Do you remember the last time you had red eyes? We all know we have had it. But most of the time, we do not pay much attention to it. Usually, it is a mild convenience or a discomfort. Your red eyes might attract a comment on how tired you look from your colleagues. Or your loved ones might worry and suggest some home remedies. Worst case? Red eyes might ruin a great photo opportunity.

Luckily for us, red eyes usually do not cause any major troubles. We get it when we lose sleep, thanks to a late-night study session. Or we work too long on our computer. Sometimes allergies can also cause red eye. And, with a little bit of rest and a break from our phones and computers, the red eyes go away. We don’t even think about them until the next time the condition visits us.  

But should we treat our eyes so carelessly? Are they as harmless as we believe? Or do they cause any damage? Do they indicate an underlying health issue? All of these questions are voicing a valid concern – do red eyes affect our eye health? 

Here is a closer look at th red eyes, what causes them and what they mean for your vision. 

Table of Contents

What are Red Eyes

The white part of our eye is called the sclera. It has numerous tiny blood vessels in it. When these blood vessels get dilated, irritated or swollen, the sclera turns red. So, you get the red eyes. Red eyes may not always look red. They can range from a pink hue or a red hue to full-bloodshot eyes. 

The sclera is white and is opaque. It provides structural support to your eyes. Sclera also acts as a protection for the delicate parts of the eye. This white layer stretches from the front of the cornea all the way back to the optic nerve. 

There is a thin and transparent membrane known as conjunctiva. This delicate membrane covers your eye’s sclera and acts as the lining inside your eyelids. The function of the conjunctiva is to keep the eye moist and protect it. Conjunctivitis, the inflammation of the conjunctiva, makes the sclera red.

The Most Common Causes of Red Eyes

Different factors will affect your eyes and cause red eyes. Here is a detailed look at the most common causes of red eyes – 

Red Eyes from Lack of Sleep

We are all guilty of skipping sleep. And we all have very good justifications for this nasty habit. We are studying hard all night. We stayed up all night to prepare an important presentation. Or we were just binge-watching our favourite show on the day of its release. Or we were bar hopping and having some innocent fun with our friends. When you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes are tired. Eye fatigue dilates the blood vessels in the sclera and gives you red eyes. These red eyes are your body’s signal. Our body is telling you to stop whatever you are doing and get some zs.

Allergies Causing Red Eyes

Allergies are one of the most common causes of red eyes. The most common ete allergens are pollen, dust, and pet dander. When your eyes come in contact with these allergens, it triggers an allergic response. Your body releases histamines to manage the effects of these allergens. Histamines can cause inflammation of the eyes, which makes your eyes itchy, red, and watery. The changing pollen levels cause seasonal allergies, which make your eyes red adn itchy. 

The Link Between Eye Strain and Red Eyes

We live in a tech-driven world. Gadgets are integrated into everything we do. Whether we want to work, connect with friends, play games, or pay bills, our digital screens are a constant presence. Thanks to this dependency on gadgets, you can not avoid extended screen times. When you are engrossed with your gadgets, you are likely to blink less. You also have to focus intensely. So your eyes will get tired and irritated. Whether you spend screen time on your smartphone, laptop, or TV, the strain will cause red eyes. 

Red Eyes and Dry Eye Syndrome

When your eyes do not produce sufficient tears, it will cause dry eye syndrome. If your tears are evaporatng too quickly, it will also result in dry eyes. As you get older, you are at a higher risk of dry eye syndrome. Certain medications can also interfere with tear production and cause dry eyes. If you are spending a long time indoors with air conditioning, then the low humidity will also cause dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome affects the lubrication in your eyes. When you have dry eyes, your eyes get irritated, itchy, and red. Your eyes will also feel sore and uncomfortable. 

Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye = Red Eyes

The conjunctiva is the thin and delicate layer that covers the white part of your eye. It also lines the insides of your eyelids. Sometimes, viral or bacterial infections cause inflammation of the conjunctiva membrane. Allergies can also trigger inflammation in the conjunctiva layer. This inflammation of the conjunctiva is known as conjunctivitis. Red eyes and itchiness are the first signs of pink eyes or conjunctivitis. Your eyes will also have a watery, pus-like discharge as the condition progresses. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious.  

Contact Lens Wear Leading to Red Eyes. 

If you are wearing contact lenses, you have to be extra careful about eye hygiene. For instance, if you touch the lenses with unclean hands, they can retain bacteria and transfer them to your eyes. If you go swimming in unclean water, microorganisms can get trapped between your contact lenses and your eye. When you wear contact lenses for too long, it will result in insufficient oxygen supply. If you wear lenses past their expiry date, it will affect your eyes. All these hygiene lapses put you at risk of eye irritation and red eyes. 

Environmental Irritants and Lifestyle Causes of Red Eyes

Environmental factors can also cause red eyes. If you come in contact with cigarette smoke and the smoke from the fire, it can irritate your eye. Chlorine in the swimming pools is also an irritant that can cause red eyes. Sometimes even strong winds carrying dust can also irritate the eye. Your eyes will try to flush out the foreign objects in these irritants. In this process, the eyes become irritated and red. Alcohol and some drugs dilate the blood vessels in the sclera. So, your eye gets a bloodshot look. 

Common Symptoms Associated with Red Eyes

Along with the signature red colour, red eyes will also have the following symptoms depending on the cause. 

1. Allergies of Dry eye syndrome – Itching or burning sensation.

2. Infection – Watery eyes.

3. Inflammation or infection – Increased sensitivity to bright light.

4. Dry eyes – Grittiness in the eye

5. Infections and allergies – Swollen eyelids.

6. Conjunctivitis – Clear to pus-like discharge 

7. Serious ey issues – Blurry vision

Home Remedies for Red Eyes

In most of the cases red eyes are not a cause of major worry. You do not need medical help unless there are accompanying symptoms such as pain or discharge. You can manage red eyes with simple home remedies. These are easy-to-do treatments that aim to provide quick relief. These home remedies are usually safe, and you can try them without the fear of side effects. 

Cold Compress

A cold compress is extremely useful for soothing red eyes. The coolness of the compress constricts blood vessels. So, it helps to reduce swelling and redness in the eyes.

For making a cold compress for red eyes, begin by soaking a clean and soft cloth in cold water. Then, wring the cloth to remove the excess water. Fold the cloth and place it over your closed eyes for five to ten minutes. You can use a cold compress three to four times a day. If you have a packet of frozen peas, they will also be useful as a cold compress. Wrap the frozen peas in a thin towel and place them on your closed eyes. Just remember to never apply the cold cloth or frozen packets directly to your eyes.

Artificial Tears

Artificial counters help to lubricate the eye and wash away irritants. When you remove the irritants, the blood vessels in the sclera can relax, and you will get relief from red eyes. Y

You can buy these artificial tears over the counter at your local pharmacy, and they are easy to use. If the dry eye syndrome is causing your red eyes, then artificial tears will provide quick relief. Buy an artificial tears brand that is preservative-free. You can use this type of artificial tears more frequently than the ones with preservatives. Follow the instructions on the package to a T. And do not share your artificial tears with others – they are an ey hygiene product. If you are using contact lenses, get your artificial tears cleared by your doctor to be safe. 

Tea Bags

Your tea does not only relieve the strain on your mind, but it can also provide you relief from red eyes. Moreover, different types of teas provide different benefits for eye health. So, depending on your need, you can choose the tea bag for red eyes relief. The anti-oxidant-rich green tea reduces anti-oxidants. Chamomile tea soothes your eyes and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Tannins in black tea help to bring down eye swelling. 

Here is how to use tea bags for relief from red eyes – soak two tea bags in hot water for three to five minutes. Remove the tea bags from the water and keep them aside. Wait until they cool down to room temperature. Gently squeeze to remove the excess water. Place one tea bag each on your closed eyes for five to ten minutes. Rinse your eyes with cool water afterwards. 

Cucumber Slices

Have you ever thought about why most of the spa treatments use cucumber slices? It’s because they are really effective in restoring eye health. Cucumbers have high water content and they have anti-inflammatory properties. So, they are an ideal option for soothing red eyes. They also provide relief from puffiness and eye fatigue. 

You can use cool cucumber slices or frozen cucumber slices to soothe your red eyes. For cool cucumber slices, cut two thick and round slices. Keep these cucumber slices in the refrigerator for ten to fifteen minutes. Lie down flat or in a reclining position. Close your eyes and keep one cucumber slice each on top of the closed eyes. Relax for the next ten to fifteen minutes. For an extra cooling effect, freeze your cucumber slices. Remember to wrap these slices in a thin cloth and then place them on your eyes for ten to fifteen minutes. After that, rinse your eyes gently with cool water. 

Proper Hydration

Hydration or getting enough water is crucial for your eye health and also for your overall wellbeing. If you are dehydrated, your body can not produce enough tears. So your eyes will not be lubricated. Your eyes become red and irritated as a result of this dryness. 

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and simplest ways to prevent many health issues. The first thing to do is to regularly drink water throughout the day. You can keep a water bottle with you and sip from it. If you are feeling thirsty, it indicates that you are already dehydrated. It would help if you aimed to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Eating water rich fruits and vegetables such as cucumber and watermelon also assists with hydration. Coffee and alcohol can have a dehydrating effect on your body. So limit their consumption. Humidifiers help to add moisture to the air and do not let your environment become dry. 

Warm Compress

As we said in the beginning, depending on the cause of your red eyes your remedies can change. We have seen how cold compress helps to relieve red eyes, Warm compress is also an effective home remedy when red eyes are caused by conditions such as blepharitis or dry eye syndrome. Warm compress helps to improve blood flow in th eye and provides relief from inflammation. 

To make the warm compress, take a bowl of warm water. Take care not to use hot water. Soak a clean white cloth in the warm water. Wring the cloth to remove excess water and then place the folded cloth over your eyes. Let the cloth be on your closed eyes for five to ten minutes. Gently massage your eyelids afterwards. 

When You Should See a Doctor for Red Eyes

Red eyes are generally a harmless inconvenience. You can get rid of them with a little rest and home remedies. But, sometimes, you will need medical help to manage red eyes. 

If you have severe pain in your eyes along with red eyes, there might be an undetected eye injury. Sudden changes in vision might be because of serious issues such as glaucoma and infections. Fever and other illness symptoms that accompany red eyes can indicate a more systemic infection in your body. Similarly, if your eyes show a continued sensitivity to lights, it’s an indication that you need medical assistance.

If the red eye persists after home remedies adn lifestyle modifications, you need to consult your eye doctor. 

Medical Treatments for Red Eyes

When you go to a doctor for treatment of red eyes, the cause of the condition will determine the choice of treatment. If allergies are behind your red eyes, then your body will produce histamines in response. Your doctor will block these chemicals with anti-histamine eye drops. These eye drops provide relief from the allergic response of red eyes. 

Sometimes viral or bacterial infections can cause red eyes. Then, your doctor will treat you with antibacterial or antiviral eye drops. Dry eye syndrome can also cause red eyes. Then, the doctor will suggest lubricating eye drops to manage red eyes and irritation. If you have severe inflammation, you might have to use steroid eye drops. These medications are potent and are used very rarely as they carry a risk of side effects. 

Preventing Red Eyes is Better than Curing Them.

Red eyes are usually harmless, and you can manage them with simple home remedies. But why get them at all? And why go through the inconvenience and stress? If you practice good eye hygiene, get enough sleep, use protective eyewear, and take screen breaks, your eyes will be protected from red eyes. Moreover, these habits will protect the overall health of your eyes and your body.