Useful Home Remedies to Treat Red Eyes

Updated on March 23rd, 2020
how to treat red eyes

Red eyes are the result of inflamed blood vessels(1) in the eyes, which turn the white of the eye into a red or pinkish tint. They can be caused due to several activities, such as a night of heavy drinking, or some sort of physical injury to the eyes, or even something as simple as dryness, a cough and a cold, or excessive exposure to the sun. Apart from these, allergies are also a common cause of red eyes, especially when they lead to burning, itching, and tearing up.

Viruses and bacteria can also cause red eyes in several cases.

How to Treat Red Eyes Naturally?

CURE 1: Home Remedies for Red Eyes

1. Cold Compress

A cold compress is a useful way of getting rid of the irritation or discomfort caused by red eyes. Moreover, it is useful in reducing the swelling in the event of a physical injury to the eye.

How to use

  • The procedure is rather simple and requires only a clean washcloth and cold water.
  • Soak the cloth in the water and gently hold it over your eyes.
  • Make sure not to press the eyes or use ice directly on it.

How much to use

Do this at least once every day for a few days or even weeks until you start feeling a sense of relief to the irritation caused by red eyes.

2. Warm Compress

Hot Compress on Eyes
Image:ShutterStock

Just like a cold compress, a warm compress is effective in reducing the irritation caused by red eyes. Several studies have also shown that the regular use of a warm compress can help improve the overall eyesight. They reduce irritation by opening up any blockages that cause the stye. However, they can’t entirely cure the condition.

How to use

  • The procedure is the same as that of the cold compress.
  • You need to soak a clean washcloth in warm water and gently hold it over your eyes.
  • Make sure not to press your eyes too hard as this can damage them.

How often to use

Do this at least once every day to feel some relief in the irritation caused by red eyes.

[ Read: Warm Compress For Dry Eyes ]

3. Artificial Tears

Just like a cool compress, artificial tears are another effective way of curing red eyes.

How to use

  • Artificial tears are easily available for purchase online.
  • Just one dropped eye can help reduce the intensity of the red eyes.

How much to use

Use this remedy at least once before you sleep every night. It generally works overnight to improve the condition of the red eyes by the next morning.

CURE 2: Lifestyle Changes to Get Rid of Red Eyes

1. Get Enough Sleep

Healthy Sleep
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Getting adequate sleep is essential to maintain the eyes in good health. Just like the rest of the body, they need adequate rest to rejuvenate themselves for the next day.

Consistently getting inadequate sleep can put excessive strain on the eyes, increasing the intensity of the red eyes and making them harder to cure. An individual with red eyes ought to get a minimum of 6 hours of sleep every night, but 7-8 hours is considered ideal.

2. Drink Lots of Water

Drinking lots of water is essential to keep the body well hydrated and prevent any dryness. Given that one of the main causes of red eyes(2) is dryness, drinking adequate water can help prevent the condition to worsen. One should drink at least 8-10 glasses, or 3 litres of water a day.

[ Read: Treat Watery Eyes Naturally ]

3. Proper Contact Lens Care

It is crucial to look after contact lenses and keep them moist so that they do not irritate your eyes and further aggravate them. The protocol for proper contact lens care depends on the kind of lenses that you use.

Make sure that you change them at regular intervals and place them carefully in an adequate amount of solution so that they don’t dry up.

Red eyes are more common in men than in women.

CURE 3: Foods to Get Rid of Red Eyes

1 Salmon

benefits of salmon
Image:ShutterStock

Salmon belongs to a group of fatty fish that are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Consistent consumption can be instrumental in reducing dry eye disease.

How to use:

You can add salmon to your salads or even eat it in the form of a steak.

How often to use:

It is recommended that you include salmon in at least one meal a day. However, given that it is a rather expensive meat, you could also include it in your diet every alternate day.

[ Read: Treat Pink Eye Naturally ]

2. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are also an excellent source of natural lubrication for the body, including the eyes. Like salmon, flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids which are highly beneficial for dryness.

How to use:

  • You can add flaxseeds to water and drink it as part of your daily fruit intake.
  • Alternatively, you can even drizzle them over your salads or curries to ensure that you consume your daily dose.

How much to use:

Consume at least one tablespoon of flaxseeds every day to ensure positive results.

3. Soybean

Soybeans
Image:ShutterStock

Soybean is an excellent source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, all of which are essential for the overall health of the eyes.

How to use:

Soybean can be consumed in the form of a salad or even as a curry with rice or rotis.

How much to use:

Include a generous serving of soybean in at least one meal every day. If you want to substitute it with salmon, you can eat them on alternate days.

Red eyes can be very irritating as they cause serious discomfort. It must be dealt with promptly and with the right foods and home remedies, aside from generally maintaining the overall health of the eyes.

This article is a comprehensive guide to some home remedies, foods, and lifestyle changes that can eliminate red eyes as soon as possible.

Also Read:

Natural Remedies to Treat Dry Eyes

Home Remedies for Sunken Eyes


FAQs

1. Will rubbing my eyes help reduce the irritation?

While rubbing your eyes can help keep the irritation at bay for a short while, it is not advisable as it can cause further redness and discomfort.

2. Do red eyes mean that I have conjunctivitis?

The best way to diagnose conjunctivitis is to visit your doctor so you can get expert advice.

3. How long do red eyes usually last for?

Red eyes can last for as little as a week or 3 or 4 weeks at the most, depending on the regularity with which you consume the foods and use the home remedies listed above.

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