There is no denying it, we all love beautiful eyes. But even if we can’t get those hypnotizing blue Michael Ealy eyes, let us at least have eyes that are not red or sore, right?
As a condition, red eyes result from dilation of the eye blood vessels. While infections can result in red eyes, the commonality of red eyes emerges from the “invasion” of your eyes by a foreign object.
When such unnatural objects are introduced into your eyes, the small blood vessels – which we naturally don’t see – begin to swell, forming a distinct red patch on your eyeballs.
These red blood cells are situated between the eye conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelids) and the sclera (the white cross-section of the eye surrounding the cornea).
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Digging deeper into the causes of red eyes
Generally, we have established that red eyes result from dilation of the eye blood vessels. But what specifically causes this dilation?
Exposure to foreign items from our environment (or specific lifestyle choices) can cause this dilation. In other cases, such red eyes could result from more severe eye complications like glaucoma and corneal abrasion.
Some of the environmentally influenced causes of red eyes include air pollution, exposure to airborne allergens that could trigger eye allergies (resulting in red eyes), and significantly reduced humidity (as obtainable in shut-off office buildings) and dry regions world.
Furthermore, exposure to airborne fumes, extreme sunlight (when you are not furnished with UV-blocking sunglasses), and chemicals like chlorine – typical in swimming pools – can trigger dry eyes.
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Second-hand cigarette smoke – say smoke expelled by someone smoking a cigarette or even smoke from the cigarette’s lit end – can also cause red eyes. Instances also abound of people developing red eyes from
excessively fixating on a digital screen, causing eye strain.
5 top DIY remedies for red eyes
The good news is if your red eyes are not linked to severe eye complications, some ready DIY home remedies can restore the beauty of your eyes, clearing the redness. Let us explore them.
1. Try a warm compress
A gentle application of heat to the eyes enhances blood circulation to the affected eye section and improves the eyelids’ capacity to produce much-needed oil. A warm compress (through this mechanism) should alleviate your eye irritation, clearing blockaded tear glands.
Given the sensitivity of the eyes and the region around them, you want to get this therapy right. Start by warming water – but not too hot so that it doesn’t burn you.
Now soak a clean towel in the warm water (to avoid germ penetration), after which you wriggle the moisture out since we want the towel mildly wet. Place the towel on the affected eyes for about six to nine minutes and wait for your long-sought relief.
2. Cold compress is another way around
It is true warm compress will not always be efficient. There is a more relaxed alternative in the form of a cold compress. In this approach, you repeat the same warm compress process, this time, however, soaking your towel in cool water.
Another adaptation of the cold compress is sealing your towel in a plastic bag and keeping it in the fridge or cooler. After some freezing, take it out for a few minutes, and press it against your eyes to reduce irritation or swelling (if that is what's causing your dry eyes).
We highly discourage you from resting ice directly on your eyelid. This comes with the risk of localized frostbites.
3. Give your makeup a brief vacation
Makeup can be transforming aesthetically, and we know that. We are shamelessly conversant with how a bit of mascara and eyeliner here and there can significantly enhance our looks. Sadly some makeups contain ingredients that trigger redness in the eye or irritate the skin around your eyes.
While the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has been doing a spectacular job at weeding the market of dangerous cosmetic products, some makeups still contain substances like color additives (with kohl being one of the most notorious), stabilizers, and preservatives.
So if you are experiencing red eyes, it is wise counsel to give some of your makeup products a
short vacation and see if things improve. You can try slashing down your daily makeup regimen one product at a time and observe if there is any relief from the cessation of such products.
4. Artificial tears can help immensely
We have so badly criminalized tears – tying them closely to misfortune. What you may not know about tears is that they heal your eyes too.
Tears are a natural lubrication mechanism for the eyes, ridding (via washing) the eyes of bacteria and dirt content.
And for such red eyes triggered by a shortage of oil in the eyelids (eye dryness), artificial tears could work by increasing the fluid content of the eyes. Make sure to be very discerning when selecting OTC artificial tears.
If you can, go for artificial tears with no preservatives. But if you have a doctor’s prescription, you can go with artificial tears containing preservatives. When using the latter, ensure you apply at most four times daily.
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5. Take a blink break
Living in a digitally engrossed 21st century comes with many perks – some exciting and some not so cool. Aside from the glamor of TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, there is the unsavory reality that we are spending enormous amounts of time glued to a digital screen. This can be the TV, laptop, or your ready smartphone.
Excessive fixation on such screens can cause digital eye strain, stressing the eye muscles. This can result in red eyes.
If your red eye stems from digital eye strain, taking intermittent blink breaks away from your screen can help restore the moisture balance of your eyes. By keeping the content of the tears in your eyes optimal, blink breaks can prevent eye dryness.
Are other more serious conditions associated with your red eyes?
Yes, there are times when your red eyes don’t result from just eye irritation. Such red eyes are symptomatic of even more severe eye complications requiring immediate medical care.
As typical of corneal scratch, Abrasion is one of such serious eye conditions that can manifest in red eyes. As you can imply from the name, this is damage to your eye surface. When not promptly attended to, corneal scratches can deteriorate into more severe ulcers.
Glaucoma is another condition linked to red eyes. This condition wrecks extensive damage to the optic nerve from amplified internal eye pressure. The increased fluid accumulation from this condition can result in the redness of the eyes, commonly accompanied by intense pains and vision distortion.
When you start experiencing such vision distortions, it is time to see an ophthalmologist. Aside from this, quickly get medical attention when your red eye is accompanied by head trauma, pain, and acute loss of vision.
