In this article, we will discuss ways to get rid of red eyes. If you are among the people who keep rubbing their eyes frequently or keep working even when you are tired, then you may be suffering from red eyes. Being awake for long duration augments the condition of red eyes. Red, irritated and bloodshot eyes condition is also known as blepharitis (inflamed eyelids), Subconjunctival haemorrhage (broken blood vessels on sclera), stye (red bump on eyelids), asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis.
Generally, red eyes occur when eyes get in contact with dust particles, mould etc. Eyes release histamines when they come in contact with allergens and result in swollen blood vessels or other eye allergies. It is one of the very common conditions in the US. Below we have listed some of the ways which can help you get rid of red eyes fast and easily. But before discussing remedies let us know the reasons and symptoms of red eyes.
Causes of Red Eyes:
- Dry eyes
- Prolonged conjunctivitis
- Warm climate
- Allergic reaction due to dust and pollens.
- Wearing contact lenses
- Eye injury
- Computer vision syndrome caused due to sitting in front of the system for a long duration.
- Ocular herpes
- Corneal ulcer
- Glaucoma
- Cold and flu
- Uveitis
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Lack of sleep
Symptoms of Red Eyes:
- Blurry vision
- Severe pain,
- Halos in the vision field
- Increased sensitivity to light
Remedies to Get Rid of Red Eyes:
1.) Water to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Water helps soothe the irritation and inflammation caused due to red eyes. In addition to it hydrates your body and gives the desired moisturisation to the eyes. It is one of the easiest and simplest methods to get rid of red eyes.
Directions:
- Take some cold water and splash on your eyes.
- You can also soak a towel in water and place it over your eyes.
- This is one of the best and simplest ways to cure red eyes.
- Avoid a warm water. However, you can sue lukewarm water.
2.) Cold Compress to Get Rid of Red Eyes
A cold compress is another fine home remedy to treat red eyes. It helps in soothing and relaxing the nerves surrounding the eyes. Moreover, it calms the blood clot formed and promotes the blood flow. Here is the method to apply it.
Directions:
- Take few ice cubes and wrap it in a cotton cloth.
- Now, place them over your red eyes for a couple of seconds.
- This natural home remedy will help reduce redness in your eyes.
- You can also take a frozen bag of vegetables.
3.) Warm Compress to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Warm compress helps in giving relief from pain, increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms and promote healing process of red eyes. You can apply any of the compressed. In the beginning, go for a cold compress. After a few hours use a warm compress to heal the red eye. This is also a nice remedy for a black eye.
Directions:
- Take a bowl and fill it with warm water.
- Now, soak a washcloth in it.
- Then, wring it to get rid of extra water.
- Finally, keep the warm compress on your eyes for about 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat this process after every 2 hours until you see improvement.
- After applying warm compress, use baby shampoo to wash your eyelids. This will help remove crusts.
4.) Rose Water to Treat Red Eyes
Like cold compress, rose water is another soothing remedy for red eyes. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of rose water protect eyes from dust, pollutants, and redness. It soothes the eyes and helps to treat the infection around. If you do not have red eye. You can also use natural rose water to put in your eyes regularly. It will keep your eyes clean.
Directions:
- Rose water is a well-known eye lotion. It is very effective in giving a soothing effect to your red eyes.
- Take a cotton ball and dip it in rose water.
- Now, place the soaked cotton ball on your eyelids for about 15 minutes. Repeat the process twice a day.
- Alternatively, take a cucumber slice and dip it in rose water.
- Then place them over your eyelids for a couple of minutes.
- The water content of cucumber and the cooling effect of rose water will help get rid of eye redness fast.
- You can also put two to three drops of rose water in your eyes. It will help reduce puffiness under eyes.
5.) Cucumber to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Cucumber is one of the most popular home remedies for treating different eye problems. It is also suitable for red eyes treatment. The skin lightening effect of cucumber works perfectly in this condition. Moreover, you can use it to cure puffy eyes and bags under eyes.
Directions:
- Cucumber is known for giving a cooling effect which helps reduce swelling of red eyes.
- Take a cucumber and place it in the refrigerator for about ten to fifteen minutes.
- Now, slice it up and place one slice over each of your eyelids for a few minutes.
- This is one of the most effective home remedies which helps get rid of puffy and red eyes.
6.) Tea Bags to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Tea bags is also very useful in treating red eyes symptoms. These are known to be quite effective in reducing puffiness in eyes. It improves the blood flow and helps to get rid of the inflammation around. Here is the method.
Directions:
- Take some used tea bags and refrigerate them.
- Now place them on your eyes for a couple of minutes.
- The presence of tannins in the tea will help lower under eye swelling as tannin is known to have a soothing and antimicrobial properties.
7.) Reduce the On Screen Time to Get Rid of Red Eyes
It is very necessary to reduce the amount of time you spend in front of your TV or computer screen. Working on system, iPad, mobile phones for long hours causes dryness in the eyes which may turn them red due to stress.
- Also, try to adjust your seat as such that your eyes are in level with the screen of your TV and computer.
- You can also wear anti-glare glasses which are specially designed to lower eye strain caused due to monitor reflection. Try to keep your eyes at a distance of at least 20 to 30 cm away from the monitor screen.
- Alternatively, do not work on the laptop or computer for more than an hour. After an hour give your eyes some rest and then start the working again. This will not put pressure on your eyes.
8.) Balanced Diet to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Following a balanced diet is another very important factor to take care of your eyes. Your diet plays an important role in the functioning of your body parts. Include foods which are high in Omega 3 fatty acids such as flaxseeds, nuts, salmon etc.
- In addition to this, you should also include foods that are rich in Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6 such as fresh vegetables, eggs, whole cereals, tuna fish, dairy products, sunflower seeds, asparagus, yoghurt, and turkey.
- Also include foods that are high in lutein, zinc, zeaxanthin, Vitamin C & E in your diet. You can find it in broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe, spinach, celery.
- NOTE: You should take about 30 mg of each Vitamin two to three times a day for maintaining healthy eyes and to get rid of deficiency which is responsible for red eyes.
9.) Milk to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Like rose water and cucumber, milk is another beneficial home remedies for getting rid of red eyes. The soothing and skin lightening properties of milk help remove redness and inflammation in eyes fast and effectively.
Directions:
- Take a cotton pad and soak it in some raw cold milk.
- Now, rub the soaked cotton on your red eyes for a minimum of fifteen minutes, twice a day.
- This will help in the preventing redness in eyes.
- You can also apply a combination of honey and milk. Mix it in equal quantity before applying.
- Now, simply pour two to three drops of this combination into each of the eyes.
- Do this at least two times a day to cure red eye.
10.) Salt and Water to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Salt and water combination is very useful in treating soreness in red eyes. But make sure you follow the directions as suggested because too much of salt can damage your eyes severely.
Directions:
- Take some water and boil it.
- Now add one tablespoon of salt in it.
- Then, use this salty solution to wash your eyes several times a day for 2-3 days, until the symptoms of red eyes are gone completely.
11.) Raw Potatoes to Get Rid of Red Eyes Naturally and Fast
The skin lightening qualities of potatoes work effectively in getting rid of red eyes. It is also very beneficial for treating puffy eyes. Moreover, it soothes the inflammation around. Here is the remedy.
Directions:
- Take thin slices of raw potato or you can also use a grated potato. Keep them in the refrigerator for half an hour or so.
- Now, place the refrigerated slices over your eyes for about fifteen to twenty minutes. To get the best results, follow this remedy before going to sleep every day.
12.) Green Tea to Get Rid of Red Eyes
A cool green tea bag can also help treat red eyes. The presence of astringent known as “tannin” in green tea help shrink sagging skin around eyes. Moreover, it has antioxidants that help to rejuvenate the dead cells and improves the blood flow.
Directions:
- Take two green tea bags and boil them in a cup of water.
- Let the solution get cool down.
- Now, wash your eyes with this water two times a day for about three days until the symptoms are gone completely.
13.) Aloe Vera to Get Rid of Red Eyes
The moisturising and healing properties of Aloe Vera are well-known for treating different skin ailments. It is also effective in treating red eyes. Also, it helps in soothing irritation and inflammation caused due to red eyes. When mixed with honey it becomes a wonderful remedy. However, try to use the natural Aloe gel extracted from the leaf itself. Gel available in the market may have chemicals that might not go down well with your eyes.
Directions:
- Aloe Vera is another fine ingredient known for having excellent antibacterial and anti- inflammatory qualities that promote the treatment of red eyes.
- For this method, take two or three tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel.
- Mix it with one tablespoon of honey and a half cup of elderberry blossom tea.
- Now, rinse your red eyes with this solution two times a day for about two to three days or until the redness is gone.
14.) Bilberry to Get Rid of Red Eyes Naturally and Fast
Bilberry is known for having an excellent amount of flavonoids and antioxidants. These antioxidants are useful for increasing the blood flow in vessels around your eyes that helps treat red eyes fast. It also helps to improve the eyesight or other skin related diseases such as glaucoma.
Suggestions:
- You can consume bilberry tablets after discussing with your physician.
- You can also put bilberry extract in your eyes twice in a day, for around two to three days until the redness is gone.
15.) Chamomile Tea to Get Rid of Red Eyes Fast and Naturally
Chamomile tea helps reduce swelling caused due to red eyes. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile help give relief to your red eyes. It has antioxidants that improve the flow of the blood and redness around
Directions:
- Chamomile tea is another fine remedy for the treatment of red eyes.
- To prepare Chamomile tea remedy, take some chamomile flowers and boil them in a cup of water.
- Strain the solution and use it to rinse your eyes.
- Other than this, you can also mix eight to twelve drops of tincture in a cup of water.
- Use this mixture to wash your eyes daily until the problem is solved completely.
- Drinking 2 cups of chamomile tea in a day is also a nice alternative.