How do you make red eyes go away?
There are several ways to help reduce the appearance of red eyes:
1. Cool Compress: Apply a cold compress or a chilled, damp cloth over your closed eyes for a few minutes. The coolness helps constrict blood vessels, reducing redness.
2. Cucumber Slices: Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes. Cucumbers have a soothing effect and contain antioxidants that may help with redness.
3. Tea Bags: Brew two black or green tea bags and then chill them in the refrigerator. Once cool, place them over your closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes. The tannins in tea have astringent properties that can help reduce redness.
4. Witch Hazel: Using a cotton ball, apply witch hazel, a natural astringent, to your eyelids. Avoid getting it directly into your eyes.
5. Aloe Vera Gel: Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to your eyelids. Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with redness.
6. Eye Drops: Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to hydrate and soothe your eyes. Artificial tears can help reduce redness associated with dryness.
7. Rest: Lack of sleep can lead to red eyes. Getting enough rest and avoiding sleep deprivation can help combat red eyes.
8. Avoid Allergens and Irritants: If allergies or irritants are the cause, try to identify and avoid them. Keeping your eyes clean and avoiding rubbing them can also help.
9. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce overall dehydration, which can contribute to red eyes.
10. Quit Smoking: Smoking can aggravate bloodshot eyes. If you smoke, consider quitting to reduce eye discomfort, among other health benefits.
If your red eyes persist for more than a few days or are accompanied by pain, discharge, or changes in vision, it's best to consult with an eye doctor or healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.