Overview
Several environmental and external factors can cause irritation in the eyes. Environmental reasons can include allergens, smoke, and lack of sleep, while serious causes can be conjunctivitis (pink eye), which can be due to a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction. The best treatment option that will suit you can only be the one that addresses and treats your underlying cause.
Sometimes, it is possible to treat red eyes at home with simple remedies like cold compresses and cucumbers. However, for serious causes or infections, these home remedies might only provide temporary relief, eventually, you will need an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Which eye drop is best for red eyes?
Red eyes can affect anyone. It can be due to several different reasons, including
- Allergies
- Tiredness or exhaustion
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Smoke in your area
- Contact lenses
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
The prescription for best eye drops for red eyes will vary depending on the cause. For example, if the cause is different, like allergens, the eye drops prescribed will be different.
- For causes, such as allergens or irritation from smoke and contact lenses, usually eye drops containing carboxymethyl cellulose sodium are prescribed
- To treat causes like eye irritation due to dryness, polyethylene glycol, and propylene glycol are also considered good options.
- To cure eye infections like conjunctivitis, the following eye drops can be prescribed, depending on the cause e.g.
For bacterial conjunctivitis, eye drops that are considered best and prescribed usually are:
- Ofloxacin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Tobramycin
For Viral conjunctivitis, the best eye drops that are considered best can be
- Antihistamine Eye Drops (e.g., Ketotifen)
- Decongestant Eye Drops (e.g., Naphazoline) – For short-term use only
For allergic conjunctivitis, the best eye drops options are :
- Olopatadine
- Ketotifen
It’s important to note that the best eye drops for your eyes can only cater to and treat the underlying condition causing red eye. Depending on the causes, the nature of treatment will vary.
How can I fix my red eyes at home?
You can also fix your red eyes at home by following some of the most effective remedies. Some of these are:
- Cold compress can help you relieve pain and itchiness in the eyes.
- Artificial tears are also the most effective in case of persistent dryness in the eyes.
- Cucumber slices, usually cold, can help relieve pain in the eyes or have a soothing effect
- Tea bags have a soothing effect as well.
- Drinking plenty of water and keeping hydrated can help you avoid eye problems.
- Proper rest and sufficient sleep.
- Avoiding eye Irritants (e.g., smoke, dust)
- Blinking exercises can also help you get relief from redness.
- Humidifier use
- Over-the-counter redness reliever eye drops (e.g., Visine) can also help relieve continued redness.
Are redness-relieving eye drops safe?
Yes, redness relief drops are usually safe to use. Over-the-counter options should be used only for the short term as they might cause rebound hyperemia, which is increased eye redness.
The prescription options are safe to use for the prescribed period to avoid overdose. It should only be taken to treat the underlying medical condition, which your healthcare provider will determine after diagnosis.
How long do red eyes take to clear?
If your red eyes are caused by environmental factors, they will disappear within 2 days. However, for medical conditions like conjunctivitis, it can take up to 7-10 days for the treatment to resolve and for the red eyes to disappear.
Red eyes can affect anyone at any point in life and must be catered, diagnosed, and treated at the right time. For common causes, over-the-counter options of eye drops are considered best, along with some home remedies if appropriately practiced; conversely, conjunctivitis and severe eye problems require special attention and prescription for effective treatment.
Conjunctivitis can be viral, bacterial and allergic and treatement for all of these take almost 7-10 days.
When should I worry about a red eye?
Red eyes for an extended period are troublesome and indicate conditions like conjunctivitis, which can be bacterial, viral, or allergic. In case of persistent redness, it’s essential to get your eyes checked by the healthcare provider for effective diagnosis and treatment at the right time.
FAQs
Two to three days is too long for red eyes if they are followed by pain and vision changes. It’s high time you got your eyes checked and got an accurate diagnosis along with a prescription to treat the condition causing red eyes.
Most conjunctivitis causes are viral, and antibiotics will not work in these cases. For viral conjunctivitis, antiviral eye drops, along with some antihistamines, will work effectively as per your healthcare provider’s advice.
