Watching your favorite movies all night, having a colic baby, staying awake the whole night, mobile addiction or an allergic reaction can leave your eyes looking weary and bloodshot. Eye redness is also called as bloodshot eyes and it is not the best way to make a good impression of yourself with the people you meet.
Luckily, you do not have to deal with your red eyes for long, read on to know simple tips and tricks that will help you to restore your eyes looking in its natural glory.
What causes bloodshot eyes?
There are simply several factors that could potentially cause your eyes to turn red or bloodshot. On most occasions, eye redness is not something you should worry about a lot, and it will go away by itself when you give your eyes the sufficient rest it demands.
However, reddish eyes can also be a symptom of something serious like acute glaucoma, eye inflammation, blood diseases, thyroid conditions, tumors, or conjunctivitis. But, do not let these terms bother you. You should know that most or all of these conditions come with other symptoms combined with eye redness. For example, acute glaucoma will have dilated pupils, blurring vision, and pain, along with eye redness.
Because eye redness can turn into a serious condition if left unattended or untreated, experts recommend you to get your eyes checked if you notice any of the following conditions:
- Persistent redness that stays on for more than 3 or 4 days
- Pain in the eyes
- Change in vision or blurriness
- Excessive sensitivity to light
- Redness or blood over the pupil
- Discharge from one or both the eyes
What are the home remedies for red eyes?
If you are convinced that your eye redness is caused due to fatigue, after a long session in front of a computer screen, long hours in contact lenses, air pollution, or any other common reason, then try these simple remedies that will help you to get rid of the redness and irritation in your eyes.
Wear sunglasses
Good quality sunglasses not only covers up your red eyes in public, but it will also help to protect your already sore eyes from further damage and reduces irritation. Furthermore, you should definitely wear a pair of sunglasses if you are driving a bright day, skiing, boating, or any kind of activity that demands your presence under direct sunlight.
Put on lubricating eye drops
Sometimes your eye irritation could be due to dryness, in that case, all you need to make your eyes feel better is few drops of lubricating eye drops such as Visine.
However, eye drops usage should be limited to 3 to 4 consecutive days at the max. Regular use of lubricating eye drops can make your condition much worse.
Read the contents of your eye drops when you purchase it. If the redness didn’t go away after two to three days of usage, then stop using it and check your condition with a Doctor.
Try cold or warm compress
A little warmth or coldness can help to temporarily relieve dryness and irritation in your eyes. Whether you want to go with warmth or a cold compress depends on what makes you feel better. Simply soak a washcloth in cold or hot water and place it over your eyes for a few minutes. Let the temperature transfer happen before you remove the cloth. Repeat this several times a day if needed.
Try an allergy pill (antihistamine)
If the eye redness is due to an allergic reaction, then try to treat your allergy with over the counter antihistamine drug. Your eyes will start to feel better along with your allergy. However, if you are a nursing woman, or pregnant, or have a special condition then you should not take antihistamines without Doctor’s advice.
Sleep it off
Sleep deprivation is a major cause for eye redness. If you are not sleeping enough or have bad sleeping habits then try to take a day off and give your eyes enough rest it deserves. With sufficient rest, your eyes will become relaxed along with the arteries in it and the redness will clear up.
Wear goggles while you swim
Swimming pools have chlorinated water, and chlorine can cause redness in your eyes. If you swim regularly then try to put on well-fitting goggles to protect your eyes.
Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
Chemicals present in most liquors and cigarette smoke will strain your arteries and blood vessels. This can directly result in weary and reddish looking eyes. If you are a frequent smoker or drinker then try to give up both and notice your eyes gradually start to regain its color.
