Relationships June 20, 2017
Get rid of that pesky red eye as soon as possible!
Photo by offstocker via ShutterstockIt can be very confusing trying to figure out how to get rid of red eyes. But one thing you are definitely sure of is that it’s just not cute. Let’s face it: It either makes you look like a cartoon villain or a stoner.
However, it is a very common occurrence and, therefore, many things contribute to the condition. Luckily, most causes allow for simple fixes.
Here’s a list of some of the most common causes of red eyes. And of course, we’ve also provided their treatments so you’re not stuck wearing shades all day.
Water
APEC Water explains that contaminants in the water such as Arsenic, herbicides, fertilizer, water-born microorganisms and Leptospira caused by animal wastes can cause someones eyes to redden. You can find out about all contaminants in your water by visiting the National Drinking Water Database or looking at local consumer reports.
Air
The University of Rochester’s Medical Center also explains that indoor pollutants, such as mold, mildew, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, radon and second-hand smoke, could also cause red eyes. Also, Outdoor contaminants such as dust and dirt can also add to this condition. Many home test kits available on your most used retail sites or over-the-counter at drug stores check for these common pollutants.
Treatments?
If your test kits come up positive for any of these contaminants, specialized air and water filters found over-the-counter or at your favorite home goods retail store (i.e. Home Depot, Lowes or Amazon) should fix these issues.
Allergies are another common cause for red eye. These allergies include but are not exclusive to food, airborn and skin allergies. Other symptoms that indicate allergies as the culprit include watery and itchy eyes.
Treatments:
Try to avoid contact with what is irritating your sensory organs (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.). You can do this by visiting your doctor or allergist and asking for an allergy test. As another option, try to pinpoint when the symptoms occur. Monitor the clothes you wear, your location and your food intake. To aid in this endeavor, keep a diary of these things and try to isolate each suspect one at a time until you figure it out.
As another option, try to pinpoint when the symptoms occur. Monitor the clothes you wear, your location and your food intake. To aid in this endeavor, keep a diary of these things and try to isolate each suspect one at a time until you figure it out.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology outlines dry eye as a complex problem. This condition could be caused by something as simple as contact lenses or being around smoke, or it could be as serious as Blepharitis (swollen eyelids) and Sjögren’s Syndrome (an eye disease).
Treatments?
Because the causes of dry eye are so complex, it’s best to see your doctor or ophthalmologist to get a better idea of what is causing your dry eye. Eye-drops treat many common causes of dry eye. A comprehensive list of effective eye-drops can be found below.
In today’s society, whether it’s a computer, phone or television screen, our eyes are constantly glued to a screen. As the American Optometric Association states, causes of this problem include: eyestrain, glare, distance (too close or too far), posture and/or other vision issues that have not been addressed properly.
Treatments?
To treat this condition, position your screen in a place that avoids the sun’s glare, try to keep your eyes a decent distance away from the screen – but not too far that you have to strain to see – sit or stand with your back straighter or visit your optometrist to see if you need any vision corrective tools (i.e. contact lenses or glasses).
Contact lenses cause red eye when you have them on for too long, don’t clean them thoroughly or regularly enough, or they aren’t good quality lenses.
Treatments?
Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses or keeping them on for more than 12 hours. Furthermore, good quality solutions that are either multipurpose (no rub) or hydrogen peroxide based clean contact lenses the best. And lastly, try to solely buy your lenses from a licensed Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. We only have two eyes! Because of this limitation, try not to ruin yours with street vendor contacts.
And lastly, try to buy your lenses solely from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. We only have two eyes! Because of this limitation, try not to ruin yours with street vendor contacts.
Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention pinpoint the causes of pink eye as allergens, viruses, bacteria or air and water irritants. Moreover, bacterial and viral causes are very contagious and can be spread through direct contact, sneezing or coughing or sharing contact lenses that are not cleaned properly.
Treatments?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that allergy related pink-eye use common treatments, such as a cold compression or eye-drops, that combat allergy symptoms. They go on to suggest antibacterial eye-drops for pink eye caused by bacteria, but people with viral pink eye simply have to wait it out. To narrow down your cause, visit your local doctor or ophthalmologist.
This is a very common cause of pink eye. Ruptured blood vessels sound very serious, but a simple sneeze, something hitting you in the eye or roughly rubbing your eye can cause your blood vessels to burst.
Treatments?
The good news is this problem will heal on its own. Due to this, simply waiting out the healing is the best option. If you experience irritation, use cold compression.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that Hyphema, a much more serious cause, is often confused as a broken blood vessel. If not treated correctly, this condition could cause permanent eye damage. Pain acts as the usual indication that it is Hyphema and not a simple busted blood vessel. If you are unsure of the cause, it is best to visit your local doctor or ophthalmologist.
The bad news is that red eye due to swimming is normally caused by urine in the water.
Treatments?
As gross as this may be, the good news is that all you have to do is wait for the urine to be processed out of your eye.
This occurs relatively quickly and should be pretty painless. If you experience dry eye, you can either use cold compression or moistening eye drops, such as Refresh Plus Lubricant or Soothe XP-Xtra Protection Emollient.
A number of conditions cause Glaucoma. You can inherit it or acquire it later on in life. As the Kellogg Eye Center explains, the different types of Glaucoma are open-angle and angle-closure, caused by eye drainage malfunctions; exfoliation syndrome, a form of Open-angle Glaucoma; and Pigmentary glaucoma, which is caused by the iris bending inward. In addition, other causes also include: eye injuries, tumors or other diseases.
Treatments?
Simple. Visit your local doctor or ophthalmologist.
The National Eye Institute has narrowed down the causes of Uvetis to bruises in the eye area, autoimmune diseases, infections, tumors, or inflammatory diseases that affect the uvea, the the colored layer of the eye.
Treatments?
The treatments heavily depend on the type of Uvetis someone has. Therefore, by visiting your local doctor or ophthalmologist, you can narrow down your current condition and obtain their recommended treatments.
Overall, red eye is a pesky condition that could signal both serious or minor issues. Although many causes are harmless, if your red eye persists, it is always recommended to see your general doctor or ophthalmologist for further assistance.
