There are many tiny blood vessels present on the white surface of the eyes. Red eyes or blood shot eyes appear when these vessels get filled with blood. Whenever there is decreased oxygen supply to the eyes or the surrounding areas, blood supply in these vessels increases and this leads to the appearance of red eyes. If there is no associated pain or change in vision, there is nothing to worry about. If red eyes are accompanied with visual symptoms or pain, expert opinion is required to identify and treat the exact cause.

How to Clear Red Eyes

1.      Use Warm & Cold Compress

Using a warm compress can comfort the eyes and can be a good solution for red eyes.

• Soak a small towel in warm water and then wring it to get rid of excessive water. The skin around the eyes is very sensitive so test the temperature of the towel before placing it on the eyes. Make sure it is not too hot.
• Put it over your eyes for five to ten minutes. The warmth will improve the blood circulation and the oil production in the eyelids will also get better. This will lead to more lubrication of the eyes and the red eyes will significantly improve.

If the eyes do not getting better after using a warm compress you can try a cold compress.

• Soak a washcloth or small towel in cold water and wring out extra water before placing it over the eyes. Take care that it is not too cold.

2.      Pay Attention to Your Diet

• If you get red eyes very frequently it might be a sign of dehydration. Drink plenty of water to keep the eyes moist. Dry eyes can become red easily.
• If you are eating a lot of processed food or junk food, you can develop red eyes due to the inflammatory effects of these foods. Eat a balanced and healthy diet to avoid excessive inflammation and red eyes. This is an effective way for how to clear red eyes for long term.
• Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as fish are helpful to combat inflammation and can help to prevent red eyes.

3.      Try Chamomile Wash

Chamomile is a very soothing herb and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to correct red eyes. To make chamomile wash take a teaspoon of chamomile flowers and put them in one cup of boiling water. Let them boil for a minute then turn off the heat and cool the mixture. Strain and wash your eyes with it.

5.      Apply Raw Milk Compress

Raw milk is a very good source of many vitamins, folic acid and friendly bacteria. All of these are helpful in soothing the red eyes.

• Soak a cotton ball in one cup of raw milk.
• Take it out and massage your eyes gently with it for twenty minutes.

6.      Wash with Salt Water Solution

Salt is known for anti-inflammatory properties. Salt water helps to comfort red eyes.

• Bring one sup of water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt.
• Let it cool down for some time.
• Wash your eyes with the solution to cure red eyes.

7.      Try Honey and Warm Milk

Milk and honey are full of nutrients and have healing properties. You can either make a compress with honey and milk or use the mixture as eye drops to improve red eyes.

• To make a milk and honey compress take half cup of warm milk and mix ¼ cup of honey in it. Soak a cloth in the mixture and place over your eyes for fifteen to twenty minutes.
• To make eye drops mix equal quantities of honey and warm milk. Use a dropper and put a drop of this mixture in each eye.

8.      Apply Cucumber Slices

Cucumber slices are known for their soothing effects on the eyes. Placing them over the eyes is a tried and tested way on how to clear red eyes immediately. Thinly slice a cucumber and place a slice on each eye. Lie down with your eyes closed for fifteen minutes. For better results used a refrigerated cucumber.

9.      Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is associated with a lot of health benefits. It has anti-bacterial properties. To correct red eyes, mix a teaspoon of it in a cup of water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and then place it on the eyes for some time.

10.      Slice Some Raw Potatoes

Potatoes contain a lot of vitamin E which is a great antioxidant. To clear red eyes thinly slice a potato and put it in the fridge for some time. You can also grate raw potatoes and refrigerate them. Take the slices out after they are cooled down and place on your eyes for ten to twenty minutes.

11.      Reduce Screen Time

Staring on the screens of TV, computers, laptops and mobile phones can be harmful for the eyes and can result in red eyes. To prevent red eyes limit your screen time. While sitting in front of screens, make sure that your posture is correct and the screen is at a healthy distance. You can also use anti-glare filters on the computer or laptop screens to protect your eyes.

12.      Splash Some Rose Water

This fragrant herbal water is very effective to soothe tired and red eyes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which make it an ideal remedy to treat red eyes. You can just splash some rose water on your eyes or place a cotton ball or small piece of cloth soaked in rose water over your eyes for few minutes for immediate relief.

For added benefits, soak some cold cucumber slices in rose water before placing them on your eyes. You can use rose water as eye drops as well.

13.      Refrigerate Some Spoons

If you are looking for ways on how to clear red eyes effectively, here is a great tip for you. Place some spoons in iced water for a few minutes or put them in the fridge for some time. Close your eyes and placed the chilled spoons on your eyes. When they get a bit warm, replace with the cold spoons. The results are surprisingly good and your eyes will feel refreshed afterwards.

14.      Make a Aloe Vera Eye Wash

Aloe vera is a very popular plant and is used in many ways. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can cure red eyes. To make a great eye wash take three tablespoons of aloe vera gel and mix it with ½ cup of elderberry blossom tea. Add a teaspoon of honey and wash your eyes with the mixture twice a day. The redness will fade in a couple of days.