Red Eyes
At some point in our lives, we have all had red, itchy eyes. Typically, the term “red eye” refers to eyes that are inflamed, bloodshot, and red. Red eyes may hurt and be quite uncomfortable. The initial symptom of eye inflammation is a red eye.
Red eyes could be generally unharmful and are readily treated at home. However, you must seek medical attention right away if the red eye is accompanied by swelling, eye pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision. See How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes
What is a Red Eye?
A red eye is the result of a reaction to something that irritates your eye. It can affect one or both eyes and might appear suddenly or progress with time; it can be due to eye injury or an allergic reaction to some foreign substance that entered your eyes.
Most occurrences of red eye are mild and typically go away on their own or with over-the-counter medications. However, if red eye is accompanied by eye pain, light sensitivity, swelling, or blurry vision, see your eye doctor immediately.
What Causes Red Eyes?
Red eyes causes: There are several causes of red eyes. Sometimes, they can also be brought on by regular routines like looking at a computer screen for an excessive amount of time without taking a break or wearing contact lenses for an extended period of time.
In addition, the following underlying conditions can also be termed in result in red eyes:
- Eye injury
- Excessive alcohol use
- Smoking
- Dry eyes
- Blepharitis (inflamed eyelid)
- Allergy
- Glaucoma (increased blood pressure in the eyes)
- Conjunctivitis, also called as pink eye
Symptoms of Red Eyes
Redness of eyes is itself a symptom as a result of some irritation. Signs and symptoms that may accompany a red eye include:
- Itching
- Watering of eyes
- Eye discharge
- Pain
- Change in vision
- Photophobia (eye discomfort in bright light)
How to Get Rid of Red Eyes
How to treat red eyes: Red eye has a wide range of treatments. The symptoms can frequently be alleviated by relaxation, cold compresses placed over closed eyes, gentle eyelid massage, gentle eyelid cleaning, and/or over-the-counter eye drops. Sometimes, a doctor of optometry will advise against and prescribe antibiotics, specialized eye drops, or ointments.
The following are some examples of treatments for particular ailments:
1. Red eye due to allergies
Treatment often comprises of over-the-counter eye drops in addition to avoiding the allergen (if it is recognized). Artificial tears can be used to soothe dry, itchy eyes by removing irritants from the eyes and adding moisture. Eye drops with decongestant properties lessen allergy-related eye redness. Itching can also be treated with decongestant eye drops that contain an antihistamine.
2. Blepharitis
The normal course of treatment include maintaining clean eyelids. Warm washcloth used to the closed eyelid(s) for several seconds after squeezing out excess water will help ease discomfort. It will also assist if you use a cotton swab dipped in water and baby shampoo to gently cleanse the eyelid. It’s crucial to periodically clean the eyelids since once the issue starts, it typically doesn’t totally go away. The eye doctor may occasionally additionally recommend antibiotics or steroid eye drops.
3. Bacterial or viral pink eye
- Place a warm, damp washcloth over the infected, closed eye for a few minutes. This will also loosen dried mucus if eyelashes or eyelids are sticking together.
- Use a clean washcloth each time so the infection does not spread.
- If the pink eye is in both eyes, use a different washcloth for each eye.
- Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears).
Read Dark Circles Under Eyes – Causes and How to Remove them
Home Remedies for Red Eyes
Before heading to the doctor, try one of the many home remedies for red eyes. Redness of the eyes can sometimes be reduced by gently washing them, relaxing them, lightly massaging the eyelids, or applying a compress to closed eyes.
Here are some tips you may apply as natural red eye treatments at home:
1. Warm compress
For a red eye, a warm compress could be helpful. You can cover your eyes with a warm, wet towel for a few minutes. To do this, soak a clean towel in warm water and squeeze out all the excess water. After that, put this warm towel over your eyes and wait till it cools.
2. Cold compress
It could be helpful to reduce eye redness by applying a cool compress to closed eyes. You can gently place a handkerchief that has been soaked in cold water over your eyes. You might also gently place a wet towel that has been frozen over your eyes until it becomes warm. The cold water has a cooling impact in addition to reducing inflammation.
3. Honey and milk
Mix a tablespoon of warm milk and honey. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and apply on your eyes. Do this for about 30 minutes and wash your face. This works because both ingredients have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that speed up the healing process.
4. Aloe vera
Take some aloe vera gel and mix it with an equal amount of water. Soak a cotton pad and refrigerate for about an hour. Place them on the eyes for 20-30 minutes to get rid of the redness. Do this at least once daily. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in aloe vera will help soothe irritated eyes.
5. Tea bags
Teas such as chamomile and green tea can help soothe red eyes. They contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce any inflammation or swelling in the eyes. Take 2 tea bags and refrigerate them. After an hour, place them on your eyes for 20 minutes. Do this twice every day.
6. Drumstick
Due to their high antioxidant and vitamin content, drumstick tree leaves are mostly utilized in cooking and medicine. The tree’s anti-inflammatory qualities may be helpful for eye issues. The drumstick tree’s leaves may be used to form a fine paste by being ground up. Apply this paste to the area surrounding your closed eyelids. The drumstick’s anti-inflammatory effects may help to lessen the redness.
7. 20-20 blink rule
Most of us spend a lot of time in front of computers or laptops now that work-from-home is fully operational. Dry eyes may result from spending too much time in front of a screen. To maintain the proper balance of moisture in your eyes, stick to the “20-20 blink rule” to keep the moisture balance in your eyes. Look away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes and blink twice. This will allow the tears to stay in contact with the eyes and reduce redness.
8. Castor oil
It contains a strong anti-inflammatory compound known as ricinoleic acid. Pouring a few drops of this oil in your eyes can lubricate the eyes and reduce inflammation. While this usually works, you should consult a professional to avoid complications.
See 9 Ways to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes
How to Prevent Red Eyes?
How can red eye be prevented? Do not use contact lenses for longer than is suggested, and keep them clean. Maintain clean eyes and thoroughly remove eye makeup. When staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time, take regular breaks. To ensure that nothing more serious is the source of your red eyes, schedule an appointment for an eye test. Read 7 Toxic Beauty Products Every Woman Must be Aware of
- Don’t rub the eyes. Dirt and germs on the hands and fingers can cause even more redness and irritation.
- Keep contact lenses clean, and do not wear them longer than recommended.
- Remove eye makeup properly and keep eyes clean.
- Take regular breaks when looking at the computer screen for long periods of time.
- Schedule an eye exam to make sure the cause of red eye is not something more serious.
See 9 Best Foods for Healthy Eyes and Better Vision
When to Seek Medical Help
Redness in the eyes can occasionally be an indication of a more serious eye ailment or illness, even though red eyes often go away on their own.
To get a diagnosis and receive treatment, consult an ophthalmologist if:
- You have a red eye for more than 1-2 days
- Have nausea and vomiting
- Have a headache with confusion or blurred vision
- Are seeing rings around lights
- Have had an eye injury
- Have vision changes or eye pain
- Are sensitive to light
- Have greenish or yellowish discharge from your eye
- Have any foreign body in your eye
Make an appointment with an eye doctor right away to receive treatment if red eye is accompanied by eye pain, light sensitivity, swelling, or blurry vision.
Artificial tears may be suggested by the ophthalmologist. These eye drops mimic the function of natural tears. Artificial tears are available over-the-counter and may be used as frequently as required.
Bottom line
A red eye is the result of eye inflammation. Using some straightforward home remedies that are conveniently located in your kitchen or garden area, the eye irritation may be eased. Use natural therapies like warm and cold compresses, honey & milk, Aloe vera, tea bags, 20-20 blink rule, castor oil or drumstick paste.
You may be able to get rid of red eyes using these natural solutions. It is advised to see a doctor, nevertheless, if the redness persists for more than one or two days or if any new symptoms appear. See 9 Best Foods for Healthy Eyes and Better Vision
FAQ
What causes red eyes?
What causes red eyes in adults? Numerous factors can induce red eyes, from the tiniest (contact lenses) to more serious conditions (blepharitis, allergies, dry eyes, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, eye injury). It can also be brought on by using eye whitening products, drinking too much alcohol, or smoking.
Can bloodshot eyes be serious?
Red eyes can occur due to several reasons, some serious, but most of them are nothing to be alarmed about. If the symptoms continue for more than 1 to 2 days, you must seek medical help and get an accurate diagnosis.
Why are my eyes red for 2 days?
Eye redness for more than two days in adults? If the redness does not go away in 1-2 days. There may be an underlying medical issue causing the redness of your eyes. You must seek medical attention from a general practitioner or an ophthalmologist, an expert in treating eye conditions.
Can warm compresses damage eyes?
No, it cannot. You can safely use a warm compress for red eyes. For this, soak a clean washcloth in warm water, remove all the excess water from the cloth, lay this damp cloth over your eyes, and let it rest.
What are the benefits of warm compress on eyes?
Warm eye compresses can relieve eye pain and offer virtually immediate relief. The warmth of the compress relaxes the eye to ease any discomfort or muscle spasms that may accompany dry eye, while the wetness of the compress hydrates the eyes to help minimize grittiness.
Is cold compress good for eyes?
Yes, a cold compress may be used to relieve the redness in your eye. How to make cold compress for eyes; you can soak a cloth in cold water or freeze a wet cloth and gently apply it over your eyes.
Cold compress on eyes benefits
People who have dry eyes, pinkeye, or eye pain may find relief from their symptoms with the use of a cold compress, which can also reduce swelling, inflammation, and dryness. Cold compresses help reduce the pain of swollen eyes and the look of dark circles because they constrict blood vessels.
Warm or cold compress for eye pressure?
Since warm compresses have greater advantages for the eyes than cold ones, they are more frequently employed. They work by causing the eye’s oil glands to secrete oils that prevent tears from evaporating too rapidly.
How to get rid of red eyes without eye drops?
How to clear red eyes without eye drops or rather natural remedy for eye problem: Home remedies for subsiding the redness in the eyes include warm or cold compresses, paste of punarnava leaves, or shigru leaves, or aparijita flower with cow milk.
Can contact lenses cause red eye?
Yes, there is a possibility that your red eye is caused by a contact lens. If the redness persists after 1-2 hours of using contact lenses, avoid wearing them for too long and speak with your doctor.
Consider it a caution if you get red eyes when using contact lenses. A contact lens could appear innocuous and modest. But you must remember that it is a foreign body that is lying on your eye’s surface. If your eyes become red when you are wearing contacts, you could just be wearing them too much. Read Dark Circles Under Eyes – Causes and How to Remove them