Lots of Red Veins all over eye whites (9 & 5 yr. old)

I just moved from the Mid-WEst to Barbados.  Since I've been here I noticed that my son and daughter have red veins all over the whites of their eyes.   My sons has the red veins and also has a yellowish like film in the inner corner of his right eye.   What is this?   Both of there eyes have always been super white, white.   Now there are red veins everywhere.   We've been here for 4 months.   It's not ridiculously ot or anything - about 85-90 degrees.  Not sure if that has anything to do with it.  Please adivse.  Thanx so much!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The sun is the likely cause and it will do the same thing to your skin. Need to wear hats with bills, sunglasses, suntal lotion high SPF.  Artificical tears. See an Eye MD for baseline exam.

JCH MD

[shaheenmarkee]

I too have red veins in my Sclera. I wore contacts for 35 years and the Dr. Said it was due to that. So I had Lasik done 4 yrs. Ago and love it, however still have the red..and my eyes feel tired all the time. I drink a lot of water and sleep good. My Dr. Said there is nothing I can do? Regards, debbie

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Debbie, depends a lot on what's causing the veins to be prominent. Most common cause is dry eyes, especially in women, especially if over 40, on BCP, pregnant or menopausal.

Restasis often is very helpful although its a twice/day drop that take 4 months before it starts to work and is something you stay on "forever"

Thyroid disease is another cause. I suggest you see a corneal external disease specialist and work through the possible causes. If you live in the USA find one near you at www.aao.org

JCH MD