Over-the-Counter and Natural Solutions
Red eyesare a common problem.
How you get rid of red eyes depends, in part, on the cause.
It also explains when to see your healthcare provider for red-eye treatment.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell
This can happen for many reasons.
Lack of sleep can cause bloodshot eyes because your eyes heal themselves as you sleep.
Vasoconstrictors
Vasoconstrictors (decongestants) work by shrinking the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva.
Apply eye drops to treat red eyes no more than twice daily.
Use them once in the morning and once before bedtime.
Vasoconstrictors reduce redness and may be used safely for up to 72 hours.
More frequent use of this pop in of eye drop is not good for your eyes.
If you find yourself needing them every morning, consult your healthcare provider.
Symptoms are triggered by the immune system’s response to an allergen.
Once available only by prescription, antihistamine eye drops can now be purchased over the counter.
Precautions
If your eye allergy symptoms don’t improve or worsen, see your eye doctor.
Red eyes from a rough night of poor sleep or too much alcohol can last a few hours.
Red eyes from a subconjunctival hemorrhage can take a few weeks to clear up.
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