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Red Eye

Introduction

Red eye, also known as bloodshot eyes, is a common concern that can affect one or both eyes. Red eye occurs when the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye become dilated due to irritation, dryness, or some underlying disorder. In many cases, the condition is usually benign and will often resolve itself with home care or rest; however, persistent redness, accompanied by symptoms such as pain, discharge, or visual changes, may indicate a more serious disorder that requires medical intervention.

Ayurveda describes several types of eye disorders that may cause redness classified as Shuklagata Rogas (involving the sclera or white part of the eye), Krishnagata Rogas (involving the iris or pigmented part of the eye), and Sarvagata Rogas (disorders of the whole eye like conjunctivitis). This blog will explore red eye, causes, symptoms and Ayurvedic treatment for red eye.

What are the causes of Red Eye?

A red eye might have several causes. Sometimes something as simple as wearing your contact lenses for too long or staring at screens will lead to red eyes. Understanding the reason for eyes redness is crucial, as it helps determine whether simple care is enough or if prompt medical attention is needed. Other causes may include:

Injury or a foreign body in the eyes
Allergies can cause swelling in the conjunctiva.
Corneal ulcers, which are caused due to infection or inflammation
Inflammation like Conjunctivitis or Pink eye, Blepharitis, Keratitis, Scleritis, Uveitis, Iritis, or Episcleritis
Infections like Eyelid styes, Corneal herpes infection, and Orbital cellulitis
Glaucoma results from a buildup of fluid in the eyes, resulting in optic nerve damage and redness of the eye

In Ayurveda, red eye is the result of an imbalance of Pitta and Vata dosha along with the involvement of Rakta dhathu.

What are the symptoms of Red Eye?

Along with redness of one or both eyes, you might experience:

Pain, burning sensation, and itching
Watering of the eyes and eye discharge
Vision disturbances
Discomfort to bright lights (photophobia)

Ayurveda Term	English / Modern Equivalent	Key Features / Symptoms
Prastari Arma	Pterygium	Spreading red or blue structure in the sclera.
Lohita Arma	Conjunctival vascular growth	Overgrowth of red tissue resembling a red lotus.
Arjuna	Subconjunctival hemorrhage	A shining red spot on the sclera.
Shirajaala	Episcleritis / Scleritis	Thick veins forming a red net-like pattern.
Shira Pidika	Deep Scleritis / Phlyctenular conjunctivitis	Small nodules near iris with surrounding veins.
Svarna Shukra	Corneal ulcer	Deep ulcer, warm tears, intense pain, poor vision.
Ajkajata	Anterior staphyloma / Adherent leucoma	Painful red structure with sticky discharge.
Rakta Abhishyanda	Conjunctivitis	Redness, discharge, copper-colored tears, burning.
Pitta Adhimantha	Acute angle closure glaucoma	Deep copper eyes, swelling, burning, severe pain.
Rakta Adhimantha	Scleritis / Haemorrhagic inflammation	Hibiscus-red eyes, pricking pain, bloody discharge.
Shopha Yukta Akshipaka	Endophthalmitis / Panophthalmitis	Swelling, sticky discharge, heaviness, copper hue.
Amladhyushita	Chemosis / Irritant conjunctivitis	Redness & swelling caused by sour/irritant foods.
Shiro-Utpata	Scleritis / Vascular congestion	Copper-colored lines spreading on eye surface.
Nayana Abhighata	Traumatic red eye	Swelling, redness, pain post injury.

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Diagnosis

A detailed physical examination helps to determine more about the causes of red eyes. Understanding the symptoms, duration, type, and amount of discharge, changes in vision, level of pain severity, presence of photophobia, presence of allergies or systemic disease and if the patient uses contacts will further the ability to establish a diagnosis.

Ayurvedic treatment for Red Eyes

Ayurveda has specialised therapies for improving eye health, including Tarpana (a procedure in which the medicated ghee is kept in the eye for a specific time), Putapaka (a medicine extracted from herbs is kept in the eyes), Aschyotana (medicated eye drops), Netraprakshalana (eye wash with medicines like Triphala choornam boiled in water), Anjana (a medicine applied in the muco-cutaneous junction), Seka (a thin stream of medicine poured on the closed eye), etc. Other treatments like Nasya, Virechana, Mukhalepa (that can have an effect on the trigeminal nerve), Gandusha, and Kavala ( gargling of medicated liquids or oils), might also be prescribed according to the condition. Ayurveda also focuses on diet and lifestyle changes. Foods that are Chakshushya or beneficial for eye health include red rice (Shali & Shashtika), Snake gourd (Patola), bitter gourd (Karavella), flat beans (Nishpava), kodo millet (Kodrava), and green gram (Mugdha) with ghee. Favour foods that are sweet and bitter as they balance Pitta. Avoid Amla Rasa (sour), Lavana (salt), Kshara (alkali), Katu Rasa (pungent) , Masha (horse gram), and Tambula (Betel leaf). Wash eyes with cold water, Padabhyanga (application of medicated oil on feet), Usha jalapana (water intake early in the morning), shiro abhyanga (application of oil on the head) and eye exercises are recommended for overall eye health. Yogasanas like Matsyasana are also beneficial.

Home Remedies for Red Eyes

Use a cold compress to reduce inflammation
Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes to reduce the chances of infection
Reduce screen time to avoid eye strain.
Avoid external irritants like smoke and dust
Don’t use makeup or contact lenses until redness subsides
Stay hydrated

When to Seek the Doctors

If the redness lasts for 2 or more days or has any associated symptoms with pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, swelling, light sensitivity, or change of vision such as blurriness or rings of white around lights, it is better to get in touch with your doctor. If the redness is due to trauma, chemical exposure, or injury, it is advisable to contact a doctor without delay.

Conclusion

Red eye can be annoying, uncomfortable, or sometimes alarming. It may be simply due to too much time in front of a screen or simply rubbing your eyes, or may even be a sign of something more that may need investigating. Ayurveda can help in more ways than providing symptomatic relief by treating the root cause of symptoms through balancing the Doshas and nourishing Rakta or blood for healthy eyes from the inside out. Together with conventional treatment protocols, a combination of herbal therapies, special eye treatments, a mindful diet, and small daily changes can help reduce redness and relieve inflammation while supporting the health of your eyes overall.

FAQs

Which disease causes red eyes?

Red eyes can be due to a variety of diseases, including infections, inflammation, allergies, or simply prolonged screen time. Determining the cause of red eyes requires a a proper assessment by a doctor.

Should I be worried if one eye is red?

Eye redness might be unilateral or bilateral. You should be worried if it persists even after 2 days or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain and swelling.

How can I cure my red eye?

The treatment for redness of the eyes depends on the causative factor. At home, you can try a cold compress and maintain hand hygiene to reduce the inflammation.

Does red eye mean liver damage?

Liver toxicity is one of the many causes of red eyes. In Ayurveda, both the liver and the eyes are the seat of pitta, reinforcing the close connection between them.

Do red eyes mean you're sick?

Redness of the eyes can be simply due to tiredness or it may be due to more serious conditions. The severity of your condition can only be predicted after careful assessment and evaluation.

REFERENCES

Punna, P. R., & Sankar, P. (2018). Ayurvedic management of Chronic Scleritis (Sirajala). Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports, 1(2), 36–40. doi:10.4103/2667-0593.350870

Kangoo, A., Shipra, & Dev, S. (2024). Differential diagnosis of red eye: An integrative approach from Ayurvedic and modern perspective. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 9(7), 243–247.

Balakrishnan, P., & Ashwini, M. J. (2014). Conceptual analysis of physiology of vision in Ayurveda. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(3), 190–196. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.140486

Yadav, P., Thakur, A., Rajagopala, M., & Bavalatti, N. (2022). Approach towards management of anterior uveitis through Ayurveda: A case report. Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports, 5(1), 22–27. doi:10.4103/jacr.jacr_61_20

Adeeb, A., Biradar, A. B., Khose, A., & Nayak, R. (2025). Ayurvedic management of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis — A case report. Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine, 13(7), 93–99. doi:10.70066/jahm.v13i7.1977

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