How to Get Rid of Red Eyes Fast: Causes & Quick Fixes
Why Are My Eyes Red?
Waking up with bloodshot eyes or suddenly noticing red, irritated eyes in the mirror can be alarming. Whether it's from allergies, dryness, or irritation, red eyes are uncomfortable and can make you look tired or sick. The good news? Most cases of red eyes can be treated quickly with the right approach.
What Causes Red Eyes?
Several common reasons why your eyes may look red include:
Dry eyes – Lack of moisture leads to irritation and redness.
Allergies – Pollen, pet dander, and dust can trigger inflammation.
Eye strain – Too much screen time causes digital eye fatigue.
Lack of sleep – Blood vessels dilate, making eyes look bloodshot.
Irritants – Smoke, chlorine, and pollution can inflame the eyes.
Contact lens overuse – Wearing lenses too long or improper cleaning.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – Viral or bacterial infections causing redness.
Important: When to See an Eye Doctor
Most cases of red eyes clear up with home remedies, but there are times when you should see an optometrist, and book an emergency eye infection eye exam.
đŸ”´ Your redness doesn't improve after 48 hours.
đŸ”´ You have eye pain,
đŸ”´ You have blurred vision, light sensitivity or a headache
đŸ”´ Your eyes produce thick discharge or are stuck shut in the morning.
đŸ”´ You recently had an eye injury or eye surgery.
These could be signs of an eye infection, corneal ulcer, surgical complication or another serious condition like uveitis, scleritis or glaucoma. If you're unsure, booking an eye exam to get checked out is always best.
How to Get Rid of Red Eyes Fast (6 DIY Home Remedies)
If your eyes are red, irritated, or dry, there are several quick fixes that can help restore their natural brightness. Below are six proven ways to relieve red eyes quickly so you can get back to looking and feeling your best. The key is to act fast to prevent discomfort from getting worse.
1. Use Lubricating Eye Drops
One of the fastest ways to relieve red eyes is using artificial tears, which help hydrate and soothe the eyes. Many cases of redness are caused by dry eye syndrome, where the eyes don't produce enough moisture or tears evaporate too quickly. This is especially common for people who spend long hours in front of a screen, wear contact lenses, or are exposed to dry indoor air.
What to avoid?: People instinctively reach for redness-relief drops like Visine, but these should be used with caution. They work by shrinking the blood vessels in your eyes, temporarily reducing redness. However, depending on the underlying cause of the redness, they may sting or burn when you put them, and they may only be masking the actual problem.
Best Option: For the most effective relief, preservative-free lubricating eye drops are your best bet. Hylo and Thealoz Duo are premium options available at your optometrist's office, specifically designed to provide long-lasting hydration and protection for dry, irritated eyes. If you're looking for an over-the-counter solution, Systane Ultra, Systane Complete, Refresh Tears or HydraSense are excellent options that contain sodium hyaluronate, a key ingredient for restoring moisture. You can find these at your local pharmacy. Whenever possible, reach for the preservative free or single-use formulations.
Fast White Eyes: If you just want to brighten your eyes, try over-the-counter redness relief eye drops like Lumify to help restore your eyes to their white shine. These drops can help provide up to 6-hours of redness relief in tired, sore eyes. Lumify eye drops are also an excellent option for improving your look for family photos, weddings or special occasions.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
A simple cold compress can do wonders for red, irritated eyes. Cooling helps constrict blood vessels, reducing redness and inflammation almost instantly. It's particularly effective if your red eyes are caused by allergies, eye strain, or irritation from smoke or pollution.
To make a cold compress, soak a clean washcloth in cold water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes. You can also use refrigerated gel eye masks like the B&L Thera Pearle for added relief. If allergies are causing your red eyes, this method will not only help reduce redness but also ease any itching or swelling.
What to Avoid: Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen the redness, especially if your eyes are red because of allergies. Rubbing your eyes may feel relieving, but it can release more histamines and worsen your symptoms. In addition, it can weaken and thin the cornea of your eye over time and increase your risk of developing an eye condition called keratoconus.
3. Take a Break from Screens
We live in a digital world, and too much screen time can take a serious toll on your eyes. Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, happens when you stare at a screen for extended periods without blinking enough. This leads to dryness, redness, and fatigue.
One of the easiest ways to prevent this is by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break and helps reduce strain. If you have to work from home, make sure to schedule daily walk breaks and get outside for your lunch hour and at the end of your day.
If you work on a computer all day and frequently experience red or tired eyes, you might benefit from specialty lenses designed for digital screens. Hoya Sync III lenses, iDSpace, iDZoom and iD Task are all great options, as they help reduce digital fatigue and keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.
Best Option: Adjust the brightness and contrast on your screen, and use blue light-filtering glasses to reduce eye strain. Also, ensure your room is well-lit to make it easier to focus.
4. Stay Hydrated & Get More Sleep
It might sound simple, but dehydration and lack of sleep are two of the most common causes of red eyes. When your body is dehydrated, it reduces tear production, leaving your eyes dry and irritated. Similarly, when you don't get enough sleep, your eyes don't get enough time to recover, leading to dilated blood vessels and a bloodshot appearance.
To keep your eyes healthy and bright:
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to give your eyes time to rest.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as they can contribute to dehydration and worsen dry eye symptoms.
Bonus Tip: If you wake up with red eyes often, consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air and prevent overnight dryness.
5. Remove Contact Lenses & Clean Them Properly
Wearing contact lenses for too long or failing to clean them properly can deprive your eyes of oxygen, leading to redness, irritation, and even infections. If you notice redness after wearing your contacts, remove them immediately and switch to glasses for the rest of the day.
If you frequently experience red, dry or irritated eyes while wearing contacts, it may be time to switch to daily disposable lenses, which are healthier for your eyes. Your eyes may develop an allergy or reaction to the bacteria that forms on the surface of 2-week and monthly disposable lenses.
Pro tip: Never sleep in your contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear. This increases the risk of serious eye infections. You should also wait at least 30 minutes in the morning before putting them in, and always remove them at least 30 minutes before you go to bed.
6. Treat Allergies with Antihistamines
If your red eyes come with itching, watery discharge, or sneezing, allergies are likely the cause. Seasonal allergies, dust, pet dander, and mold can trigger eye irritation and redness.
To get relief:
Use antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medications to reduce inflammation.
Rinse your eyes with artificial tears to flush out allergens.
Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, and use an air purifier indoors.
If you suffer from chronic eye allergies, you may need a prescription-strength antihistamine drop. Learn more about allergy-related eye issues and how we can help.
Pro tip: Avoid rubbing your eyes, as it triggers the release of histamines, making symptoms worse. Also, Most over-the-counter allergy eye drops take 2-3 days to start providing relief. If your eyes feel instantly better after just one drop, your symptoms may not be allergy-related—it's best to see your optometrist for an accurate diagnosis.
Red Eyes with Discharge? See Your Optometrist
If you have red eyes with discharge, it's a sign that something more serious may be going on. Clear, watery discharge is often linked to allergies or viral conjunctivitis, while thick, yellow, or green discharge could indicate a bacterial eye infection that requires medical treatment.
Infections like bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis, or a blocked tear duct can cause sticky or crusty eyelids, excessive tearing, or discomfort.
Your optometrist can determine the exact cause and prescribe the proper treatment, whether antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory medication, or a customized eye care plan.
Red Eyes with Pain? It Could Be Something Serious
Red eyes on their own are usually mild and treatable, but if you experience eye pain along with redness, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Possible causes of painful red eyes include:
đŸ”´ Uveitis – This is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can cause deep aching pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Uveitis can be linked to autoimmune diseases or infections and often requires prescription steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation.
đŸ”´ Episcleritis & Scleritis – Episcleritis is a mild inflammation of the tissue covering the white part of the eye and usually causes mild discomfort. Scleritis, however, is a deeper inflammation of the sclera (the white of the eye) and often causes severe, deep eye pain that worsens with movement. Scleritis can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic conditions and requires medical treatment.
đŸ”´ Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma – A sudden increase in eye pressure can cause intense eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and halos around lights. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
đŸ”´ Corneal Ulcers or Infections – If you wear contact lenses, improper hygiene or overwearing them can lead to a corneal ulcer or bacterial infection, causing pain, redness, discharge, and light sensitivity. These conditions require urgent treatment to prevent permanent damage. Did you know that you can also get a cold sore in your eye?
đŸ”´ Eye Injuries – Trauma, foreign objects, or chemical exposure can cause corneal abrasions or burns, leading to severe pain, tearing, and redness. If you suspect an eye injury, you should see an optometrist immediately.
Still Struggling with Red Eyes? Give us a Call.
If you’ve tried all the remedies—lubricating drops, cold compresses, screen breaks, and allergy treatments—but your red eyes aren’t improving, it’s time to see an expert. Some people turn to their pharmacist or family doctor, but when it comes to your vision, you should be consulting an eye care specialist. Optometrists are trained to diagnose and treat eye conditions beyond just offering quick over-the-counter solutions.
At Helio Optometry, we can pinpoint the exact cause of your red eyes and provide the proper treatment, whether it’s prescription eye drops, advanced dry eye therapy, or a customized care plan. Our experienced eye doctors in Edmonton offer comprehensive eye exams to ensure your vision stays clear and comfortable. Whether you need relief from irritation or a fresh pair of eyeglasses, we're here to help. Don’t let red, irritated eyes disrupt your life—book an appointment today or call us at 780-628-6855 for expert optometry care tailored to you!
Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is provided by Helio Optometry, a trusted eye care clinic in West Edmonton, and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed optometrist or eye doctor. Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The information shared here is not intended to endorse or recommend specific medical treatments, nor does it guarantee any particular outcome. If you have concerns about your eye health, diabetes, or need a comprehensive eye exam, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified optometrist. Helio Optometry and its eye doctors do not assume liability for the accuracy of the information presented, nor for any errors or omissions. Use of this blog’s content is at your own risk. Always make informed decisions about your eye care by consulting with a licensed professional.
