How to Stop Red Eyes

Do you see your eyes turning red when you look in the mirror? This could be because you've been sitting in front of a computer or TV for too long, or it might be due to an allergy. In any case, red eyes are uncomfortable and unsightly. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce swelling and itching. Redness and dryness can occur together, so some methods address both of these issues. Additionally, infections, injuries to the eyes, or foreign objects can cause red eyes. In such cases, you should visit a healthcare facility for a thorough examination.

Purchase Eye Drops. There are many different types of eye drops, each designed to treat specific eye conditions. For example, if you have red eyes and wear contact lenses, blood vessel-constricting eye drops may not work because the drops cannot penetrate the contact lenses, and therefore won't help reduce redness.

• Most eye drops work by constricting the blood vessels in the eye, making the eyes less red. However, overuse of these drops can lead to dependency, and the redness will return if you stop using them.
• Eye drops without preservatives seem to be the most natural for the eyes. These are usually sold in single-use vials, making them very hygienic.

Consult an Eye Care Specialist. The best way to select the right eye drops for your condition is to visit a doctor or an eye care expert to determine the cause of your red eyes. The doctor will diagnose your condition and recommend the most effective treatment.

• If your red eyes are due to allergies, choose eye drops containing antihistamines. However, antihistamines can also cause dryness, so it's recommended to use them along with artificial tears.
• If you have an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops.
• Be cautious with antibacterial eye drops, as some people are allergic to the preservatives in them, which may worsen the condition.

Apply a Cold Compress to Your Eyes. Cold water can reduce inflammation, which is often the cause of your red eyes. It can also make your eyes feel more comfortable. The simplest method is to splash cold water on your face.

• Allergies are the most common cause of red eyes. When you have an allergy, your body releases histamines, which lead to dry eyes and swollen blood vessels. Cold water reduces blood flow to the eyes and helps reduce swelling.

Use Ice or a Cold Pack. Ice is a common and effective remedy for red eyes. Ice and cold packs work similarly to cold compresses by reducing swelling and limiting blood flow to the eyes.

• If you don't have a cold pack, you can wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth and place them on your eyes for 4-5 minutes.
• When using extremely cold items like ice or cold packs, always place a thin cloth over your eyes to protect them from cold burns.

Check for Burst Blood Vessels. Sneezing, coughing, or rubbing your eyes too hard can cause blood vessels to burst. Doctors call this "subconjunctival hemorrhage." Typically, this occurs in one eye and doesn't cause pain. Blood vessels usually heal on their own within a few days to two weeks.

• Blood vessels can also burst if you're using blood thinners, lifting heavy weights, dealing with constipation, or performing activities that raise blood pressure in your head. If you have a blood disorder, this may happen more often. If this occurs frequently, visit your doctor or get a blood test.
• Consult a doctor if you experience pain or have chronic conditions like diabetes.

See a Doctor if Your Eyes Appear Pink. Conjunctivitis causes your eyes to appear red or pink. Contact a doctor immediately if you notice your eyes turning pink. The doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or oral medication, depending on your condition. Conjunctivitis is contagious, so wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap, clean your contact lenses, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• One eye becomes dry and red, which may spread to the other eye.
• You have recently had an infection or viral illness (such as an ear infection, cold, or flu).
• You have been in close contact with someone who has conjunctivitis recently.

Identify the cause of your eye redness. To determine why your eyes are red and itchy, visit an eye specialist for advice. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, answer the following questions:

• Is this a chronic condition or is it your first time experiencing it?
• Do you have any other symptoms besides red eyes?
• How long has this condition lasted?
• What medications have you taken, including vitamins and supplements?
• Do you consume alcohol or stimulants?
• Do you have any chronic illnesses?
• What are your known allergies?
• Have you been under stress recently?
• Are you getting enough sleep?
• Have you been eating less or feeling dehydrated?

Reduce screen time. Studies show that our blink rate decreases by 10 times when staring at screens. Blinking is essential for eye health as it helps lubricate the eyes. Prolonged screen time on computers, TVs, or other electronic devices leads to dry and red eyes. If you must look at screens for extended periods, try the following tips:

• Remind yourself to blink frequently.
• Follow the 20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.
• Lower the screen brightness.
• Keep the screen 50 cm to 1 meter away from your eyes.

Adjust your electronic screen. If your job requires you to use a computer or monitor, you may not want to limit screen time. However, you can make some adjustments to reduce discomfort:

• Position the screen at eye level. This will prevent you from straining your neck by looking up or down during work.
• Place the screen 50 cm to 1 meter away from your eyes.
• Wear glasses that help reduce eye strain caused by screen light. If you're already wearing prescription glasses, consult a specialist if your screen time requires a reevaluation. Consider using anti-glare or infrared filter lenses to ease eye strain.

Avoid smoking. Stimulants like cigarettes can affect the eyes and cause redness. Smoking also increases the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. Smoking during pregnancy may lead to eye conditions in both the mother and baby.

• If you can't quit or choose not to, try smoking outdoors to keep your home free of smoke. You can also use an air purifier to remove smoke if you smoke indoors.

Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol leads to dehydration. It causes your body to lose the nutrients required to produce tears through urination. The combined loss of water and nutrients can cause dry and red eyes.

• If you drink more than necessary, consider using a tool to track your alcohol intake.
• When drinking alcohol, make sure to hydrate by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration. You need to stay hydrated to prevent dry eyes.

Maintain a balanced diet. The food you consume has a significant impact on the health of your eyes, just like other parts of your body. Eating a balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flax seeds, nuts, etc.) can help keep your eyes healthy and prevent infections.

• Vitamins C, E, and zinc help reduce age-related eye issues. These vitamins are found in bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, strawberries, oranges, squash, cabbage, tomatoes, raspberries, celery, and spinach.
• Vitamins B2 and B6 help prevent age-related eye diseases and cataracts. You can find these vitamins in eggs, fresh vegetables, cereals, dairy products, sunflower seeds, tuna, liver, and turkey meat.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin protect your eyes from harmful light. To boost these nutrients in your diet, include more green peas, mung beans, orange bell peppers, corn, tangerines, oranges, mangoes, eggs, and dark leafy greens like kale, collard greens, broccoli, and spinach.
• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Get enough sleep. While sleep affects your eyes, it is often overlooked. Sleep is crucial for overall body recovery, including your eyes. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep can lead to dry and itchy eyes, which can result in other issues like eye strain or puffiness.

• Another benefit of sleep is that it helps white blood cells combat harmful agents in the body.

Be cautious with allergies. Allergies are a common cause of dry, itchy, and red eyes. Seasonal allergies often begin in spring when pollen levels are high. The itching sensation occurs because your body releases histamine to combat the allergens. The side effects of histamine include itching and dry eyes. You can buy over-the-counter medications for allergy relief, and it's important to drink plenty of water.

• Pet dander can also trigger allergies. If you experience dry, itchy, and swollen eyes when interacting with an animal, avoid them. You can also consult a doctor for allergy shots against pet dander.