Eliminating Red Eye

• When combating red eye, give your eyes as much rest as you can during the healing process. Overusing your eyes, or straining them without your contacts, will only cause more damage. Whenever possible, rest your eyes and refrain from strenuous optical activity such as computer work or video games.
  
  Treat red eye with a cold compress held over the affected eye. The compress will reduce any swelling of the eye or eyelid that has occurred, and will constrict the blood vessels in your eyes, which will eliminate the red color. Apply a cold rag or an ice pack wrapped in a towel for five to ten minutes, at least twice per day.
  
  Similar to a cold compress, splashing cold water onto your eyes when they are irritated or red will reduce swelling and redness, as well as any pain caused by the red eye.
  
  Apply cold cucumber slices or green tea bags dipped in cold water to closed eyes for about ten minutes at least twice per day. The coldness of the applicators will ease any pain and swelling in your eyes, and the nutrients in the cucumbers and green tea can help to fight off infection and clear up the redness in your eyes.
  
  Apply eye drops or artificial tears throughout the day as needed for irritation or excessive redness. Eye drops will work to constrict the blood vessels, eliminating redness, while artificial tears will also help to keep your eye moist. If you are experiencing dryness due to the red eye, artificial tears will be more helpful.
  
  

Caring for Your Contacts

• Immediately remove and dispose of the infected contacts. Do not attempt to clean the contacts and put them back into your eye; cleaning solutions will not destroy all bacteria effectively enough to risk putting them back into your eye.
  
  If you have glasses, wear those instead of your contact lenses until the red eye is completely gone. This will help to prevent the infection from spreading to your new contacts.
  
  For prevention of future infections, always wash your hands before rubbing your eyes or touching your contact lenses. Always use fresh solution to rinse and soak your contact lenses; do not use solution you used the day before.