may simply go away by itself. If you get sore red eyes, your eyes hurt, or you get other symptoms (such as a headache or changes to your vision), it's best to get it seen by a doctor.
Eye sunburn (photokeratitis) is a serious concern in New Zealand. The best way to protect your eyes is to wear wraparound sunglasses with an adequate level of UV protection. Seeking shade where possible and wearing a hat with a broad brim can also reduce the amount of UV light entering your eye. If you don't currently have sunglasses and a hat, try and stay out of the sun during the middle part of the day (10 am to 4 pm) when UV rays are strongest.
Bloodshot eyes usually clear up in a couple of days, but it might take up to two weeks for them to get back to normal.
Bloodshot eye treatment can be free ‑ you often just need rest, and perhaps the use of a cold compress. But you might find it valuable to buy some eye drops that can lubricate and soothe your eyes.
If your bloodshot eyes don't clear up on their own after a few days, it could mean you have chronic red eye. Chronic red eye is usually a sign that you may have an eye condition, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis or iritis, among others. If your red eye doesn't clear up on its own, or keeps flaring up, book an appointment with your optometrist.
Having a bloodshot eye on one side could be a sign of a wide range of conditions. Usually, it is something minor, such as a small injury, tiredness, computer eye strain but it can be a sign of inflammation. The best way to get to the bottom of this is by visiting your optometrist.
AA Members are entitled to a free eye test (valued at $60), once every two years. Remember to present your AA Membership card in‑store.
Cleveland Clinic (2023) Red Eye Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17690‑red‑eye
WebMD (2024) Why are my eyes red? Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye‑health/why‑eyes‑red
BPAC (2013) Causes, complications and treatment of a 'red eye' Available at: https://bpac.org.nz/bpj/2013/august/docs/bpj54‑pages8‑21.pdf
Healthify (2025) Eye protection in the sun Available at: https://healthify.nz/health‑a‑z/e/eye‑protection‑in‑the‑sun
If your vision looks misty or washed out, especially in bright light or when driving at night, it could be cataracts.
When your cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball than a soccer ball, it can cause astigmatism, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
Long‑sightedness can cause blurry near vision even if your distance vision is fine.
Short‑sightedness (myopia) affects distance vision, but usually doesn’t impact close‑up tasks.
Glaucoma can develop gradually and cause vision loss if not caught early, often affecting side vision first.
Diabetes can affect the blood vessels at the back of your eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy and vision problems.
If your sight seems foggy or blurred, it could be caused by cataracts or another condition affecting your eye health.
Double vision means seeing two images of a single object, which can happen when the eyes are not aligned or working together properly
Do your eyes feel tried, sore or gritty? Dry eye could be the culprit, making vision cloudy, or as if you have glazed eyes.
This is when the edges of your eyelids get inflamed due to an infection or skin problem. It can also make the whites of your eyes appear pink or red.
Learn more about blepharitis
Seeing specks, spots or sudden flashes of light? These are common – but can also be a sign of a serious eye condition. It is worth checking out if they’re new or getting worse.
A chalazion is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid that causes a firm, usually painless lump and can lead to eyelid swelling or blurred vision.
Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.
Check your vision
At Specsavers we are focused on caring for your eyes and giving you the best possible vision.
What to expect in‑store
An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.
All about eye testsFree exam for AA Members applies to standard eye examinations only, normally valued at $60. Excludes contact lens examination and visual field checks. Limited to one per AA Member every two years. Available to current AA Members upon presentation of AA Membership card.
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