Medicated drops that are targeted to treat the cause of the underlying infection are often used to treat corneal ulcerations. Is mineral sunblock better? For instance, working in the office, I might have had meetings, lunch breaks, and my commute to give my eyes a break. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. 2000-2023 AAV Media, LLC. You've likely experienced eye irritation at some point in your life. Its the leading cause of blindness for people 60 and over. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Types of Allergies: Eye Allergy., National Eye Institute: Facts About Dry Eye., CDC: Pink Eye: Usually Mild and Easy to Treat., Mayo Clinic: Subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in eye),Symptoms: Red Eye., American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Glaucoma?Over-the-Counter Solutions for Bloodshot Eyes., Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials: Why Are My Eyes Always Red?. La Distia Nora R, Putera I, Khalisha DF, et al. Futhermore, a condition called CLARE (contact lens-induced acute red eye) is a reaction to the toxins that normal bacteria create in the eyes. In addition to being annoying and itchy, these bloodsuckers can carry some gnarly diseases. Indoor ones include pet dander, dust, and mold. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection if the virus spreads via the body's mucous membranes from the lungs to the throat, nose, tear ducts, and conjunctiva (the loose connective tissue that covers the surface of the eyeball). Vision impairment can be stressful. Your tears work to replenish moisture to the eyes by blinking. Putnam CM. Why are my eyes bloodshot when I wake up? Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and sharing makeup, contact lenses, and glasses. An important distinction between seasonal allergy symptoms and coronavirus symptoms is having a fever. 2016 Jan;2016(1):1-10. doi:10.1155/2016/9364091. What are the common causes of eye redness? The redness appears over part of your eye. Heres What to Know. Viral conjunctivitis. And sometimes, your eye cant make tears at all. According to the April 2015 issue of Review of Cornea & Contact Lenses, CLARE is most common in people who sleep in their contact lenses overnight. Analysis of subconjunctival hemorrhage. In addition to bloodshot eyes, symptoms of a corneal ulcer include: The cornea is avascular, meaning normally, the cornea does not have any blood vessels in it. Thisis an inflammation of the thin, clear layer of tissue that lies between the conjunctiva and sclera. To get the right treatment, youll need your eye doctor to find out whats behind your eye problem. If you have either viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, practice good hand hygiene to keep it from spreading to other people in your household. You can treat this type of redness with cold compresses, artificial tears, avoidance of triggers, and OTC allergy medications. Dry eye can be a symptom of other issues, but in some cases its actually its own condition, caused by a dysfunction with the natural tear film that normally covers the eyes. Injuring your eye could be as simple as sticking yourself with a mascara wand or accidentally scratching your eye with a sharp fingernail. For longer lasting relief, you can try a gel format. Bloodshot eyes are most commonly due to harmless causes that will resolve on their own, even without treatment. Thats more likely to happen naturally as we age because tear production usually slows down over time, SELF explained previously. If you get styes frequently, see your ophthalmologist, who may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Pink eye can also be caused by a bacterial infection, Dr. Colby saysoften the same type of bacteria that cause strep throat and staph infections, such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Pink eye is the non-medical term for conjunctivitisa bacterial, viral, or allergy-induced infection that leaves one or both eyes bright red, swollen, teary and itchy, says Jessica Lee, MD, assistant professor of vitreoretinal surgery, department of ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Allergic conjunctivitis. Photokeratitis induced by ultraviolet radiation in travelers: A major health problem. Visit your healthcare provider if you suspect your bloodshot eyes are due to pink eye. It is caused by impacted oil glands that can't release the oily layer of the tear film well. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Steer clear of these issues by following the lens care directions closely, cleansing them properly, practicing good contact lens hygiene, and taking them out before you fall asleep. Studies show that eye symptoms occur in about 5% of COVID-19 cases. Before you head to the drugstore, ophthalmologistRichardGans, MD, shares what you need to know about these two very different conditions. If you don't get enough sleep, your eyes may show it. Red eyes occur when the blood vessels on the surface of the eye expand. (Note that systemic allergy medications can dry out the eyes and thereby worsen symptoms.). Fever with Pink Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Contact lenses can be irritating to the eyes, causing them to turn red. All rights reserved. If you think you have pinkeye, see your doctor, wash your hands often, and dont rub your eyes. Hazardous compounds in tobacco smoke. Troy L. Bedinghaus, OD, board-certified optometric physician, owns Lakewood Family Eye Care in Florida. Remove contact lenses if you wear them and avoid touching your eyes. In either case, you could be dealing with more-intense allergen exposure than pre-coronavirus. Are Your Red Eyes Allergies or Coronavirus? Tired eyes tend to be bloodshot eyes. And of course, don't try to pop it; that too can worsen the infection. Pregnancy causes big changes to several hormones in the body. If you're prone to getting bloodshot eyes from swimming, wearing swim goggles in the pool is a good option. The nodular type also should clear up on its own, but it may take a little longer and might cause a little more discomfort. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Red eyes usually are caused by allergy, eye fatigue, over-wearing contact lenses or common eye infections such as pink eye (conjunctivitis). And you might experience more severe red eye if you stop using the drops. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, These drops may contain drugs called vasoconstrictors that shrink blood vessels. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As the weather starts to get a little warmer, we might be using fans and AC units more. 2017;18(3):244-246. doi:10.1177/1751143717701946, Salama A, Elsheikh A, Alweis R. Is this a worrisome red eye? If the eyes are the mirrors of the soul, bloodshot eyes are the mirrors of your health, letting you know that something's going on either with your eyes themselves or in another part of your body. 2016;8:71-78. doi:10.2147/OPTO.S84795. Pink eye can be a symptom of viral illnesses such as COVID-19, a cold or the flu but it doesn't happen every time. There are home remedies that can help relieve your symptoms, such as rest, cool compresses, gently washing your eyelids, or lightly massaging them. The subject of the study was a 29-year-old woman with severe conjunctivitis and minimal respiratory symptoms who tested positive for COVID-19. Diagnosis and management of blepharitis: an optometrist's perspective. Avoid sharing towels or physical contact with others. Her work appears across several publications including SELF, Womens Health, Health, Vice, Verywell Mind, Headspace, and The Washington Post. Some common reasons contacts may irritate your eyes include: Sometimes contact lens complications can cause corneal abrasiona scratch on the cornea that can then become infected and result in an infectious corneal ulcer. Whether ragweed or pet dander is the culprit, allergens affect theeyesin the same way. For allergies: Topical medications are usually better than general allergy remedies for treating eye allergies. Your brain will thank you in the present and the future. Claire Gillespie is an experienced health and wellness writer. Uveitis should be treated quickly. For example, one severe eye condition that may cause red eye is acute angle-closure glaucoma. But its now a lot easier to go from screen to screen to screen without a natural break. Taking an antihistamine for seasonal allergies, placing a cool compress over closed eyes, avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke, using a dehumidifier, and practicing good hygiene with frequent hand washing and clean linens are all practices that help relieve red eyes. Solano D, Czyz CN. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. They might evaporate too fast. Smoking a cigarette releases several harmful chemicals that can irritate the sensitive tissues of the eyes. The bottom line is that if anything more than tear-like fluids come from your eye or you feel eye pain, its likely more than allergies. The decision sharply curtails a policy that has long been a pillar of American higher education. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination. Promelle V, Goeb V, Gueudry J. Rheumatoid arthritis associated episcleritis and scleritis: An update on treatment perspectives. Environmental causes of bloodshot or red eyes include: Airborne allergens (causing eye allergies), Smoke (fire-related, second-hand cigarette smoke, etc. Even if you fight the good fight, you may still sometimes need relief fromitchy, wateryeyes. Your eye can become red because of irritation or injury. At home, cold compresses can help relieve irritation. In June, a case study from the University of Alberta, published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, said conjunctivitis can be a primary symptom of COVID-19. Contact lenses can prevent enough oxygen from reaching your eyes, leaving them bloodshot and irritated, says Dr. Lee. What Happens To Your Body When You Sleep In Contacts? Turk J Ophthalmol. Sustained use of digital devices and insufficient sleep are other lifestyle-related causes of red eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to something an individual is allergic to, Dr Colby says. look red or bloodshot. Symptoms include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. Home remedies for bloodshot eyes. What does SPF mean? A subconjunctival hemorrhage (also known as bleeding in the eye) causes the white part of the eye to become completelyred. J Intensive Care Soc. Red or bloodshot eyes are very common and have many causes. Unfortunately, it isnt as simple as that. Vasodilation and eye redness happen because they're binding to receptors on the blood vessels on the surface, i.e., the white part of the eye. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain. Either way, its easily spread. By Troy Bedinghaus, OD It usually happens in just one eye but can affect both. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. But the Internet was onto somethingCOVID-19 can cause pink eye. Pink eye is a swelling or infection of the clear, protective layer that covers the front part of the eye. Dr. Scott Beeve is providing CustomizedTailored LASIK measurements and treatments here in Glendale California, Dr. Scott Beeve offering Newest Cataract Surgery Options in Glendale California with astigmatism correcting multifocal lens implants, Dr. Scott Beeve providing the Best LASIK in Glendale California. 9 Reasons Your Eyes May Be Watery and How to Treat It, Eye Problems: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, The Difference Between Allergies and Pink Eye, Is Pink Eye a Symptom of Coronavirus? Episcleritis in the primary care setting, Rheumatoid arthritis associated episcleritis and scleritis: An update on treatment perspectives, A sandy or burning sensation in your eyes, Staring at a computer screen for an extended amountof time, Medications that thin the blood (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), Blurred vision (usually occurring in only one eye), Staring at a computer screen for long hours, Yellow, brown, or green crust in the eyes. Try to figure out what caused your reaction and avoid coming into contact with it again, Dr. Lee says. A subconjuctival hemorrhage can be brought on when you overexert yourself, say at the gym or by lifting something heavy, or even by a strong sneeze or cough. Antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer eye drops are common treatments for allergic conjunctivitis. Blink rate, incomplete blinks and computer vision syndrome. Int J Environ Res Public Health. It occurs when there are not enough natural tears to keep the front part of the eye moist. When should someone consult a physician about bloodshot eyes? But it isn't exactly pretty, and getting rid of it generally involves waiting it out and letting it go away on its own in several days. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Experiencing a fever with pink eye is a sign that your case of conjunctivitis is not due to causes like allergies or an irritating substance like a new shampoo or contact lens solution. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat a bacterial eye infection. Doctors would be concerned about the possibility of coronavirus if you have conjunctivitis symptomsalong with: Other possible coronavirus symptoms you wont find with allergies include diarrhea and nausea. But if you're not sure if what you have is conjunctivitis, or the infection doesn't go away in a few days, check in with your MD. Read our, When To Be Concerned About Bloodshot Eyes. Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye's uvea, the middle layer of the eyeball. Red eyes happen when the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the whites of your eyes expand, turning the whites of one or both eyes a pink or reddish tint. Blepharitis symptoms include: Good eyelid hygiene is important. However, other causes of red eyes can be more serious and threaten your vision and overall health. So its not surprising that people would be experiencing some intense allergy symptoms right now, including eye symptoms. Artificial tears can help lubricate the eye and wash out any irritants, while antibiotics and antivirals are often used to treat infectious conjunctivitis. Looking at screens for hours and hours during the day can lead to eye dryness, redness, and irritation. How older drivers can improve their driving at night, Lumify eye drops vs. other "red eye remover" drops, Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Blood in Eye) - Causes & Treatment, Eye infections: Causes, symptoms and treatment. Your eye doctor canhelp sort that out. When this happens, nearby blood vessels become enlarged and swollen. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. An important distinction between seasonal allergy symptoms and coronavirus symptoms is having a fever. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. Red Eye: Causes, Treatment & Prevention Red eyes are usually nothing to worry about, as long as they dont happen often and dont last long. "There are other reasons for dry eye," Dr. Colby adds. Watch out for drops that include ingredients that constrict blood vessels such as tetrahydrozoline HCL, which decreases oxygen flow to the eye and results in rebound dilation when the drop is stopped. Dr. Colby says specific treatment of conjunctivitis or eye redness depends on the cause. Other health conditions that can cause eye redness: Lifestyle factors also can contribute to your red eye risk. A red eye from an injury is also a warning sign to tell you something is wrong with your eye. Red eye can occur in one or both eyes, and it can be associated with several symptoms, including: SEE RELATED: How to get rid of bloodshot eyes. Using OTC eyedrops may temporarily relieve redness, but the redness will likely reappear when you use alcohol or cannabis again. Eye Doctors Say Conjunctivitis Could Be Rare Early Sign, Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) Symptoms and Treatment, 15 Common Causes of Blurred VisionAnd What to Do About It. Most often, the things that cause dry, red, irritated eyes are minor and can be treated at home. The Truth About Itchy Ears: You May Be Causing the Problem. Hosted by Katrin Bennhold. sore throat may be caused by So many conditions can cause one or both of your eyes to take on a reddish hue and it's not always easy to figure out what's causing the rednessand what you should do about it. Sometimes, dry eye (also known as dry eye syndrome) can actually be caused by inflammation along the eyelids, which is called blepharitis. Seek treatment right away. However, redness of the eye sometimes can signal a more serious eye condition or disease, such as uveitis or glaucoma. Lubricant, or rewetting, eye drops are sold over the counter and can be used throughout the day. Learn common causes of eye redness, plus tips on how to prevent and treat red, bloodshot eyes. For example, if you have blepharitis, your healthcare provider may instruct you to clean your lids and lashes with eyelid scrubs regularly. It's easily spread, unfortunately, and though it rarely becomes serious, a bout of conjunctivitis can keep you away from work for several days and turn your eyes into goopy, pinkish-red messes. Episcleritis can be treated with artificial tears. Unlike viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis isn't contagious. Some of these reasons are simple and have an easy fix, while others are more serious; red, inflamed, and/or itchy eyes could be the first sign of a condition that may have a real impact on your vision. Eye infections can come from many causes virus, bacteria, parasite or fungus and the symptoms vary with the cause, but in general, infections have a longer list of symptoms when compared to allergies. You also have an upset stomach or are throwing up. Community Eye Health. Steroids are not commonly started at the beginning of corneal ulcer treatment. Computer Vision Syndrome Red, dry eyes result from a lack of moisture to the eyes. Seasonal allergies (hay fever) and year-round allergies cause sneezing, congestion and runny nose. You can use over-the-counter artificial tears to soothe redness and irritation. You can also replenish moisture in the eye by using artificial tears. You can treat some cases of eye redness with home remedies, but others require medical help. A corneal ulcer occurs when the eye's cornea becomes infected, leading to a sore on the cornea. 2013;29(1):132-4. doi:10.12669/pjms.291.2802, Petsas A, Chapman G, Stewart R. Acute angle closure glaucoma - A potential blind spot in critical care. "The best way to calm them would be to get more sleep, and use artificial tears and cool compresses to ease the discomfort.". ET. They develop when blood vessels near the surface of the eye become swollen. Heres Exactly How Sunscreen Works to Protect Your Skin. Theres usually no pain. In addition to redness, symptoms of photokeratitis include watery eyes, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. She has worked in health media for several years, holding positions at Women's Health, Health, SELF, and Men's Health. Red, dry eyes result from a lack of moisture to the eyes. If you have red,itchyeyesand its hay fever time, you likely assume that allergies are causing the problem and that you can treat it on your own with over-the-counter eye drops. Less commonly, dry eye can be a sequela of a systemic disease like rheumatoid arthritis.". This Could Be Why. Allergic conjunctivitisusually affects both eyes with itching, burning and redness. If your allergies are causing your eye issues, Elliot suggests using antihistamine eye drops, like Alaway drops ($11, Amazon). Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! To get out of those habits, Glass recommends taking a break from screens and from concentrating every 45 minutes or so. ), Chemical exposure (chlorine in swimming pools, etc. And when tears evaporate too quickly, or not enough tears are produced, it can lead to inflammation in the eye, Dr. Colby says. But allergies can also cause eye symptoms like redness, itching and tearing. Your eyes need fluid to clean and renew. Red eye usually is a symptom of other eye conditions that can range from benign to serious. Getting quick diagnosis and treatment is the key when you have irritated eyes. Ad Choices, Are Your Eyes Red, Stinging, and Watering Constantly? A White House official told Politico on Thursday that Pence simply had a burst blood vessel. A stye is a small red bump that forms on your eyelid or bottom edge of your eye after an oil gland there becomes plugged up. Also, see your eye doctor before using "red eye remover" eye drops. The bottom line is that if anything more than tear-like fluids come from your eye or you feel eye pain, it's likely more than allergies. Which Drops Are Best for Your Itchy, Red or Dry Eyes? They can also dry out your eyes and hide symptoms of health problems. If that doesn't help, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or other medications. It's a common injury and though the hemorrhage looks serious, it won't likely affect vision or cause any pain, discharge, or swelling. 23 Red Eye Causes and How to Treat Eye Redness Taking care with makeup and contact lenses also helps prevent bacterial pink eye from spreading. 2010;2(8):781-9. doi:10.3390/nu2080781, Cairns E, Baldridge W, Kelly M. The endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target in glaucoma. 2018;95(3):264-271. doi:10.1097/OPX.0000000000001182, Portello JK, Rosenfield M, Chu CA. It can cause feelings of dryness, grittiness or itchiness. Are Your Eyes Red, Stinging, and Watering Constantly? This Could Be Why Brimonidine ophthalmic solution 0.025% for reduction of ocular redness: A randomized clinical trial. The drops may be antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal. Im a Grown-Ass AdultWhy Is Chin Acne Still Ruining My Life? Keeping windows shut and other easily implemented strategies can help you survive seasonal allergies, while an air purifier can help you cope with indoor allergies. Bloodshot Eyes: 20 Reasons Why Eyes Are Red If youve been trying to treat these issues on your own and havent found any relief, its definitely a good idea to talk to a doctor sooner rather than laterespecially now that telemedicine has become more widespread, Glass says. If your symptoms are not improving, you should contact your doctor. Are Your Red Eyes Allergies or Coronavirus? The most common causes of red eyes are painless but serious conditions can be quite painful. 2018 Mar;64(1):40-46. doi:10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_52_17. They can help you identify the cause of your bloodshot eyes and prescribe a safe and effective treatment. For eye infections caused by fungi and parasites, the medication will depend on whats causing the problem. Looking at screens for hours and hours during the day can lead to eye dryness, redness, and . In some cases, bloodshot eyes may have no symptoms other than redness. Smoking can also increase the risk of cataracts, cloudiness in the lens of the eye. You may benefit from antiviral treatment. Staring at screens for 900 hours a day. All Rights Reserved. As with viral conjunctivitis (see below), optimum hygiene is important to stop the pink eye spreading to someone else. This leads to inflammation of the eyelid. Glaucoma is actually a series of diseases that damage the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the retina of the eye to the brain), often when too much pressure is put on the eye due to fluid buildup. They may feel gritty like something is in the eye, and there may be some puffiness around the eyes. Instead make a point to look away from the screen, blink a few times, and maybe even lie on the couch with a warm compress over your eyes to soothe them a little. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. In addition, red eyes from allergies often burn and itch. It can cause: Your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe a form of steroids to help reduce swelling. Clin Optom (Auckl). But your healthcare provider may prescribe them to reduce scarring and inflammation once the infection is under control. Because many of us are spending more time at home during the coronavirus pandemic, indoor allergens may become more of a problem, including pet dander and dust. Dry eyes can occur from: If you have bloodshot eyes due to dry eye syndrome, it might be helpful to use eye drops that moisten the eyes. Pregnancy and the Eye. Is pink eye a symptom of COVID-19, a cold or the flu? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Anyone who shames you for protecting your health isnt worth your time. Another thing to note with allergic conjunctivitis is that you have it each year around the same time. Are You Allergic to Your Contact Lenses or Solution? The redness appears over all of it. The appearance of red eyes is caused by dilation of tiny blood vessels that are located between the sclera and the overlying clear conjunctiva of the eye. Sometimes, your tears dont have the texture they should. Of course, it is always best to seek the advice of your eye healthcare provider, but there are a few red eye home remedies you can try in the meantime for relief. Really give your eyes a chance to recalibrate, she says. Redness sometimes occurs with an eye injury. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Maybe thats a good time to play your favorite song, close your eyes, and relax.. Produced by Rob Szypko , Asthaa Chaturvedi . This causes pressure and can damage your optic nerve. But allergies can also cause the same eye symptomsincluding the redness and itchiness. If you have blurry vision and eye pain, make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible to rule out an infection associated with swimming water. "If someone is experiencing severe symptoms, such as loss of vision or eye pain, in association with a red eye, they should make an appointment for an eye exam," Dr. Colby says. Treatment of meningitis depends upon the cause of the infection and may include antibiotics or antiviral medications. Viewers got a good look at it every time Pence turned to his right to address his Democratic rival, Senator Kamala Harrisand the internet went wild theorizing the possible causes. This brings blood and cells to heal and repair the injury. Its very common, especially among children, and is usually very contagious. of the episclera, a thin layer of clear tissue on top of the white part of your, , or sclera. Eye infections can come from many causes virus, bacteria, parasite or fungus and the symptoms vary with the cause, but in general, infections have a longer list of symptoms when compared to allergies. With a corneal ulcer, the nearby blood vessels enlarge to quickly get important inflammatory cells to the site. In the meantime, eye drops can ease the redness and soothe irritation. If you think you may have one of the following conditions, you should get medical attention as soon as possible to prevent serious complications: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience vision changes, floaters in your eyes, light flashes, a foreign body sensation in your eye, signs of infection, eye pain, or any other eye symptoms that concern you. Over-the-counter artificial tears also can help keepeyesmoistened and flush out allergens. It can be caused by a strong sneeze, heavy lifting, hard vomiting, or rubbing your eye a little too hard. It is common but usually not serious. J Clin Med. Terms of Use. A 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. You can also develop dry eye when something clogs the glands that produce different elements of tear film. Eye Irritation: 8 Common Causes and How To Treat It All rights reserved. If you find it challenging to wear contacts during pregnancy, you may opt for glasses until after you give birth. In addition, they may appear red and sensitive to light. You can think of photokeratitis as a sunburn that affects the corneas of your eyes. 2018;3(1):e000146. Are eyes the windows to COVID-19? If you have pain, fever, blurred vision, discharge or other symptoms along with your red eye, an eye care provider can treat you. No matter whats causing the problem, your eye doctor can help you find the right treatment and the relief you need. This includes the following: Allergies, pink eye, blepharitis, and dry eye syndrome are also common causes of bloodshot eyes. Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration. Instead, it gets most of its oxygen and nutrients from tears and the air. Your eyes might come to depend on the drops and be even redder after they wear off.