Shopping for eye drops can be a little overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with them. There are so many types to choose from, and sometimes even product labeling can be confusing. When your main concern is red eye relief, it’s not always as simple as grabbing a bottle labeled “anti-redness” or “redness relief.” Not to worry, though. We’re here to help you parse through the options.
To select the best eye drops for your red eyes, it’s important to think about the following:
- What are redness relief eye drops? (It may surprise you to learn what they do.)
- Do you have additional eye symptoms?
- Why are your eyes red in the first place?
In this guide, we’ll discuss these points and why they’re important. We’ll also explain when to reach for the anti-redness eye drops and when not to.
What Are Redness Relief Eye Drops?
Obviously, the main purpose of redness relief eye drops is (drumroll, please) to eliminate redness. But have you ever thought about how they do that? Learning more about how these drops work may help you understand whether they’re the best solution for your eye issues.
How Do Eye Drops for Red Eyes Work?
Red eyes occur when structures or tissues in and around the eye become irritated or inflamed. In response to this irritation, the eye’s blood vessels expand to supply natural chemicals that can help reduce inflammation. Most anti-redness eye drops contain decongestants that work by constricting these inflamed blood vessels (“vasoconstriction,” if you want to sound fancy), therefore reducing redness.
Why Anti-Redness Eye Drops Should Be Used With Caution
Eye drops for red eyes (and any other type of eye drops, for that matter) should only be used as directed. When using over-the-counter eye drops, it is important to read the label in its entirety, as some drops should be avoided if you have certain eye conditions, like glaucoma.
Redness relief eye drops are associated with an effect known as “rebound redness.” If you overuse these eye drops, your eye redness may come back when you stop using them (sometimes worse than they were before). Anti-redness eye drops are effective at quickly getting rid of eye redness, but our bodies can build up a tolerance to them. This makes these drops less effective the more we use them—often resulting in an urge to apply too much or use them too frequently.
When To Use Redness Relief Eye Drops
Although they are best used with caution, you can use red eye relief drops as a temporary fix for red eyes.
Eye drops are safe when used properly. Read more: Are Eye Drops Bad for You?
The key for anti-redness drops is to use them as directed and to consider them only for one-off situations when the red appearance of your eyes is a concern. Most anti-redness drops are for situations where the issue is more about how your eyes look—not so much how they feel. For instance, you might choose to use them before a job interview or an important photo shoot. If you have persistent redness, it is best to see your eye doctor.
When Not To Use Red Eye Relief Drops
Generally speaking, anytime you need eye drops for more than a one-time application, it’s probably best to steer clear of eye drops labeled as redness relief. Remember, these drops are only for temporarily getting rid of redness.
Looking for other ways to deal with eye redness? Check out this handy guide: How to Get Rid of Red Eyes.
The Best Eye Drops for Red Eyes
How do you choose the best eye drops for your redness? That’s a pretty easy answer: Make an appointment with your eye doctor.
There are two points we mentioned at the beginning of the article that we haven’t touched on yet:
- Do you have additional eye symptoms?
- Why are your eyes red in the first place?
Your eye doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your red eyes. Different causes call for different treatments—if your eye doctor does recommend eye drops, the type of drops will depend on the root issue.
For instance, if your eye redness is due to allergies, your doctor may recommend drops with antihistamines. If you have dry eyes causing eye redness, your doctor will likely recommend some form of lubricating eye drops. If your redness is due to an eye infection or another eye condition, your doctor may recommend prescription drops.
The bottom line? If your red eyes are persistent or accompanied by irritation or other symptoms, seek the advice of an expert optometrist. Treating the root cause of your red eyes is the best way to find lasting red-eye relief.
