- #1
Mk
- 2,039
- 4
When I get tired it looks like the blood vessels in my eye swell up, why? Are they in the sclera?
Red Eye: Causes & Effects of Sclera Swelling
- Thread starter Mk
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the causes and effects of sclera swelling, particularly in relation to tiredness and eye irritation. Participants explore the physiological responses of the eye, including the role of blood vessels and the conjunctiva in this context.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant observes that when they are tired, the blood vessels in their eye appear to swell and questions whether these vessels are located in the sclera.
- Another participant clarifies that the swelling is likely due to blood vessels in the conjunctiva, suggesting that reduced blinking when tired can lead to dryness and irritation.
- A subsequent participant expresses surprise at this explanation, indicating a lack of prior knowledge on the topic.
- Further, a participant questions whether rubbing the eyes when tired contributes to the swelling of conjunctival vessels, implying a connection between irritation and vascular response.
- Another participant adds that as the eyes dry out, the blink rate increases to compensate, noting the cornea's reliance on tears and aqueous for oxygen and nutrients.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the role of the conjunctiva in the swelling observed when tired, but there are varying perspectives on the mechanisms involved, particularly regarding the effects of eye rubbing and dryness.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about the relationship between eye dryness, blinking, and blood vessel response remain unexamined, and the discussion does not resolve the specifics of how these factors interact.
- #2
larkspur
- 515
- 4
No those are in the conjunctiva. When you get tired you may tend to blink less and your eyes begin to get dry(especially if you are a contact lens wearer)
- #3
Mk
- 2,039
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Wow is that why! No way!
- #4
DocToxyn
Science Advisor
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Mk said:
Do you find that you rub your eyes when you are tired? Irritation such as this can also cause swelling of the vessels in the conjunctiva.
- #5
larkspur
- 515
- 4
Mk said:
Once your eyes have begun to dry out the blink rate increases to compensate. Since the cornea has no blood vessels it must get its O2 and nutrients from the tears and aqueous.
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