No one likes walking around looking like a strung out crackhead. Red, irritated bloodshot eyes scream out “I haven’t slept in three days” or “I should be in rehab.” Allergies, lack of sleep and poor diet can all lead to bloodshot eyes, but that’s no excuse when you a business presentation, a hot date or lunch with mom.
Here’s how to make those bloodshot eyes go away fast:
DO:
- Chill your eye gel. The eye gel will help depuff eyes, taking attention away from them, and the chill factor will help tighten blood vessels, making them less visible.
- Take your allergy medicine. Bloodshot eyes can be caused from histamines pouring in your nose, traveling through the blood supply and inflaming the eyes. Take an oral antihistamine like Benadryl to feel better.
READ MORE: Secrets To Keeping Allergies At Bay
- Try artificial tears. An antihistamine and decongestant can clear up allergies and your bloodshot eyes. Visine-A has both, so it’s a good choice for eye drops.
- Wash out eye allergens. Just rinsing with cool and warm water can get rid of allergens in the eyes and sooth them. You can also buy eye washes at the store.
- Use blue eyeliner. Lining your upper inner lash line with a bright blue liner will counteract red, making veins less noticeable and your eye whites brighter.
- Try white eye shadow. It’s a sworn by trick. To avoid looking washed out use some black liquid liner to line your eyes. If the all white looks is too much for you, use a blue-based shadow like blue or gray to reduce redness.
- Use black mascara. Black eyelashes will make your eyes look whiter.
- Distract with red lipstick. Red lipstick can draw attention away from your eyes, and bright lips will make your face seem more awake.
- Use cold compresses. Apply frozen bags of veggies to your eyes for 10-15 minutes a couple times during the day. The cold shrinks blood vessels so they are less visible.
- Try warm compresses. If you’re eyes are bloodshot due to lack of sleep or eyestrain and not allergies, applying a warm cloth to your eyes may help more than a cold compress.
- Use preservative-free contact lenses solution. Lens solution containing preservatives can cause redness and irritation in sensitive eyes.
- Eat more riboflavin. Riboflavin deficiency can cause bloodshot eyes as well as light sensitivity and eye fatigue. Take a riboflavin supplement or eat more fortified cereals, milk, fish, asparagus, broccoli, cheese, fortified grains, chicken, spinach or yogurt.
- Eat more fish. Omega-3 fatty acid reduce inflammation and prevent eye dryness. Eat fish oil or flaxseed oil supplement or eat more salmon and tuna. Sashimi time?
READ MORE: Fish Fries Your Pounds Off
- Drink more water. Water will increase hydration your whole body, including your eyes. It will also help with dehydration caused by drinking, which might be the source of your bloodshot eyes, party girl!
- Try a humidifier. Dry air will make your eyes more irritated and bloodshot, but using a humidifier will keep them moist in case your eyes slightly open at night.
*image courtesy of iStockPhoto
