Eye Redness Relief

Redness Relief for Eyes at Walgreens

Eye redness has a variety of causes. One of the most common is eye strain. Eye strain usually appears after activities that require your eyes to focus for a long period of time. These include reading, writing or working on a computer. Eye redness can also be a sign of more serious eye problems including eye infections, inflammation, glaucoma or eye injury. Allergies are another common cause.

Eye Redness: Signs You Should See a Doctor

Since eye redness can be a sign of serious eye problems, see your doctor immediately if you have eye pain, light sensitivity, difficulty seeing, yellow discharge coming from your eye or if you've injured your eye or believe you have something in it. If you commonly have red eyes due to eye strain or allergies and have otherwise healthy eyes, non-prescription eye care products that lubricate and reduce redness may help.

Relieving the Redness

Sometimes eyes become red and irritated due to lack of moisture. When you spend too much time on activities that require your eyes to focus, you don't blink as much. Blinking spreads lubricating materials over your eyes to keep them moist and comfortable. When you don't blink often enough, your eyes can become dry and irritated. Some people have chronically dry eyes because the glands that produce tears and lubrication don't function properly. Lubricant redness relief eye drops bathe dry, tired eyes in soothing moisture and lubrication. This lubrication helps reduce dryness and relieve redness. Redness relief eye drops that lubricate are good to have on hand if you work in front of a computer all day.

Some redness relief eye drops contain ingredients that narrow the blood vessels in the eyes. When the blood vessels are decreased in size, it reduces redness. In addition, some eye drops that ease redness have a cooling action that refreshes your eyes and makes them look brighter and feel more comfortable. Most redness relief eye drops are fast-acting so you'll experience the benefits almost immediately.

Are Redness Relief Eye Drops Safe?

Eye drops and ointments that reduce redness are safe when used properly. You shouldn't use them if you have glaucoma. If you have any type of medical condition, contact your doctor before using redness relief eye drops in your eyes. Possible side effects include a stinging sensation in the eyes, dizziness, headache, eye water or blurred vision.

Some eye drops that reduce redness can also interact with other medications, including herbs and supplements. It's also possible to be allergic to the ingredients in eye drops that reduce redness and develop an allergic reaction as a result. Make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications and supplements you're taking and seek their guidance before using redness relief drops. Your vision is irreplaceable. Take care of your eyes and see your eye doctor regularly for an exam.