You went to sleep all hale and hearty but woke up with eyes that are red and stick together. Red eyes is much more alarming than it appears. It is usually caused due to swollen blood vessels. The blood vessels in the white part of the eyes are enlarged and irritated, causing the redness. It usually improves with time, but if not treated, it can lead to serious problems, even blindness.
So what causes this painful eye problem? There are several factors that can cause red eyes, some of them being:
Eye allergy, also known as ocular allergy, is one of the major causes of red eyes. Allergies cause red, itchy, burning and watery eyes. Eye allergies are caused due to a glitch in the immune system. The immune system, in an attempt to fight off the allergens, produces antibodies that cause the eyes to release histamine and other substances. This makes the eyes red, itchy and watery.
Red, itchy and puffy eyes can also be caused due to infections. Common eye infection includes:
Some of the other common causes of red eyes are:
A red eye can sometimes be a more serious problem. If the red eyes are accompanied by discharge or cold symptoms, and then you should see the doctor before going for self-treatment. If your vision is not reduced and you are not experiencing pain, then you can try a few home remedies to cure red eyes.
Diet can have a significant impact on the health of the eyes. Eat a balanced diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, B, C, E, iron and zinc, and zeaxanthin. A deficiency in B complex vitamins can lead to eye diseases including redness. Vitamin A is also required for better vision. Consume foods rich in carotenoids and lutein to prevent red eyes.
Red eyes are often accompanied by swelling, which can be easily treated at home. To reduce the swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress once every hour. Cold compress helps to constrict the blood vessels in the eyes, reducing redness. You can also use ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth. While using an ice pack, wrap it in a thin cloth to prevent ice burn. Cold compress will also reduce fluid retention around the eyes.
Sty is also one of the major causes of red eyes. You can treat a sty at home by placing a cloth washed in warm water on the closed eye. Repeat this process three to four times a day but only with warm water. The heat will unblock the pores in the eyelash area. Do not try to pop or squeeze the sty as it can spread the infection to the surrounding area.
Eye drops for red eyes are one of the best treatments for swollen, bloodshot or irritated eyes. Eye drops contain histamine, which control itching and swelling. Eye drops should be used 4 times a day. Its usage should not be overdrawn as that too can cause other eye problems.
Vasoconstrictors, also known as “get the red out” eye drops, causes the blood vessels to constrict, making them less noticeable. Vasoconstrictors, if used for a long time can create “redbound redness”. Excess usage may cause the blood vessels to dilate larger than before, causing red eyes.
Cucumbers are very effective for treating red and puffy eyes. Place a sliced cucumber over the eyelids to alleviate the redness. It works in the same manner as a cold compress. The cool surface area of the cucumber causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing the appearance of red eyes. The anti-irritant properties of cucumber reduce inflammation, swelling and irritation of the eyes. For best results, freeze the cucumber for 10 to 15 minutes before applying on the eyelids. This will provide extra comfort. Soak cucumber slices in rose water and refrigerate for a while. Place it on the eyelids for 20 minutes. Cucumber will also help reduce dark circles under the eyes.
Also check out this video on how cucumber helps to reduce red eyes:-3 Effective Home Remedies To Cure Red Eyes
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