As far as eye problems go, red veins or bloodshot eyes are a common issue and most of the times, it is easy to self diagnose. Hangovers, lack of sleep, conjunctivitis, dust or allergens in the eye are some of the non-serious causes of red eyes. However, in serious cases, red veins in eyes could indicate an underlying issue like glaucoma or increased pressure in the eyes. Thankfully, the eye is a sturdy organ and as long as you take care, bloodshot eyes resolve quickly. Here are some home remedies to clear red eyes:
1. Ice it up
Use a cool compress or some ice on the eyes. Wrap up the ice in a clean cloth and apply it gently on the eyes. Keep the compress on the bloodshot eye for at least 15 minutes. This remedy is also beneficial for treating red eyes caused by conjunctivitis or pink eye.
2. Keep them clean
When there is debris in the eyes, you could suffer from redness and pain. Keep the eyes clean by washing them with a saline rinse. While cleaning the eyes, always wipe from the inside towards the outside. Discard the tissues you have used to clean the eyes to avoid spreading eye infections to people around you. You can also use plain hot water to rinse the eyes out.
3. Chamomile tea bags
If you have one bloodshot eye with no pain, use chamomile tea bag to clear it. Steep the tea bag in hot water for a few minutes. Remove the bag from water and squeeze out excess water. Place the used bag on the bloodshot eye. Use this remedy every few hours. If you do not have chamomile tea bags, you can use chamomile flowers or muslin tea bag to make an infusion. Pour the infusion in an eye cup and rinse the eye with the soothing solution.
4. Green or black tea
Apart from chamomile tea, you can also use green or black tea infusion to rinse the eyes out with. Brew the tea as usual. Fill up an eye cup with the cooled tea and use the same to wash the bloodshot eyes with. You may also soak a clean, sterile cotton wool in the tea and wipe the eyes with it to remove bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that cause eye redness.
5. Eyebright herb (Euphrasia officinalis)
Eyebright herb is a natural remedy for many eye problems including red eyes. It is particularly beneficial for red, itchy and sore eyes caused by allergies. Make an infusion by steeping the herb in hot water and use it as eyewash.
6. Get some sleep
The easiest way to get rid of red eyes without eye drops is to get adequate rest. Late nights can cause red, tired eyes and catching up on sleep can help prevent them.
7. Avoid alcohol
Bloodshot eyes and red veins in eyes can occur due to excess alcohol intake. Limiting alcohol is the easiest way to prevent this.
8. Keep eyes lubricated
Dry eyes that do not produce tears can also be one of the factors that cause eye redness. Keep eyes lubricated with eye washes and eye drops available over the counter.
9. Avoid touching the eyes
Avoid rubbing or touching the eyes since germs from the hands can cause redness and infections.
10. Trim your hair
If you have bangs or long hair that keeps getting in the eyes or the face, you must trim it. Stray hair getting inside the eyes can cause eye redness and pain.
11. Drink vegetable juices
A mixture of spinach and carrot juice is the best remedy to cure eye problems. Drink this juice daily to strengthen eyes and improve immunity against eye infections.
12. Potato slices
Thinly slice a potato and place the slices on the eyes. Rest for 20 minutes. The juice in the potatoes acts as astringent and clears away redness and pain.
13. Coriander juice
This is an Ayurvedic remedy for all kinds of eye problems including bloodshot eyes and red veins. Dilute the juice of coriander (cilantro) and use it as eyewash. This remedy is useful for treating eye discharge, redness, pain and irritation.
14. Honey
Directly pour a drop or two of raw, organic honey in the eyes. Honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties that eliminate microbes and debris from the eyes. You can also make eyewash with honey using this recipe: boil some water and add a couple of teaspoons of honey to it. Allow it to cool and use it to rinse the eyes out.
15. Stay hydrated
Hangover that causes bloodshot eyes indicates loss of hydration. Drink a glass of water every hour. Also drink water before going to sleep after a night of partying. It is best to eat something before consuming alcohol to prevent red eyes.
Apart from these remedies you can also use drops like Visine to counter dryness, allergens and redness. We hope these 15 home remedies help you get rid of bloodshot eye and red veins in eyes without using eye drops.