Bloodshot eyes (red eye) occurs when the tiny blood vessels on the sclera enlarge and become flooded with blood. The reason this occurs is a lack of oxygen supply to the cornea or soft tissues of the eyes. Typically, red eye is nothing to be alarmed about but if it is accompanied by pain or vision loss then it can be a sign of something serious.
A subconjunctival hemorrage is a condition that is similar to red eye. Rather than the entire eye being red it is simply a small bright red blotch that occurs when you wake up in the morning.
If your eyes remain bloodshot for 3 days or if you have pain or vision loss you should see your doctor immediately. You will receive a complete eye exam so that the cause can be narrowed down.
There are many things that can lead to red eye including: fatigue, eyestrain, alcohol consumption, dry air, allergies, sun exposure, trauma, poor diet or an infection. A deficiency in Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine) and the amino acids phenylalanine, histidine and lysine are also likely to cause red eyes.
The more simple causes of bloodshot eyes such as too much strain on the eyes or fatigue do not generally require treatment. If you think you have a more serious case, that isn't cleared up in a few days, you should talk to an ophthalmologist right away to avoid unnecessary damage to your vision.
Typically, you will be prescribed eye drops and might need to have your eyes irrigated with a saline solution. If you are diagnosed with pink eye then make sure you do not touch or rub your eyes. Pink eye is very contagious and can easily spread from one eye to the next.
Natural medicine offers several solutions to red eye which do not have the same side effects that conventional medicines have. Bilberry has been studied for years because of it's ability to help facilitate the delivery of oxygen to the eye. Rooibos is very helpful to your overall immune system. If you are dealing with an eye infection then rooibos might be all that you need. Sutherlandia frutescens is a strong anti-oxident which also has adaptogenic properties. Use this regularly to keep your eyes as healthy as can be.
In addition to using natural remedies you should splash your closed eyes with cold water. An ice-pack (wrapped in a towel) will help you feel better. Try to stay from cigarette smoke and the sun. If your job requires you to be in a dusty environment then use a set of protective goggles while you work. Follow these simple guidelines and you should be able to beat that old red eye.
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health, emotional ailments & conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
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