checkout ways to get rid of red eyes (part one)...

How to Get Rid of a Red Eye Have you ever looked in a mirror and noticed that your eyes were red? Whether you've been staring at a computer or TV screen for too long or are suffering from allergies, red eyes can be painful and ugly. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the irritation and swelling. Eye redness can go hand-in-hand with dry eyes, so some treatments address both issues. Other problems such as infections, inflammation, ocular trauma, or a foreign body can cause redness. At those times, it is best to seek medical attention. 1 Do your research on eye drops.[1][2] There are many different types of eye drops, each one recommended for different circumstances. For example, if you have red eyes and wear contact lenses, a blood vessel constricting drop may not work. It wouldn't be able to get through the lens to treat your redness. Most eye drops work by constricting the blood vessels in the eyes. By making the blood vessels smaller, they reduce eye redness. Be careful of using these too much because your eyes may get dependent on them. Eventually if you don't use them, you'll get rebound redness which makes your eyes red just because it is craving the constricting agents.[3] Preservative free eye drops tend to be the most natural for you eyes. They come in single vial uses which makes them very hygienic. Image titled Get Rid of a Red Eye Step 2 2 Consult your eye care professional. The best way to choose the right drops is to talk to you a specialist about the cause of your redness. Let him or her diagnose you and choose the best treatment method. If your redness is due to allergies, look for eye drops with antihistamines. Antihistamines can also cause eye dryness/redness, so you can couple these drops with artificial tears. If you have an infection, see your doctor for prescription eye drops that have antibiotics. Be careful with "bacteria-fighting" eye drops. Many people have an allergic reaction to the preservatives in them. You might make your eyes even worse! Image titled Get Rid of a Red Eye Step 3 3 Use a cold compress on your eyes. Cold water will decrease the swelling that causes bloodshot eyes, and will also soothe on your irritated eyes. You can just splash some cold water onto your face.[4] The most common cause of red eyes is allergies. The body releases histamines that dry the eyes, causing blood vessels to swell.[5] Cold water reduces blood flow to the eyes and treats some of this inflammation. Image titled Get Rid of a Red Eye Step 4 4 Use ice or freeze-packs. Using ice is another common and effective way to soothe bloodshot eyes.[6] Ice and freeze packs work the same way cold compresses do, by relieving swelling and reducing the amount of blood flow to the eyes. If you don't have a freeze-pack, place some ice cubes in a clean washcloth. Hold it over your eyes for 4 to 5 minutes. When using extremely cold products like ice or a freezer-pack, always protect your eyes with a thin cloth towel. This prevents ice burn. Image titled Get Rid of a Red Eye Step 5 5 Wait out a burst blood vessel.[7] If you sneeze or cough too hard, or even just rub your eye vigorously, you can cause a blood vessel to burst. Doctors call this "subconjunctival hemorrhage." In most cases, only one eye will be affected, and you won't feel any pain. The blood vessel should heal itself naturally. It can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. This can also occur if you are taking any blood thinners, doing heavy lifting, are constipated, or engaging in any activity that increases pressure to the head. It can also happen if you have a blood disorder. So if it occurs frequently, visit your eye doctor. Blood tests may be needed. See a doctor if you have any pain, or if you have a chronic disease like diabetes. Image titled Get Rid of a Red Eye Step 6 6 See a doctor if you have pink eye.[8] Just like its name says, pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) causes your eye to look pink or red. Speak with your doctor immediately if you think you have pink eye. He or she can prescribe antibiotic eye drops or even oral pills, depending on the cause. Pink eye is contagious, so wash your hands with antibacterial soap, clean contact lenses well, and don't rub your eyes. To make sure you have pink eye, check the following: The dryness and redness is only in one eye, or at least began for the first few days as one-sided before spreading. You recently had a viral or bacterial infection (i.e. ear infection, cold or flu) You've been around someone who had pink eye recently