What Are Red Eyes?

Red eyes, or bloodshot eyes, is a term that is used to describe a wide variety of eye color, ranging from slightly pink to blood red and sometimes even shades of brown. All of these changes can be due to a number of reasons, the most common being sleep deprivation and stress.

Home Remedies That Can Cure Red Eye

The most commonly asked question in association with red eyes is "how to get rid of red eyes” without medications. There are a number of home remedies that can be used to reduce the redness in the eyes and any other associated symptoms such as pain, puffiness, or any lingering discomfort. Some of these home remedies include the following.

1. Warm Compress

Warm compresses can alleviate discomfort caused due to the red or bloodshot eyes and its associated symptoms by increasing the blood flow to the eye and eyelids, which in turn increases the oil production from the eyelids, lubricating the eye. Soak a towel in warm water and place it around your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Cold Compress

Sometimes warm compress might not help, in which case, cold compresses can be used to reduce any swelling present around the eye, along with any discomfort, such as itching. Wrap one or two ice cubes in a towel and gently place it on your closed eyelids.

3. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are rich in vitamins A and C, which are very powerful antioxidants and can be used to treat inflammatory conditions of the eye, which are one of the important causes of red-eye. They are also responsible for decreasing the intraocular pressure of the eye, which can be extremely high and damaging in certain diseases such as glaucoma. To get rid of red eyes, boil a half tablespoon of fennel seeds in one cup of water and strain it. Regularly rinse your eyes with the solution that is formed.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is another natural ingredient with very strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used to minimize swelling and redness in the eye. To make a solution that can be used on the eyes, boil 3 to 4 chamomile flowers in 1 cup of water and strain it after cooling it. Wash your eyes regularly with the concoction produced.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel, famous for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, can also be used to treat eye conditions caused by infections such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis. Extract gel from aloe vera plant and apply it twice a day around the eyes for 3 to 4 days for an effective cure.

A word of caution: before using any homemade remedies, consult your physician, and in case of a reaction, immediately wash the area with cold water and visit your consultant. Do not apply any of these remedies inside the eyes, but only on the surrounding areas of the closed eyes.

Red Eye and Four of its Common Causes

The most common physiological causes of red eyes are the lack of adequate sleep, stress, or trauma in the form of blunt force or due to a foreign particle in the eye. These factors are the reasons for learning how to get rid of bloodshot eyes. Some of the causes, in the form of specific eye conditions.

1. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection that can be caused by bacteria or virus. In this eye condition, one or both eyes become pink or red, swollen, and starts to itch. It is a contiguous condition, though rarely harmful, therefore does not require an antibiotic course. If you have pink eye, avoid sharing towels and makeup.

2. Dry Eyes

Your eyes and eyelids produce secretions that lubricate the eyes. If these secretions are reduced, your eyes become excessively dry and might get red, irritated, and painful. This can be temporarily be caused by a number of other conditions relating to glands or can be a permanent condition called Dry Eye Syndrome.

3. Allergies

If you are prone to allergies, then you will be familiar with the red eyes, itching, and watering of the eyes associated with exposure to pollens, dust, etc. Allergens cause the body to produce histamine, which causes the blood vessels to dilate and increase in size, leading to the formation of the red eyes.

4. Inadequate Sleep

The most common cause of red eyes is sleep deprivation. If you do not provide your body with adequate rest, you will eventually end up with red eyes. While depriving your body of rest, you decrease the amount of amount that will reach the eyes, causing them to dilate and appear as bloodshot.

Preventing the Development of Red Eyes

1. Restricting Screen Time

According to research, an individual tends to blink less while using screens, which will cause the eyes to temporarily dehydrate and eventually turn red. This can be prevented by limiting screen time, lowering screen brightness, and taking small breaks from constantly staring at the screens.

2. Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol tends to dehydrate the body, including the eyes, which leads to bloodshot eyes. Therefore, limiting alcohol or avoiding it altogether can prevent the drying of the eyes and the reddening of the eyes.

3. Avoid Smoking

Smoke can act as an irritant to the eyes similar to allergens, causing the eyes to water and turn red. It is also the cause of a number of eye diseases, such as uveitis and dry eye syndrome. Therefore, avoiding it can help prevent red eyes, as well as a number of other eye diseases.

4. Adequate Sleep

Not getting enough sleep is one of the main causes of red eyes, which can be prevented by getting adequate rest to meet the needs of the body.

5. Staying Hydrated

Hydration is an important factor for the effective functioning of different organs of the body, including the eye. Good hydration means well-lubricated eyes, which is an important factor in preventing red eyes.

Optimum Eye Care

Preventing and limiting red eyes are very important for the optimum health and functioning of the eyes, which is why the knowledge of how to get rid of red eyes is essential. This includes the adequate prevention by avoiding bright screens, alcohol, and smoking, as well as treating the red eye with the use of home remedies.