What Is Eye Rebounding?

Overuse of over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops for bloodshot, or hyperemic, eyes can result in a rebounding effect. When you stop using the eye drops--which are not curative--the redness will worsen.

Significance

• Certain types of OTC eye drops are advertised as having the ability to lessen or get rid of eye redness. They do work, but only up to a point, according to the Net Wellness website, they often treat only the symptom--the redness--not the cause.

Features

• According to the All About Vision website, eye drops contain decongestants that constrict minute blood vessels in your eyes, which can make redness temporarily less noticeable. Using these eye drops with too much frequency can trigger eye rebounding.

Identification

• Eye rebounding, also known as red eye rebound and rebound hyperemia, according to Net Wellness, is often the result of the constant use of "anti-redness" eye drops. Diagnosing eye rebounding can be simple--whatever kind of eye drops you use, the redness in your eyes remains.

Considerations

• Rebound hyperemia can also be triggered by sinus and eye allergies; by contact lenses that are improperly cleaned or inserted; and by infections, including conjunctivitis, explains All About Vision.

Treatment

• If you think you have eye rebound from using eye drops, stop using them and see your optometrist and/or ophthalmologist immediately. There could be an underlying cause. According to Net Wellness, you may need to refrain from using eye drops for a period of several weeks to months.