Red eyes: the main causes and remedies

Red eyes: the main causes and remedies

Red eyes can be caused by a number of factors, from chronic fatigue to seasonal allergies. Not only can they be annoying, but they can also be indicative of more serious health problems. There are some natural solutions that help improve symptoms.

In this article, you will find out what are the main causes of red eyes and the most effective remedies to alleviate this symptom. Let’s find out together how to take care of your eyes and avoid this annoying problem.

What causes red eyes?

The red eyes are due to the dilation of blood vessels, which leads to increased blood circulation.

The skin around the eyes, usually white, reddens and a dense network of red veins appears.

The causes of red eyes vary from unworrying situations to rather serious conditions with serious pathologies at the base.

For each different clinical condition, other symptoms will be associated with red eyes.

Conjunctivitis

It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin transparent membrane that covers the front of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids. The etiology of conjunctivitis can be:

• Bilateral (affects both eyes) and itchy, typically seasonal and associated with rhinorrhea (runny nose).
• From exposure to irritants such as dust, soap, smoke, ammonia, chlorine, paints.

• It presents with greenish-yellow secretions, pain, photophobia, a feeling of sand in the eyes.

Episcleritis

Aunilateral redness of one eye at the level of the sclera (white part of the eye).

Conjunctival hemorrhage

It is the massive increase in blood pressure at the level of the vessels of the conjunctiva. It can be secondary to trauma, excessive coughing, exertion during defecation or the Valsalva maneuver in general (forced exhalation with the glottis closed).

Contact lenses

Prolonged use of contact lenses, especially if rigid or semi-rigid, causes a keratitis with tearing, stinging pain and a feeling of sand in the eyes.

Ophthalmic herpes zoster

It presents with blisters and scabs along the nose and eye area, accompanied by severe pain, tearing, eyelid edema and uveitis.

Open or closed angle glaucoma

Glaucoma is an increase in eye pressure beyond normal values (about 20 mmHg).

Other causes

Sporadically, red eyes can be caused by:

• presence of foreign bodies in the eye;
• uveitis;
• excessive alcohol intake (which has a vasodilatory effect);
• prolonged exposure to the sun;
• taking anticoagulant drugs;
• flu states;
• arterial hypertension (high blood pressure);
• dry eye syndrome: Sjӧgren’s syndrome or similar;
• blepharitis and chalazion (inflammation of the eyelids);
• insomnia or fatigue from the long time spent in front of screens, such as TVs or computers.

Natural remedies to combat red eyes

Red eyes are an annoying disorder that creates discomfort and can prevent you from carrying out normal activities.

To improve the situation, various solutions can be used . Let’s find out together which ones.

Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops

They help relieve itching, redness and discomfort. In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, they can be used to dilute allergens on the surface of the eye and to create a barrier to the allergens themselves.

In the case of red eye, often the tear film (the layers that cover the cornea that make up tears) is significantly disrupted, causing dry eyes and itching.

Local wraps

If red eyes are associated with swollen eyelids, local compresses can be made using a solution prepared with 30 grams of marshmallow roots and a liter of water. Boil the preparation for a few minutes, filter everything, and finally let the solution cool and apply it using gauze. You can repeat this operation two to three times a day.

Thorough cleaning and washing

When the eye is irritated, it is important to proceed with a thorough cleaning using disposable soaked gauze.

Compresses based on Chamomile, Cornflower or Euphrasia can also be very useful, as they have a soothing and decongestant action. Simply infuse 10 g of these herbs in a cup of boiling water for a few minutes, then let it cool. So, you can filter, soak gauze and apply to the eyes even several times a day.

Cold bandages

To soothe red eyes, bandages with a cold cloth or eye mask are excellent. It is a remedy that relieves pain, swelling and itching.

First, you need to sterilize some water by boiling it and letting it cool. Then, soak a clean cloth in sterilized water, wring it out, and place it in the refrigerator. Once cool, place it over your closed eyes for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can refrigerate a gel eye mask.

Herbal Remedies

To improve local swelling and redness, you can use Ribes nigrum glyceric macerate, the gemmotherapy anti-inflammatory par excellence.

Take 50 drops with a little water twice a day for at least two to three weeks.

Devil’s claw can also be used, which has a pain-relieving and anti-edema action.

Chamomile tea is also excellent, which soothes pain, deflates and calms any burning.

Proper diet

It is useful to eat foods rich in vitamins A (eggs, carrots, tomatoes and liver), C (citrus fruits, peppers, kiwi) and E (present in various oils, wheat germ, butter and dried fruit), which contribute to adequate hydration of the eye. While not directly responsible for red eyes, healthy eating plays an important role in keeping your eyes healthy.

Symptoms associated with redness of the eyes

Red eyes in several clinical conditions can be associated with other symptoms, including:

• eye pain;
• itching;
• photophobia (strong sensitivity to light);
• greenish-yellow eye secretions;
• tearing;
• feeling of sand in the eyes;
• reduction of visual acuity;
• headache.