Bloodshot

Bloodshot describes the appearance of the eyes when the blood vessels in the whites (sclera) are dilated or inflamed, causing them to look red and congested. This redness can vary in intensity from mild to severe, often accompanied by discomfort such as dryness, irritation, or a gritty sensation. Common causes include eye strain, allergies, lack of sleep, exposure to irritants like smoke or chlorine, and certain medical conditions. The appearance of bloodshot eyes often indicates an underlying issue requiring rest, medical treatment, or avoidance of the triggering agent. Frequent causes can be smoking, alcohol intake, and prolonged digital screen use, causing irritation.

Bloodshot meaning with examples

• After staying up all night studying, his eyes were noticeably bloodshot and rimmed with fatigue. He rubbed them constantly, feeling the strain of the long hours and poor lighting, regretting not taking breaks. He looked for some eye drops, hoping to alleviate the irritation, before his exam, which were in a short period of time, starting at 9 a.m.
• The detective's bloodshot eyes and rumpled clothing revealed he'd been working tirelessly on the case for days. Coffee stains marked his shirt, a testament to sleepless nights and mounting pressure. Every time he took a break, he would rub his bloodshot eyes. Now, he looked for any break he could find, but would still work until his body would no longer allow it.
• The intense glare from the welding torch left the welder with bloodshot eyes and a headache. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear the afterimage, but the bright light had taken its toll. He learned the hard way that safety goggles are a necessity. The man had never learned about the necessity of safety precautions, he was too arrogant for it.
• After a particularly grueling cross-country flight, the passenger disembarked with bloodshot eyes and a persistent cough. He attributed the discomfort to the recycled air and sleep deprivation, and went into a coffee shop. He got a coffee and started to feel a bit better, and thought that the sleep deprivation and recycled air were the only causes.