Why Are My Eyes Red? Common Causes, Treatment & When to See an Eye Doctor | Eye Exams in Eagan, MN

Have you looked in the mirror and noticed one or both of your eyes are red? While red eyes are often caused by something minor like allergies or dry eye, they can also be a sign of a more serious eye condition that requires prompt evaluation.

At Blue Lakes Eye Care in Eagan, MN, we help patients throughout Eagan, Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Lakeville, West St. Paul, and surrounding south metro communities determine the cause of red eyes and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

If you've been searching for:

• why are my eyes red
• red eye causes
• eye doctor for red eyes
• bloodshot eyes
• eye exam Eagan MN
• red eye treatment near me

this guide explains the most common causes of red eyes, symptoms to watch for, and when it's time to schedule an eye exam.

Why Do Eyes Become Red?

The white part of your eye (the sclera) is covered by a thin, transparent tissue called the conjunctiva. Tiny blood vessels within this tissue can become enlarged or irritated, making the eye appear red or bloodshot.

Redness may affect:

• One eye
• Both eyes
• Only part of the eye
• The entire white of the eye

Although many causes are harmless, persistent or painful redness should never be ignored.

Common Causes of Red Eyes

1. Dry Eye Disease

One of the most common causes of red eyes is dry eye disease.

When your eyes don't produce enough quality tears, the surface of the eye becomes irritated and inflamed.

Symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Stinging
• Grittiness
• Blurry vision
• Excessive tearing

At Blue Lakes Eye Care in Eagan, MN, dry eye disease is one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions during comprehensive eye exams.

2. Eye Allergies

Seasonal allergies are another leading cause of red eyes.

Common allergy symptoms include:

• Itching
• Watery eyes
• Puffy eyelids
• Burning
• Redness

Patients throughout Eagan, Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, and Rosemount often notice symptoms worsen during spring and fall allergy seasons.

3. Contact Lens Irritation

Contact lenses that are worn too long, fit poorly, or aren't cleaned properly may cause:

• Redness
• Dryness
• Pain
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision

Sleeping in contact lenses can significantly increase the risk of infection.

4. Digital Eye Strain

Hours spent looking at computers, phones, and tablets reduce blinking, causing the eyes to become dry and irritated.

Symptoms often include:

• Red eyes
• Eye fatigue
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Burning eyes

5. Broken Blood Vessel (Subconjunctival Hemorrhage)

Sometimes a bright red patch suddenly appears on the white part of the eye.

This is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Although it often looks alarming, it is usually harmless and resolves on its own within one to two weeks.

However, if it occurs after trauma or is accompanied by pain or vision changes, an eye examination is recommended.

6. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye may be caused by:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Allergies

Symptoms can include:

• Redness
• Discharge
• Crusting
• Tearing
• Irritation

Because treatment depends on the cause, it's important to have persistent or worsening symptoms evaluated.

7. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids and is often associated with:

• Dry eye disease
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
• Crusting around the eyelashes
• Red eyelids
• Burning

Can Red Eyes Be a Medical Emergency?

Yes.

Although many cases are minor, certain symptoms require immediate evaluation.

Seek urgent eye care if red eyes are accompanied by:

🚨 Severe eye pain

🚨 Sudden vision loss

🚨 Light sensitivity

🚨 A sudden increase in flashes or floaters

🚨 Eye injury

🚨 Chemical exposure

🚨 A curtain or shadow over your vision

Can Glaucoma Cause Red Eyes?

Yes.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a rare but serious emergency.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe eye pain
• Red eye
• Blurry vision
• Halos around lights
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Immediate treatment is critical to protect vision.

Can Red Eyes Be Caused by an Eye Infection?

Absolutely.

Eye infections may involve:

• The cornea
• The conjunctiva
• The eyelids

Signs of infection include:

• Pain
• Thick discharge
• Swelling
• Decreased vision

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.

How Are Red Eyes Diagnosed?

At Blue Lakes Eye Care in Eagan, MN, a comprehensive eye examination helps determine the underlying cause of redness.

Your exam may include:

• Vision testing
• Slit lamp examination
• Tear film evaluation
• Corneal assessment
• Eye pressure testing
• Retinal health evaluation if indicated

Advanced diagnostic technology allows us to identify both common and more serious causes of red eyes.

How Are Red Eyes Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Possible treatments include:

• Artificial tears
• Prescription dry eye therapy
• Allergy eye drops
• Antibiotic medications (when appropriate)
• Eyelid hygiene
• Contact lens adjustments
• Lifestyle modifications

The best treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis.

When Should You Schedule an Eye Exam?

Schedule an appointment if your red eyes:

• Last more than one or two days
• Continue to recur
• Cause pain
• Affect your vision
• Are associated with contact lens wear
• Are accompanied by light sensitivity
• Produce thick discharge

Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and provide faster relief.

Helping Patients Throughout the South Metro

Blue Lakes Eye Care proudly serves patients throughout:

• Eagan
• Mendota Heights
• Inver Grove Heights
• Rosemount
• Apple Valley
• Lakeville
• West St. Paul

Whether you're experiencing:

• Red eyes
• Dry eyes
• Eye allergies
• Contact lens discomfort
• Eye infections
• Blurry vision

our experienced team is here to help.

Why Choose Blue Lakes Eye Care in Eagan, MN?

Patients throughout the south metro trust Blue Lakes Eye Care for:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Medical eye evaluations
• Advanced dry eye treatment
• Allergy eye care
• Specialty contact lens services
• Personalized treatment plans
• State-of-the-art diagnostic technology

Recently recognized as Eagan's Best Eye Care Facility for 2026 and a Minnesota's Best Bronze Winner, Blue Lakes Eye Care is committed to providing exceptional eye care for every stage of life.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

If you've been searching for:

• Why are my eyes red?
• Bloodshot eyes treatment
• Eye doctor for red eyes
• Dry eye treatment Eagan MN
• Red eye exam near me
• Eye exam Eagan MN

schedule your appointment with Blue Lakes Eye Care in Eagan, MN today.

Our team proudly serves patients throughout Eagan, Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Lakeville, West St. Paul, and surrounding south metro communities, helping you find the cause of your red eyes and the right treatment to restore healthy, comfortable vision.