Are Red Eyes Normal? What You Should Know and When to Use Eye Drops
It’s common to occasionally experience red or bloodshot eyes. While this condition is often harmless, it can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Here’s what you need to know about what causes red eyes and whether eye drops are the right solution for you.
What Causes Eye Redness?
Red eyes occur when small blood vessels under the surface of the eye become inflamed. A variety of factors can contribute to this condition, including:
- Allergies
- Prolonged contact lens wear
- Lack of sleep
- Digital eye strain from excessive screen time
- Environmental factors like smoke, dust, and dry air
In most cases, red eyes are temporary and resolve on their own. However, if redness is accompanied by pain, swelling, light sensitivity, or vision changes, it could indicate a more serious condition such as:
- Glaucoma – A condition that increases pressure in the eye and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – An inflammation or infection of the eye’s outer membrane.
- Uveitis – An inflammation of the middle layer of the eye that can lead to complications if not properly managed.
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe redness, it’s best to consult an optometrist to rule out serious eye conditions.
How Eye Drops Work to Reduce Redness
Most over-the-counter redness-relief eye drops contain a decongestant, a type of medication that temporarily constricts the blood vessels in the eye to reduce redness. However, prolonged use of decongestant drops can cause a rebound effect, making redness worse when the drops wear off. Over time, this can lead to dependency, where your eyes require the drops just to appear normal.
LUMIFY eye drops offer a better solution. Unlike traditional redness-relief drops, LUMIFY contains a low-dose of brimonidine, which selectively targets redness without triggering the rebound effect. This makes it the only over-the-counter eye drop in Canada proven to relieve redness for up to eight hours without losing effectiveness over time.
LUMIFY eye drops are:
✔ Clinically proven to be safe and effective
✔ Free of bleach and dyes
✔ Non-habit-forming when used as directed
LUMIFY is now available in Canada without a prescription, and you can conveniently purchase it at any of our five Optometrists’ Clinic locations.
When Should You Use Redness-Relief Eye Drops?
Before using any eye drops, consult an optometrist to determine the root cause of your redness. Overusing anti-redness drops can make your eyes reliant on them and worsen symptoms over time. A professional eye exam can help identify any underlying conditions that may be causing chronic redness, ensuring you get the most appropriate treatment.
Eye Care Solutions in Edmonton
If you experience occasional or persistent red eyes, the team at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. in Edmonton is here to help. We offer comprehensive eye exams to quickly detect and address any underlying issues, along with a wide range of eye care solutions, including LUMIFY eye drops.
Visit one of our five locations today to pick up LUMIFY or schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you maintain clear, healthy eyes.
