There are few things more annoying than looking in the mirror and seeing bloodshot, irritated eyes staring back at you. Whether it is from lack of sleep, allergies, or too much screen time, red eye is a common complaint.

While some causes are unavoidable, many cases are preventable with a few simple lifestyle shifts. At Yaryan Eye Care Center, serving Connersville, IN, Brookville, IN, and Rushville, IN, we want to help you keep your eyes clear and comfortable.

Here are five easy ways to stop the redness before it starts.

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Digital eye strain is a massive contributor to irritation. When you stare at a screen, your blink rate drops significantly, causing your eyes to dry out and the vessels to dilate. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This resets your focus and reminds you to blink.

2. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Face

This sounds basic, but it is the number one defense against infection. Your hands carry bacteria and allergens. Rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands is the fastest way to introduce irritants that cause red eye or even pink eye (conjunctivitis).

3. Give Your Contacts a Break

If you wear contact lenses, you are at a higher risk for irritation. Over-wearing them suffocates the cornea, depriving it of oxygen. Be sure to take them out before you sleep and give your eyes a "glasses day" once a week to let them breathe.

4. Hydrate Inside and Out

Dehydration affects your tear production. If your body is dry, your eyes will be too. Drink plenty of water, and if you live in a dry environment, consider running a humidifier to keep the air moist.

5. Wear Sunglasses Year-Round

UV rays and wind are harsh irritants. Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from the elements, reducing the chance of inflammation and redness.

Call Our Eye Doctors Near You for More Advice

If you are looking for an optometrist near you who can get to the root of the problem, we are here to help across our three locations. Call (765) 377-1241 to contact Yaryan Eye Care Center today to schedule your exam.