How to Treat Red Eyes: Causes, Remedies, and Solutions for Eye Redness

Red eyes are a common problem for many reasons, ranging from simple irritations to more serious conditions. The redness in the eyes is usually due to the dilation of tiny blood vessels on the eye’s surface, which can become inflamed for various reasons. While red eyes may be temporary and caused by minor irritants, they can also indicate underlying eye conditions, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis), eye infections, or even more severe issues like angle-closure glaucoma. Understanding how to treat red eyes depends largely on identifying the underlying cause.

This blog will discuss various causes of red or bloodshot eyes, the potential treatment options available, and when to seek medical help from an eye specialist in Melbourne at Dr Anton van Heerden. From over-the-counter treatments to home remedies and professional care, we’ll guide you through ways to relieve discomfort, reduce eye redness, and restore your health.

Common Causes of Red Eyes

The cause of red eyes can vary greatly, and pinpointing the reason behind the eye redness is essential to choosing the right treatment. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Allergic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Allergic conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is one of the leading causes of red eyes. This condition occurs when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust mites. In addition to eye redness, allergic conjunctivitis is often accompanied by other symptoms like itchiness, burning sensation, watering eyes, and sneezing. It is especially common during allergy season or in environments with high allergens.

Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis typically involves using over-the-counter eye drops or antihistamine medications. Artificial tears or eye drops can help relieve itchiness and irritation by flushing out allergens from the eyes. Additionally, using a cool compress can provide immediate relief.

2. Eye Irritation

Eye irritation is a common cause of red or bloodshot eyes. It can be triggered by various factors such as smoke, dry air, pet dander, cosmetic products (like eye makeup), and foreign bodies (such as dust or an eyelash). Contact lens wearers may also experience irritation if the lenses are not cleaned properly or worn for extended periods.

If you suspect eye irritation, the best approach is to avoid the irritant. Gently washing the eyes with cool water can help soothe discomfort. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can also provide moisture and relieve dryness, helping to flush out any irritants.

3. Infections

An eye infection, such as conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial or viral infection, can lead to significant redness and swelling in the eyes. If an infection is present, you may experience additional symptoms such as eye pain, pus discharge, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light.

Both viral and bacterial infections can cause pink eye. Viral infections are often associated with cold-like symptoms and tend to clear up within a week or two. On the other hand, bacterial infections may require antibiotic eye drops prescribed by an eye doctor.

It is essential to avoid touching or rubbing the eyes for bacterial or viral eye infections, as this can exacerbate the issue or spread the infection. Eye drops or an eye exam can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

4. Dry Eyes (Dry Eye Syndrome)

Dry eyes occur when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes feeling irritated and causing redness. These conditions can be triggered by factors such as prolonged contact lens use, screen time, environmental factors like air conditioning or heating, or certain medications.

For dry eyes, over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears are commonly recommended. These products help lubricate the eye’s surface and restore moisture. Additionally, taking regular breaks from staring at digital screens (the 20-20-20 rule) and using a humidifier can help prevent dry eyes and reduce eye redness.

5. Broken Blood Vessel (Subconjunctival Hemorrhage)

A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel beneath the surface of the eye bursts, causing red streaks or a bright red patch on the sclera (the white part of the eye). This can happen for various reasons, including eye strain, sneezing, coughing, or vigorous physical activity.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage typically isn’t serious and may resolve on its own within a few days to weeks. If you notice red eyes from a burst blood vessel and are not experiencing additional symptoms like eye pain or vision changes, it’s generally not a cause for concern. However, if the redness persists or worsens, it’s best to consult an eye doctor for further evaluation.

6. Eye Injury or Trauma

An eye injury can cause redness and pain, often with swelling and bruising. Whether from an external object, such as dust, chemicals, or a direct blow to the eye, any trauma can lead to eye pain, swelling, and bloodshot eyes.

If you experience an eye injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, especially if it causes blurred vision, severe headache, or unusual tenderness. If the injury is minor, apply a cool compress to the closed eye to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.

7. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can contribute to red eyes if worn for too long, improperly cleaned, or don’t fit well. Wearing contact lenses for extended periods, especially in a dry environment, can limit oxygen flow to the eyes and cause dryness, irritation, and redness.

If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye doctor’s advice about cleaning, wearing time, and storage. If you experience discomfort with your current lenses, consider switching to daily wear contact lenses. Taking breaks from contact lenses and using eye drops designed for lens wearers can also help reduce eye redness.

8. Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Although less common, angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency that can cause sudden redness, severe eye pain, nausea, and even blurred vision. This condition occurs when the eye’s drainage angle becomes blocked, leading to a dangerous increase in eye pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

If you experience sudden eye pain, nausea, or vision changes, seek urgent medical treatment from an eye doctor or go to the emergency room. Prompt intervention can prevent further damage to the eye and preserve vision.

How to Treat Red Eyes at Home

If you have red eyes due to minor irritation, dryness, or allergies, there are several home remedies and treatments you can try before seeking professional help:

1. Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Over-the-counter eye drops are an effective way to relieve eye redness for most people. These drops help lubricate the eyes, wash away irritants, and reduce inflammation. There are various types of eye drops available:

• Artificial tears: These are used to relieve dryness and irritation.
• Antihistamine drops are useful for allergic conjunctivitis, reducing itchiness and redness.
• Decongestant drops: These can help constrict the blood vessels, reducing the bloodshot appearance. However, they should be used sparingly, as rebound redness can occur if used too frequently.

2. Cool Compresses

A cool compress can help soothe irritated eyes and reduce eye redness caused by dryness, allergies, or minor irritation. Soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring it out, and place it gently over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. This can help reduce inflammation and bring relief.

3. Gently Washing the Eyes

If red eyes are caused by dust, makeup, or other irritants, gently washing your eyes with clean, lukewarm water can help remove debris. You can also use a saline solution, available over-the-counter, to rinse the eyes and soothe any irritation.

4. Avoid Allergens and Irritants

If you know allergens cause red eyes, avoid exposure to known irritants such as pet dander, pollen, or smoke. Keep windows closed during allergy season, and use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens. Also, consider wearing sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from allergens and sunlight.

5. Rest and Hydrate

Sometimes, red eyes can be caused by fatigue or eye strain. Taking breaks from screens, using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and ensuring you get adequate rest can help reduce eye redness caused by overuse. Staying hydrated also helps keep your eyes moist and refreshed.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience eye pain, vision changes, blurred vision, or severe redness that doesn’t improve with home treatments, seeing an eye doctor is important. Conditions like angle-closure glaucoma, eye infections, and severe eye injuries require immediate attention to prevent long-term damage.

An eye exam will allow the doctor to properly diagnose the cause of your eye redness and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Red eyes can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor irritations to more serious conditions. The treatment for red eyes depends largely on the underlying cause. Over-the-counter treatments, such as eye drops, cool compresses, and lubricating solutions, often relieve eye redness caused by irritation or allergies. However, suppose the redness is accompanied by eye pain or vision problems or persists despite home remedies. In that case, it’s important to consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

References

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-remedies-bloodshot-eyes-when-to-see-doctor

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17690-red-eye

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315681