Common Eye Solutions for Sensitive Eyes

Are your eyes more sensitive than usual? Do you wake up with irritated, red eyes? Eye sensitivity can be caused by a few different reasons, and it can be frustrating to experience in daily life. If you’re looking for relief, there are a few everyday solutions that can treat your eye sensitivity and get rid of red eyes. 

Why are my eyes so sensitive?

Allergy conditions, sensitivity to wind, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light) are the most common causes of eye sensitivity. 

You may have symptoms like red eyes, discomfort, swelling, irritation, or even dull pressure or throbbing around your eye. You may also find yourself covering your eyes from a bright light or avoiding walking out in direct sunlight. 

It’s important to monitor your sensitivity and check in with your doctor if your problems persist or worsen. 

How to get rid of red eyes

Red eyes and eye irritation have several different causes. Dry eyes, dust irritants, allergies, sun overexposure, and infection may cause red eyes. If you believe you have an eye infection, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor. 

If your eyes are red due to fatigue or eye strain, then simply rest your eyes. Take breaks from the screens, consciously blink more, or use blue light-blocking glasses to alleviate eye strain. 

What causes eye sensitivity to sunlight

If you are covering your eyes due to bright, excessive light or your eyes seem extra sensitive to light in the morning, you may have photosensitivity or photophobia, which is abnormal sensitivity to light. 

Migraines can cause photosensitivity, along with fatigue or even allergy conditions. Usually, the cause is not that serious, and there are simple steps you can take, like wearing protective eye gear, to combat light sensitivity. You can also speak to your optometrist about getting special tinted lenses to manage the condition. 

However, on very rare occasions, photosensitivity may be due to a more serious problem, like photosensitive epilepsy. Speak with your doctor if you find your eye sensitivity is getting worse. 

Common solutions for sensitive eyes

Be gentle with your eyes

If your eyes are overly sensitive, don’t wear excessive makeup or rub your eyes. Avoid touching them as much as possible. Wash your eyes every night with a gentle cleanser or warm water to flush out irritants. Then, as you continue these gentle habits, see if you notice a difference in eye sensitivity over time. 

Use a cold compress 

A cold compress can do wonders for reducing eye sensitivity, swelling, or red eyes. It’s easy to rub your eyes when they’re feeling itchy or irritated. However, grabbing a cold compress can soothe that irritation and itchy feeling and reduce swelling and redness in the eye. 

Wear protective glasses

Protective glasses can combat eye sensitivity, especially if you frequently work outdoors and develop a sensitivity to wind. 

If sunlight is the reason for your sensitivity, then wearing polarized sunglasses can help. These glasses are specially designed to minimize sun glare and reflection, and dim excessive light. They’re very handy if you work outside and need to see clearly to focus. 

If your eyes are sensitive to technology or you have eye strain, then try blue light-blocking glasses. These glasses are designed with filters to block or absorb blue light from screens. Limiting screen time or taking breaks from technology can also help. 

Increase light exposure over time

Although it may feel comfortable to hide in the dark, it’s important to train your eyes to adjust to light. Using lights in your house at dimmer levels can train your eyes to adjust. Then, increasing their brightness over time can help alleviate your sensitivity. Because a sunrise lamp gradually brightens with the sun, you may find this a helpful tool to adjust to light in the morning. 

Renew your contact lenses or prescription glasses 

Is it time to get your prescription checked? It’s possible that your eye sensitivity is caused by an out-of-date prescription. Be sure to check in with your eye doctor to renew your prescription and to avoid eye strain and sensitivity. 

Also, remember to keep your contact lenses clean because irritation caused by dirt in contact lenses can make your eyes feel more sensitive. 

Use eye drops  for sensitive eyes

Eye drops for sensitive eyes) can help relieve symptoms in a gentle, less irritating formula. Look for an eye drop with fewer preservatives than other eye drops and ones with lubricants found naturally within the eye.

If you have sensitive eyes, then you don’t have to suffer alone. Try one of the above solutions to relieve your sensitive eye symptoms and help keep your eyes feeling good for years to come.