What Causes Red Eyes?
Red eyes can be triggered by various factors. The most common cause of the condition is inflamed vessels on the surface of your eyes. This irritation can be caused by irritants like:
Sun exposure Dry air Dust Allergies Microbes like bacteria and viruses Coughing Cold or flu
Constant coughing or eye strain can result in a specific condition called subconjunctival hemorrhage, which causes red blotches to appear in any of your eyes. However, it clears up in 10 days. The more serious causes of red eyes are infections that may occur in different parts of your eyes and give rise to additional symptoms like eye pain, discharge, or even changes in your vision. Some infections that lead to the occurrence of red eyes include:
Inflamed eyelash follicles (blepharitis) Inflammation of the membrane that coats the surface of your eyes (conjunctivitis or pink eye) Ulcers covering the eyes, called corneal ulcers Inflamed uvea (uveitis)
Eye redness can also be caused by:
Injured eye Trauma Acute glaucoma that causes pain by increased pressure on the eye Scratched cornea caused by irritants or use of lens Bleeding issues
It is best to do whatever you can to treat the condition. And what could be better than some quick and natural home remedies? We have compiled a list of the best remedies to help you get rid of red eyes.
How To Get Rid Of Red Eyes Naturally
Home Remedies To Treat Bloodshot Eyes
1. Cold Compress
An ice pack Do this at least twice daily. Cold compresses are best to treat the inflammation and swelling in your eyes. They also help in constricting the blood vessels of the affected eye, which helps reduce the redness (1).
2. Cucumber
Sliced cucumbers Do this twice daily for best results. Cucumber is one of the best remedies for treating red eyes. It has soothing and cooling properties that can help in shrinking the blood vessels in your eyes and treat the condition (2).
3. Rose Water
Rose water (as required) Cotton pads
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily. Rose water has a soothing and relaxing effect on your eyes. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the inflammation and irritation in your eyes (3).
4. Teabags
2 used teabags Do this at least twice daily. Tea contains tannins that can help in soothing red eyes. This is mainly because of the anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by tannins (4).
5. Honey And Milk
1 tablespoon of honey 1 tablespoon of milk Cotton pads
- Mix a tablespoon each of warm milk and honey. 2. Soak a few cotton pads in this mixture and place them directly on your eyes. 3. Leave them on for about 30 minutes and wash your eyes with water. Do this once daily . Both milk and honey have natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up the healing of your eyes (5).
6. Chamomile Tea
1 teaspoon of chamomile tea 1 cup of hot water Cotton pads
Do this 1 to 2 times daily. Chamomile tea is an extremely beneficial remedy for treating red eyes. This is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing the inflammation and swelling in your eyes (6).
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel Water Cotton pads
Do this at least once daily. Aloe vera possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in soothing red and irritated eyes (7).
8. Castor Oil
1-2 drops of 100% organic castor oil You must do this once daily until you notice an improvement in your condition. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which is a strong anti-inflammatory compound that not only helps in lubricating your eyes but also reduces inflammation and swelling (8).
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 cup of water Cotton balls
Do this 1 to 2 times daily. Apple cider vinegar can also help treat red eyes. It contains acetic acid that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can naturally reduce the redness of your eyes and prevent further infection in the irritated eye (9), (10). Note: In some individuals, this remedy may worsen irritation and aggravate the appearance of redness in the eye. Therefore, those with sensitive eyes must use it with caution or avoid it entirely.
10. Coconut Oil
1-2 drops of 100% virgin coconut oil You must do this twice daily for a few weeks. Coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids that are highly moisturizing and anti-inflammatory (11). It helps in keeping your eyes lubricated and reduces the inflammation (12).
11. Green Tea
1 teaspoon of green tea 1 cup of hot water Cotton pads
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily. Green tea contains polyphenols that possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (13), (14). They relieve irritation and redness in your eyes by reducing the inflammation causing it.
12. Lemon
2-3 drops of lemon juice Purified water Eyecup
You must do this once daily. Given the anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties of lemon juice, it is no surprise that it works wonders for the eyes (15), (16). Lemon juice can help relieve inflammation that results in red eyes and also protects your eyes from further infection. Caution: This remedy may sting.
13. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
2 drops of tea tree essential oil 4 cups of hot water A big bowl A clean sheet or towel
You should do this thrice daily. Tea tree oil is mainly known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is widely used to treat various skin ailments (17). These properties also make it beneficial in treating red and inflamed eyes as it reduces the inflammation and treats the infection causing it. Note: This remedy should be used only during infective red eye conditions like conjunctivitis. Red eye caused due to fatigue and strain may worsen with steaming.
b. Lavender Oil
2-3 drops of lavender oil 4 cups of hot water A large bowl A clean towel or sheet
Do this 3 to 4 times daily. Lavender oil reduces inflammation in your eyes (18). It also possesses antimicrobial properties that can fight potential infections that may be responsible for the condition (19).
14. Potato
A sliced potato Do this twice daily. Potato possesses astringent properties that help in shrinking the blood vessels surrounding your eyes (20). It also helps in soothing irritated eyes.
15. Vitamins
Vitamins A, C, E, B2 (Riboflavin), B6, and B12 are good for the health of your eyes (21), (22), (23). They can help relieve red eyes and also prevent the recurrence of the condition. You can get the required amounts of these vitamins by consuming citrus fruits, green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, berries, milk, yogurt, fish, eggs, and almonds. Try these remedies and bid goodbye to red eyes forever. To prevent recurrence of this condition, you must also follow a few tips. They are discussed below.
Prevention Tips
Wash your hands if you have been in contact with anyone having an eye infection. Remove your eye makeup every day before going to bed. Do not wear contact lenses for prolonged periods. Always clean your contact lenses before and after using them. Avoid indulging in activities that may cause strain to your eyes. Avoid contact with substances that may cause irritation to your eyes. If any foreign substance or irritant enters your eye(s), wash with water immediately.
What is the best eye drop used for red eyes? Naphazoline is one of the most widely used eye drops used to treat red and inflamed eyes, especially if the condition is caused by allergies. You can also opt for any of the natural options mentioned in this post as a safer alternative. What will happen if pink eye is left untreated? If the pink eye is caused by a viral infection, it usually clears up on its own without any medical treatment. But if your pink eye or conjunctivitis is a result of a bacterial infection, it may cause serious damage to your eyes if left unattended. Why has my eye been twitching for a week? Stress, fatigue, or even consuming too much caffeine can cause twitching eyes. This usually goes away within a few days or weeks. What is the most attractive eye color? According to a survey, green eyes are the most attractive. How long does it take for red eyes to heal? The symptoms usually become better in three to five days and heal almost completely in a week or two. Does salt water clear red eyes? Salt water may not clear red eyes. But it may help cleanse your eyes and speed up healing. Why is only one of my eyes red? If only one of your eyes is red, it might be because of an inflammation of the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. It may affect only one eye. How long do bloodshot eyes take to heal? Bloodshot eyes may take around a week to heal. However, it may take longer than a week if it is severe. Can wrong eyeglasses cause eye redness? Wearing wrong eyeglasses for a prolonged period may result in itching and burning sensations, leading to eye redness.
