Woke up with red, bloodshot eyes? Or noticed irritation after a long day on screens? Eye redness is common, but understanding the most frequent causes of red eyes can help you know when it’s harmless and when it needs attention.
Bottom line: Knowing the causes of red eyes helps you decide when bloodshot eyes are minor and when to seek care – while ICD-10 H57.8 signals its clinical relevance.
In this quick video, you’ll discover the most common reasons your eyes turn red and what those symptoms often reveal. Additionally, it explains how irritants, screen time, and everyday habits can trigger redness before you even notice it happening. As you watch, you’ll learn when redness is minor and when it may need closer attention.
Importantly, in medical coding, eye redness is classified under the ICD-10 code H57.8. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), which doctors use to identify conditions related to the eyes. However, beyond the code, it is useful to understand what eye redness means, what causes it, and when it may signal a more serious issue with your eye health.
Eye redness, also known as conjunctival injection, happens when tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye become more visible. Although it is often harmless, it can sometimes point to an underlying condition. Therefore, knowing the most common causes of red eyes can help you respond quickly and appropriately.
For example, environmental irritants such as dust or smoke may cause temporary redness. Meanwhile, allergies can trigger itchiness, tearing, and visible redness, especially during certain seasons. In addition, eye strain from long hours on screens is another frequent cause. On the other hand, bacterial or viral infections may lead to redness combined with discharge, discomfort, or light sensitivity.
Finally, chronic issues like dry eye syndrome or underlying health conditions can keep eye redness coming back and may require ongoing care.
Eye redness can appear for many reasons, but some triggers are more frequent than others. Because different causes require different treatments, identifying the source is the first step toward relief. Below is a breakdown of the most common causes of red eyes:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergic Conjunctivitis | Allergies to pollen, pet dander, or dust mites often lead to red, itchy, watery eyes. Seasonal allergies are especially common triggers. |
| Bacterial Conjunctivitis | A bacterial infection that causes redness, thick discharge, and crusting of the eyelids. It can affect one or both eyes. |
| Viral Conjunctivitis | Often linked to adenoviruses, this contagious infection produces watery eyes, irritation, and visible redness. |
| Dry Eye Syndrome | When your eyes do not produce enough quality tears, they may feel dry and look red. Relief often starts with this complete dry eye kit for daily care at home. |
| Environmental Irritants | Smoke, dust, pollution, chemicals, or even windy air can irritate the eyes and cause temporary redness. |
| Eye Strain | Prolonged screen use can dry out the eyes and increase redness. Learn more about computer vision syndrome here. |
| Contact Lens Wear | Over-wearing or improper cleaning of contact lenses can irritate the eyes, leading to redness and discomfort. |
| Ocular Surface Disorders | Blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, or corneal abrasions may all present with persistent eye redness. |
| Subconjunctival Hemorrhage | A sudden bright red patch caused by a burst blood vessel. While often painless and harmless, it can look dramatic. |
| Systemic Health Conditions | Issues like high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, or body-wide inflammation may appear as chronic redness in the eyes. |
Treating eye redness depends on the cause. Because no single remedy works for every situation, combining at-home care with professional guidance is often the best approach. Below are effective ways to manage red eyes and find relief:
For guidance on finding the right drops, see our detailed comparison of the best eye drops for red eyes.
The ICD-10 code for eye redness is H57.8. This classification is used by healthcare professionals to document redness and other eye symptoms. Because it standardizes diagnosis, it helps guide proper treatment and track patient care.
Eye redness can result from allergies, infections such as bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, dry eyes, irritants, digital eye strain, or contact lens use. Moreover, systemic conditions like high blood pressure can also play a role.
If redness lasts more than a couple of days, or if it appears with pain, blurry vision, discharge, or light sensitivity, you should see an eye care professional. Early evaluation ensures timely treatment.
At home, you can use cold compresses, preservative-free lubricating drops, and practice good hydration. In addition, resting your eyes, avoiding irritants, and cleaning contact lenses properly can reduce redness.
Yes. You can minimize risk by avoiding known triggers, maintaining proper hygiene, and taking breaks from screens. Furthermore, nutritional support matters – supplements like Clear Crystal Vision contain key ingredients to ease strain and promote eye comfort.
Not always. Often, mild redness is harmless and temporary. However, if symptoms worsen or persist, you should get checked to rule out infections or more serious conditions.
Chronic redness may require prescription drops, lifestyle changes, or management of an underlying condition. Therefore, working closely with an eye doctor ensures you receive the right care plan.
Yes. If redness is caused by infection, inflammation, or corneal damage, vision can be affected. Therefore, early treatment helps protect your eyesight and prevent complications.
In conclusion, red eyes can develop from everyday factors like dry air or screen strain, but they may also signal infections or systemic conditions. While mild redness is often temporary, persistent or painful symptoms should never be ignored. Importantly, the ICD-10 code H57.8 highlights that eye redness is a recognized medical condition requiring attention when it does not improve. With quick action, good habits, and professional guidance, you can protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy.