How To Get Rid Of Red Eyes

There are multiple causes of red eyes, such as allergies, dry eyes, contact lenses, lack of sleep, and eye fatigue. In any of these circumstances, the blood vessels on the white part of the eye swell or dilate, resulting in the redness individuals see in the mirror. Sometimes, the redness also comes with pain or itchiness. Thankfully, no one has to deal with red eyes for very long thanks to many treatment methods. The specific treatment individuals will want to use, of course, does depend on, at least in part, on the cause of their red eyes. Thus, after determining the cause, get familiar with these treatment options for red eyes and wave goodbye to them!

Use Artificial Tears

A common cause of red eyes is dry eyes. Eye dryness is sometimes accompanied by itchiness, burning, or even a feeling of grittiness, which feels like something is stuck on the eye. A simple solution is to use artificial tears that help lubricate the eye. There are a wide range of artificial tears available at drug stores under various brands, and can serve multiple functions including itch-reduction and contact lens lubrication. It is best to apply artificial tears once every hour for the first six hours for best results. For a cooling effect, some individuals may choose to place the bottle in the fridge for a few minutes before using the artificial tears.

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Try An Antihistamine

There are various types of artificial tears, but if individuals notice their eyes are itchy and tearing, they may have allergies. If an individual suspects their allergies are the culprit for their red eyes, they may want to consider eye drops with an antihistamine. Histamine is a compound produced by the body in response to certain allergens. Histamine results in swelling, and dilation of the blood vessels in the body, including the eyes. Eyedrops with antihistamine help reduce itchiness and tearing while constricting the blood vessels to reduce redness. If patients think they have red eyes due to allergies, an antihistamine may just be their best bet.

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Apply A Warm Or Cool Compress

Another simple method that can help with red eyes is to apply a warm or cool compress. Compresses help with adding moisture to dry eyes. Warm compresses relieve eye pain and thin natural oils to prevent glands from clogging. For warm compresses, it is best to use warm water instead of hot, as the skin on the eyelids and around the eyes is very delicate. Cool compresses also help reduce eye redness by constricting blood vessels and reducing fluid retention. Clean washcloths dunked in ice water are helpful for cool compresses, as are bags of frozen vegetables or chilled spoons.

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Change Type Of Contact Lenses Worn

According to research, if individuals wear contact lenses and have red eyes, they should consider changing the type of contact lenses they wear. Contact lens issues include irritated conjunctiva, a buildup of toxins to the bacteria on the eye, contacts being an attractant for allergens, or contact lenses that do not fit. Dry eye from contact lenses that are not breathable is also a common cause. A variety of contact lenses out there are made out of different materials that can allow individuals to wear them for an extended period. It may also be worth going to the eye doctor and identifying better fitting lenses, or lenses with hypoallergenic materials.

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Watch Dietary Choices

As the saying goes, we are what we eat. Some individuals may not realize they need to watch their dietary choices, as nutritional deficiencies can have a cascading effect in an individual's health. According to experts, a vitamin B12 deficiency, in particular, can affect an individual's energy levels, which, in turn, can affect their quality of sleep. A lack of sleep and continuous fatigue can result in bloodshot eyes as well. Individuals can get more nutrition by eating more fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. They can also choose to take a vitamin supplement if they have difficulty with eating more of those foods.