Red eyes are a common condition that many people experience, whether it’s from irritation, allergies, or more serious underlying health issues. This eye problem, characterized by redness caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the eye’s surface, can affect one or both eyes and often lead to discomfort or concern. Suppose you’ve asked yourself, “How to fix red eyes?”. In that case, it’s important to understand the various causes of red eyes and the most effective treatments available to help relieve the discomfort.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the common causes of bloodshot eyes, practical remedies you can try at home when seeking medical help from an eye doctor, and tips for preventing red eyes.

Common Causes of Red Eyes

Before diving into how to treat red eyes, it’s important to identify what might be causing the eye redness. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Eye Irritation from Allergies

Eye allergies are one of the most common culprits behind red eyes. Environmental irritants such as pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold can cause your eyes to become itchy, watery, and red. This is due to an allergic reaction where the body releases histamine, causing irritated blood vessels in the eye.

Remedies for red eyes due to allergies include using antihistamine eye drops, avoiding allergens, and cooling compresses to soothe irritated eyes.

2. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can also cause red eyes, especially if they are worn for long periods or if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. They can also cause irritation, dryness, and discomfort, resulting in bloodshot eyes. This can be exacerbated if you wear contact lenses while sleeping or in environments with dry air.

To treat red eyes caused by contact lenses, remove the lenses immediately, use artificial tears, and allow your eyes to rest. It’s also important to follow the contact lens cleaning instructions and avoid sleeping with your lenses in.

3. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection or inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or allergy infection and often results in redness, swelling, and sometimes a watery discharge.

Treatment for pink eye depends on its cause:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Typically requires antibiotic eye drops.
• Viral conjunctivitis: Usually resolves independently, but eye drops may help alleviate symptoms.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Treated with antihistamine eye drops or other allergy medications.

If you suspect pink eye, visit your eye doctor to confirm the diagnosis and receive the appropriate treatment.

4. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel in the eye breaks, leading to a bright red spot on the sclera (the white part of the eye). It is often caused by a sudden increase in pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or even straining. Though it may look alarming, it is usually harmless and resolves independently within a few weeks.

Treatment for a broken blood vessel is generally unnecessary, but cool compresses may help reduce swelling or discomfort.

5. Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes can lead to eye redness because when the eyes are not properly lubricated, they can become irritated and inflamed. People who spend long hours staring at screens, work in air-conditioned environments, or have certain health conditions may be more prone to dry eyes.

To treat red eyes caused by dry eye syndrome, use artificial tears or eye drops to moisturize the eyes, take frequent breaks from screens, and maintain a humidifier in dry environments.

6. Eye Injury or Infection

Eye injuries from trauma, scratches, or foreign objects can result in eye redness. Similarly, eye infections like corneal ulcers can cause severe eye pain, redness, and vision problems. If you’ve had an eye injury or suspect an infection, it’s crucial to seek prompt attention from an eye doctor to prevent further damage or complications.

Treatment depends on the cause; your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or other appropriate therapies.

7. Increased Eye Pressure (Glaucoma)

In some cases, red eyes can be a symptom of increased eye pressure, as seen in closed-angle glaucoma. This serious condition can lead to vision loss if left untreated and typically presents with severe eye pain, blurry vision, and light sensitivity.

If you suspect glaucoma, it’s essential to seek immediate medical care to reduce the risk of permanent vision damage.

How to Fix Red Eyes: Effective Treatments

Now that we’ve explored some common causes, here are effective treatments and remedies for red eyes:

1. Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

One of the quickest and easiest ways to treat red eyes is using over-the-counter eye drops. There are various types of eye drops designed for different causes of eye redness:

• Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears help to moisturize the eyes and relieve dryness.
• Antihistamine eye drops help to relieve itchiness and redness caused by allergic reactions.
• Decongestant eye drops can help reduce blood vessel dilation, reducing the appearance of bloodshot eyes.

Be cautious not to overuse decongestant eye drops, as rebound redness can occur if used too frequently.

2. Cold Compresses

A cold compress can help soothe irritated eyes and reduce swelling. It is especially useful for red eyes caused by allergies, irritation, or a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Apply a clean cloth or cool gel pack to the closed eyes for 10-15 minutes to alleviate discomfort.

3. Warm Salt Water Rinse

For pink or minor eye irritation, rinsing the eyes with warm salt water can help flush out irritants and soothe the eyes. Make sure to use a clean solution to prevent further contamination.

4. Rest and Proper Sleep

Sometimes, red eyes can be caused by fatigue or lack of sleep. Ensuring you get enough sleep and allowing your eyes to rest can help alleviate eye irritation and redness. Avoid staring at screens for long periods and follow the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).

5. Avoid Eye Irritants

If red eyes are caused by environmental factors, such as dust, pet dander, or smoke, try to avoid these irritants as much as possible. Air purifiers and humidifiers can also help clear the air and reduce environmental irritants.

6. Eye Hygiene

Maintaining good eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and minimizing redness. If you wear contact lenses, follow the cleaning instructions and avoid wearing them for extended periods. Additionally, remove your makeup before bed to prevent debris from irritating the eyes.

7. Seek Medical Help

If you have persistent eye pain or blurred vision, or if the redness is accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or light sensitivity, it’s important to consult an eye doctor. Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers, require medical attention and possible prescription medication to resolve.

When to See an Eye Doctor

While red eyes can often be resolved with over-the-counter medications and home remedies, there are certain situations where you should seek immediate medical attention from an eye doctor. Knowing when to seek professional care is crucial to avoid potential complications and ensure that the underlying cause of the red eyes is properly diagnosed and treated. Here are some key scenarios when it’s important to see an eye doctor:

1. Persistent or Severe Eye Pain

If you experience severe eye pain along with redness, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as an eye infection or corneal ulcer. While mild discomfort and irritation can be managed with over-the-counter medications, intense pain requires professional attention. Eye pain combined with blurred vision or light sensitivity may also point to conditions like acute glaucoma or a foreign body in the eye.

Pain may occur due to the dilation of tiny blood vessels in the eye caused by infection or injury. An eye doctor should evaluate your condition if the pain is severe and does not improve with self-care or over-the-counter eye drops.

2. Blurred Vision or Vision Loss

Any sudden vision loss, blurred vision, or vision changes in one or both eyes should be treated as an emergency and require an immediate visit to an eye doctor. This could be a sign of more serious conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or acute angle-closure glaucoma. Suppose you notice that vision problems also accompany your red eyes. In that case, getting an eye exam to rule out any severe eye diseases or conditions affecting your eye’s surface and blood vessels is important.

3. Tiny Blood Vessels Are Visible or a Broken Blood Vessel

When tiny blood vessels in the eye rupture, it leads to a condition called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which causes a bright red spot on the white part of the eye. While this is often harmless and resolves on its own, if you notice a sudden appearance of red spots or broken blood vessels, especially if accompanied by pain, or if it doesn’t clear up within a few weeks, you should see an eye doctor.

An eye doctor can examine the area to ensure no complications and determine whether any underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure or blood clotting issues, may contribute to the ruptured blood vessels.

4. Swelling or Discharge from the Eyes

If red eyes are accompanied by swollen eyelids, pus, or discharge, it may be a sign of an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). If not treated properly, bacterial or viral infections can lead to severe inflammation and, in some cases, vision problems.

If over-the-counter treatments or eye drops do not alleviate the symptoms or if the eye redness worsens, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. Delaying treatment could lead to the infection spreading or worsening, which may cause permanent damage to your eye’s surface or even your vision.

5. Recurrent Redness or Red Eyes that Don’t Improve

If your red eyes are recurring or do not improve after using over-the-counter medications, artificial tears, or home remedies, it’s time to see an eye doctor. Persistent or recurrent eye redness could indicate an underlying issue such as dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, or more serious issues like glaucoma or uveitis.

An eye doctor can thoroughly examine the root cause of the ongoing eye irritation and recommend a more effective treatment plan to address your symptoms.

6. Sensitivity to Light or Difficulty Keeping Eyes Open

If you experience light sensitivity along with red eyes, it could indicate a more severe issue such as uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), or a corneal ulcer caused by infection. Uveitis requires immediate attention as it can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

If red eyes are causing significant discomfort, making it difficult to keep your eyes open, or if you’re experiencing painful conditions like headaches, it’s crucial to see an eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to rule out any serious conditions.

Conclusion

Red eyes can be caused by various factors, ranging from irritation and allergies to serious conditions like eye infections or glaucoma. Most cases of eye redness can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops, cool compresses, and simple lifestyle changes. However, if you experience severe symptoms such as blurred vision or eye pain, it’s important to seek professional help from an eye doctor. Regular eye care and good eye hygiene are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and preventing eye discomfort in the future.

References

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-remedies-bloodshot-eyes-when-to-see-doctor

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17690-red-eye

https://www.verywellhealth.com/red-eye-treatment-3422112