Red eye or itchy eye is a common problem due to highly polluted environment. Red eye can be caused by swollen or dilated blood vessels on the sclera, the white outer surface of the eye. It can be accomplished by eye pain, eye discharge, itching, swollen eyes or visual disturbances like blurry vision. Bloodshot eyes developed over time or appear suddenly with a particular in response to allergies or an eye injury.
Red eye can be termed as red, irritated, bloodshot eye, subconjunctival hemorrhage, blepharitis, stye, special effect contact lenses, and red eyes. Red eye appears in the ranges of severity from a bright red that completely covers the sclera to few enlarged blood vessels that look like wiggly red or pink lines across the white of the eye. Red eye can be caused by allergy, eye fatigue, over wearing contact lenses that are common eye infections like pink eye i.e., conjunctivitis. Red eye sometimes leads to uveitis or glaucoma.
Eye allergies also known as ocular allergies or allergic conjunctivitis is a common problem in all walks of ages. It is caused due to several reasons like infection, dehydration, and especially due to allergies, which can affect our eyes and make it causing redness, burning, itch and water. Certain conditions like pollution, smoke and pollen may worse condition of your eye. However, there are several remedies to treat the redness of the eye and its associated itchiness and some other problems.
Cause of eye allergies
- Computer vision syndrome
- Eye injury
- Corneal ulcer
- Ocular herpes
- Whitening eye drops
- Cold and flu
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Environmental pollution and workplace hazards
- Lack of sleep
- Swimming
Home remedies to cure eye allergies
Meditation
Inculcate a habit of doing meditation every day to experience calmness flow in your mind and body. Doing breathing exercises, every morning and evening can remove stress and prevent allergies in the body. Hence you can get rid of eye allergies effectively by controlling the internal cause of it.
Herbal oil massage
Massage herbal oil on the closed eyelids to cure all types of eye problems traditionally. Some of the best oils for eyes are lavender oil, peppermint oil, and coconut oil. Take 2 – 3 drops of herbal oil and use your fingers to massage the oil on the closed eyes to relax the pain and reduce allergic reaction.
Ginger root tea
Eye allergies occur due to internal toxins and external allergies. Ginger root tea increases the internal immunity to fight eye problems. Boil three 1 inch small slices of ginger in water for 10 minutes and strain out the tea, drink this 3 to 4 times a day to seek relief from eye redness and allergy. Additionally, you can inhale sesame oil 2 times a day to enhance the effectiveness.
Cilantro leaves
Put a handful of cilantro leaves in a blender jar and add ½ cup water. Blend it to make a fine paste. Apply this paste around the eyes to cure eye irritation and redness. You can also drink cilantro juice every morning to get increased health benefits.
Eye bright
A special herb that contains the use in its name, it keeps your eyes bright and healthy. Prepare a light decoction of Eyebright herb and drink the tea 2 times a day. You will notice getting good results within a week.
Lemon with honey
Enjoy lime juice with sweet honey to ward off allergies from your body, Consuming this miraculous juice can leave you with clear and strong eyes. The healthy properties of lemon boosts immune system to prevent further eye problems and keeps you healthy.
The benefits of Chamomile tea
Chamomile Tea has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. That is why you can use Chamomile Tea to reduce the redness or allergy in your eyes. Use it as an eye wash or cold compress. Itchiness that is often caused due to allergic reactions, will be prevented. Your eyes will also look fresh when you start applying Chamomile Tea. The signs of tiredness and lethargy will be gone. For about five minutes steep a bag of Chamomile Tea in hot water. After that, remove the tea bag and allow the water to cool down. Wash your eyes three to four times with this.
Another way of using Chamomile Tea is by cooling the bags of Chamomile tea after steeping them in cold water. Place two cold tea bags on your closed eye lids for a few minutes. Try this method four to five times a day.
Try Rose water
Rose water in its purest form is the best remedy to soothe and take care of itching eyes. It reduces the redness caused due to different allergies as well. When you are tired, rose water can relax tired and strained eyes. It removes puffiness as well as dark circles. Wash your face with rose water every day.
You can also add a few drops of rose water on two cotton pads and place them over your eyes. Keep it for few minutes thrice a day.
Goodness of Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel has both astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to relieve the itchiness and irritation caused in your eyes. Using a cotton ball that has been dipped in Witch Hazel, wipe your eyes. Start from one corner of the eye and take it all the way to the corner of your eyes. Do this twice on each eye.
Splash water on your face
If you find your eyes red after waking up from the bed, then treat them with water. Simply splash a mug of cold water on your face. It helps to reduce the inflammation, redness and puffiness of the eyes.
Cold compress
One of the effective treatment we can offer in our home to treat our itchy eyes is applying a cold compress. Dip a cotton cloth in the ice cold water and apply it around the eyes for a few minutes to get relief. Repeat this process for several times in a day until you look the change.
Alternatively, try applying the chamomile tea bags on your eyes to get the soothing effect. Keep two chamomile ice tea bags in the refrigerator for an hour or two, take it out and retain over the eyes for five to ten minutes. Repeat this method for three to four times for faster recovery.
Water and salt
Water and salt combination helps in treating painful and itchy eyes. You just rinse your eyes with salt mixed water as it reduces irritation and inflamed eyes that help to wash away the debris collected in the eyes. Salt acts as an antibacterial agent and kills bacteria. Make a natural eye wash by mixing a cup of distilled water with one teaspoon of salt. Boil the solution until the salt dissolves completely. Allow the solution to cool down and then flush your eyes. Repeat it several times a day for 2 – 3 times a day.
Cucumber
In treating many eye problems such as irritation, itchiness, redness, inflammation and puffiness cucumber help you a lot with its anti-irritation properties. Cut the cucumber into slices and place on your eyes, leave it for around 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse off your eyes. Repeat applying the cucumber to get the best benefits.
Alternatively, you can also try applying the cucumber juice to relief your eyes from itching. Squeeze the cucumber pieces and dip a cotton ball in it, hold the cotton ball on the closed eye for few minutes reveal the magic.
Cold milk
Cold milk is another prevalent remedy to treat the itchy eyes. Take two cotton balls and soak them in the cold milk for a few minutes, press them to strain the excess amount. Now keep it with our eyes and lie down for 10 minutes. It gives you a kind of cooling effect and helps to reduce the itchiness. Try this remedy for two to three times a day.
Aloe vera
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of aloe vera aids in combating with the infection that is causing the itchiness. Natural aloe vera is best remedy for any skin problems.
Mix the aloe vera gel with honey and some amount of elderberry blossom tea. Now, rinse off your eyes with this concoction to dull down the problem.
Green tea
Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit to soothe your eyes. Include green tea into your itchy eyes. Make an eye wash by boiling two green tea bags in a cup of distilled water. Allow them to cool completely and flush the eyes twice a day with the solution until you feel better.
Avoid allergen
If you suspect your red eyes are caused by the allergies, then avoid the allergen impurities such as smoke, dust, animal dander, pollen etc. As continues spending with them may damage your eyes. As soon as you start irritating eyes, try to find the allergen and avoid it sooner.
Drink good amount of water
Some people also develop the red eyes due to the dehydration process. So, ensure to drink eight glasses of water in a day. Daily consumption of plenty of water protects you and keeps you dehydrated. You can also include fluids or fruit juice to reduce eye redness.
Reduce on screen time
The number of working hours should be reduced to keep your eyes protected. The number of hours you spend in front of your computer screen, laptop, mobile phone, iPad and TV set affects your eyes. If you tend to spend too much time on screen then your eyes tends to turn red as it causes dryness in eyes. To get rid of eye redness or eye allergies, you can used anti glare glasses which are designed to reduce eye strain from monitor reflection. Keep a distance of 25 to 35 cm in between the monitor and your eyes. Else you can adjust your seat so that your eyes are leveled with the computer screen or TV screen.
Balanced diet
Having a balanced diet is very important for maintaining a good eye sight. Diets rich in omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, nuts and flax seeds as well as Vitamin B2, B6 present in eggs, dairy products, yogurt, tuna fish, turkey, fresh vegetables, asparagus, sunflower seeds and whole cereals are essential for maintaining a healthy eye sight. Zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E, zeaxanthin and lutein present in strawberries, cabbage, spinach, celery, cauliflower, cantaloupe, broccoli and oranges are the other most required nutrients essential for eye health.
Raw potatoes
Foods containing high levels of vitamin and minerals help in maintaining healthy eye sight. Potatoes are known as one of the healthiest source of vitamin E and antioxidants which helps in keeping eye diseases and infections at bay. Take two potato slices of equal measure and freeze them. Place them on your eyes after freezing for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep them for 20 minutes. Practice this procedure daily before going off to bed for effective results.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains a steroidal saponin known as Trigonella foenum-graecum Diosgenin which helps in reducing inflammation. Take a handful of fenugreek seeds and soak them in water overnight. Grind them in the morning to make a smooth paste. Now close your eyes and apply this paste on your eyes. Rinse it off with cold water after 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure for the next 2 to 3 days to reduce eye redness and irritation. You can also warm and wrap these seeds in a cloth. Place it directly on your eyes to cure pain and redness.
Bilberry
Bilberry is known as a greater source of antioxidants and flavonoids which helps in increasing the blood circulation around your eyes. It also helps in reducing irritation, redness and dryness of your eyes. It is an essential element for curing retinal disorder. You can apply bilberry extracts directly on your eyes 2 times a day for 3 to 4 days until it is fully cured. Else you can consume bilberry tablets after consulting a physician.
