“Should I use eye drops for red-eye?”
I have red-eye. Should I use eye drops for red-eye?
3 Answers
OphthalmologistOphthalmologist
Using eye drops for red-eye can be helpful, but it depends on the cause. Heres a quick guide: Use lubricating/artificial tears if: Your eyes are red due to dryness, irritation, or tiredness. Youre exposed to wind, screens, or dry air. Use allergy eye drops (antihistamine) if: Redness is due to seasonal allergies or pet dander. You also have itching, tearing, or swelling. Avoid redness relief drops with vasoconstrictors (like tetrahydrozoline) for frequent use: They may temporarily reduce redness by shrinking blood vessels. Overuse can cause rebound redness, making the problem worse over time. See a doctor if: You have pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or eye discharge. Redness lasts more than a couple of days. You suspect an infection (like pink eye or uveitis).

Jason Randall Smith
Optometrist
The answer to your question may be YES or NO because you need to know or find out from your family doctor or an eye doctor why your eyes are red. Red eyes can come from many reasons including a conjunctivitis which can be allergic, viral, or bacterial. And there are other more serious conjunctivitis problems such as hyperacute and hemorrhagic. Red eyes can come from turned-in eyelashes that are rubbing on your conjunctiva or cornea. Red eyes can come from foreign bodies that have lodged in the eye or from a scratched cornea. There are other more serious internal eye problems such as uveitis or iritis which can cause red eyes. Pingueculas that are growths on the conjunctiva can cause red eyes. Pterygiums which are growths on the cornea can cause red eyes. If you are a contact lens wearer, wearing your lenses longer than prescribed, sleeping in contact lenses, or using incorrect contact lens solutions can definitely all cause red eyes or worse.
I would strongly suggest that you see a doctor in order to properly diagnose and to treat what your eye problem may be. Good luck and best wishes.
I would strongly suggest that you see a doctor in order to properly diagnose and to treat what your eye problem may be. Good luck and best wishes.