Best Eye Drops for People With Red Eyes

Date: Feb-08-2017 Most people experience red eyes at some point. The symptom is usually fleeting and annoying rather than long-lasting or dangerous.

Over-the-counter or prescription drops can treat red eyes. It's important to determine why eyes are red before treating symptoms, however, since infections and some other medical issues can cause red eyes.

Contents of this article:

When to treat red eyes with drops

Drops for treating red eyes

Causes of red eyes

When to treat red eyes with drops

In most cases, dry eyes are merely a cosmetic concern. It's fine to treat minor irritation, exhaustion, and occasional redness with eye drops.

Over-the-counter eye drops may treat dry eye, but certain symptoms should be directed to a healthcare professional.

People should note that anti-redness drops won't treat underlying problems. People will probably have to keep using them if the cause is not dealt with.

Over-the-counter eye lubricating drops may treat and prevent minor dry eye, but prescription remedies tend to work better.

When to see a doctor

People don't need to see a doctor every time their eyes are red. However, anyone who experiences any of the following symptoms will need medical treatment:

Redness and blurry vision

Redness and intense pain and itching

Green or yellow discharge from the eyes

Difficulty seeing

Feelings of pressure in the eyes

Chronically dry, itchy eyes

Seasonal eye redness that might be allergies

Drops for treating red eyes

Over-the-counter remedies can safely treat most cases of mild to moderate red eyes. Popular remedies include:

Naphazoline, which is found in drugs such as Clear Eyes Itchy Eye Relief. Naphazoline is a decongestant that can treat redness caused by allergic reactions and minor irritation.

Tetrahydrozoline, which is found in drops such as Visine. Tetrahydrozoline is a decongestant that, like naphazoline, clears redness caused by allergy, exhaustion, and irritation.

Eye lubricant drops. Many drops are available, most of which use lipids to mimic real tears. There is some debate among eye doctors about whether preservatives in some eye drops are safe. Preservative-free drops are available.

A number of prescription remedies may help, particularly if an illness or infection caused the red eyes. A doctor might prescribe:

Glaucoma drops to reduce pressure in the eyes

Antibiotic drops or ointments to treat an infection in the eyes

Prescription artificial tears, which can increase moisture in the eyes and reduce irritation

Who should avoid eye drops?

Redness-relieving drops are not safe for everyone. People with glaucoma should avoid over-the-counter remedies since some eye drops can increase pressure in the eye. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctors before using any eye remedy. Some drops can affect a developing baby or travel to breast milk.

People should talk to their doctor if they are in any doubt about red eyes. Eye redness is highly treatable, even when it's caused by a serious medical condition.

Causes of red eyes

When the tiny blood vessels in the eye swell, the eyes look red and irritated. These vessels occasionally burst, producing more intense redness.

Red eye may be caused by a number of different conditions.

Red eyes can be caused by conditions ranging in severity from minor to sight-threatening. As a result, red eyes alone won't help a doctor work out what's wrong. They will need to consider other symptoms and the person's health history to rule out most other causes.

Dry eyes

When eyes are dry, the blood vessels can become irritated and inflamed. Some common causes of dry eye include:

Dry weather, particularly during the winter months

Illnesses such as arthritis and diabetes

Hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy

Medications that reduce the quantity of quality of tears

Long-term contact use

Inadequate sleep

It's usually safe to treat dry eyes with over-the-counter remedies, but if someone often experiences dry eyes, they should talk to an eye doctor.

Eye irritation

Minor eye irritation can redden the eyes with inflammation. Some common sources of eye irritation include:

Sun exposure and tanning beds

Excessively rubbing the eyes

Allergies

Air pollution

Chlorinated pool water

An object in the eye, such as an eyelash or grain of sand

Irritation can continue even after the object has been removed from the eye. Eye irritation usually goes away after a few hours. If symptoms get worse, a doctor should be seen.

Infections

A wide range of infections can damage the eye. Eye injuries can become infected when dirt and bacteria enter the wound. People can also get an eye infection from eye products such as contact lenses and mascara.

Some eye infections are contagious from person to person.

Some of the most common eye infections are:

Blepharitis: An itchy, scaly infection on the eyelids that is not contagious

Infected eyelash follicles: Known as styes, these infections produce a small bump and usually go away on their own

Conjunctivitis: Better known as pink eye, this infection can be either viral or bacterial

It's difficult to diagnose the type of infection someone has based solely on symptoms. Anyone experiencing the following symptoms should see an eye doctor:

Intense eye pain

Swelling

Difficulty opening their eyes

Green discharge from the eye

Light sensitivity

Eye injuries

Any eye injury where the vision is impaired or the eye is bleeding should be directed to a doctor immediately.

An injury to the eye, such as a scratch or blow, can cause redness, irritation, and bleeding. Eye injuries can become infected, and may threaten vision if left untreated.

Anyone who injures their eye should see an eye doctor immediately. If their eye is bleeding or they cannot see, they should go to an emergency room.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can destroy sight if left untreated. When glaucoma raises pressure in the eye, it can produce redness and pain.

Changes in vision, difficulty seeing to the side, and tunnel vision can signal glaucoma. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult an eye doctor and avoid using eye drops.

Uveitis

The uvea is the pigmented portion of the eye. Uveitis is an inflammation of this region that can cause intense redness in the iris, the outer portion of the uvea.

Anyone who experiences sudden redness or pain concentrated in the colorful center of the eye should see an eye doctor.

Drugs and alcohol

Drugs and alcohol can dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation, making eyes look red. This type of redness is usually harmless, but if eyes are often red due to alcohol or drugs, substance abuse treatment may be needed.

Ulcers

Left untreated, eye infections can cause sores on the eyes. These ulcers are often red, painful, and endanger vision.

If anyone notices redness in a single area, has symptoms of an infection, or sees a sore in their eye, they should seek immediate medical care.

Written by Zawn Villines

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.