Have you ever wondered how some people have eyes that are “full of life” and “sparkling?” Eyes are said to be the first feature that gets noticed when someone meets you. It is well established via sayings and pop culture that the eyes are the windows to the soul and that they never lie. Beyond everything else, eyes allow us to see and perceive the world in all its beautiful glory.
Naturally, we want to make sure to maintain the best possible condition for our eyes. Yellowing or reddening of the sclera (the white part of our eye) may be indicative of issues in the body, usually environmental and lifestyle factors, manifesting themselves through this discolouration.
Whether you want to appear more energetic or want to improve your eye health, we have the solutions for you. As with any problem, there are two types of solutions: temporary fixes to slap a band-aid on the problem, and methods that deliver lasting results but require time and patience. The good news is that both of them are quick and easy to implement. Let’s get into 6 tips you can follow to make your eyes clear, bright and white.
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1. Eye Drops, Breaks & Increased Water Intake to Manage Dry Eyes
Dryness can lead to reddened and tired-looking eyes. If this is the case, the fastest and easiest way to clear and whiten your eyes is to use OTC eye drops that will help retain the moisture in your eyes. If these don’t work, you can also see a doctor to get prescription eye drops.
Eye drops are not a permanent solution. If used for long periods of time, you may develop a higher tolerance and dependency, effectively worsening the condition. The long-term solution is to eliminate the root cause of dryness.
- Allergies: If you have allergies and get red eyes frequently, you have two options. Option one, which is preferable but may not be possible for everyone, is obviously to avoid whatever causes your allergic reactions. Option two is to see a doctor for medical advice and to take medication if needed.
- Strain: A lot of us stare at screens for hours on end, which may be the culprit for dry and irritated eyes. Even reading off-screen for extended periods of time can dry your eyes. Practise taking breaks occasionally to give your eyes a chance to relax and refocus.
- Low Fluid Intake: Dry eyes are another addition to the long list of negative effects of not drinking enough water. Make sure to drink plenty of water; ideally, you should meet the recommended daily intake of water based on where you live.
2. Eye Skincare & Makeup Products
If you need a quick solution to make your eyes sparkle and can’t or don’t want to use eye drops, eye makeup can indirectly help. It won’t make your eyes whiter, but a slightly darker shade of makeup around your eyes will make them appear brighter and whiter.
Similarly, brightening the skin around your eyes can also help you appear well rested and lively. The skin in this area is thinner than the rest of your face and therefore starts to show the first signs of ageing. There are several products on the market that can help brighten and smooth the skin around your eyes and remove dark circles and eye bags. Incorporating some of these into your skincare routine, such as the best eye serum or cream for your specific concerns, can help reduce the appearance of tiredness and help you achieve clear and bright-looking eyes.
3. Eating Foods Rich in Antioxidants, Vitamins and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
What you consume on a regular basis has a huge impact on all facets of your health, and that includes your eye health. Your diet could be responsible for a variety of eye-related concerns, including their discolouration. Making healthy changes in your diet can help whiten your eyes.
The key is to include foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Antioxidants and vitamins are also known to improve liver health. An unhealthy liver could be the reason for yellowing eyes. Avoiding foods that are too salty, processed, carb-heavy or have added sugars can aid in improving your liver health. In addition, omega-3-rich foods can also help maintain eye health and give you whiter, brighter eyes. Some recommended foods include fresh vegetables and fruits, greens, nuts, seeds, and seafood.
While it is always preferable that you meet your daily requirements of nutrients from the foods you consume, it might not always be possible. This is especially true if you follow a limited diet, like a vegan or vegetarian diet. In this case, supplements can help you meet your daily nutrition requirements.
4. Lifestyle Changes & Habits
Everyone is aware of the negative effects of alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes. Both of these habits can be the reason for dull and reddened eyes. Cutting down on excessive consumption of alcohol and stopping smoking help the eyes stay bright.
Environmental factors can also lead to dull, tired, and discoloured eyes. These include pollution, harmful sun exposure, etc. Similar to using sunscreen to improve skin health, it is also helpful to make it a habit to wear sunglasses when stepping out into harsh sunlight in order to maintain your eye health. Avoiding pollutants like smoke and dust will also help you achieve brighter eyes.
5. Quality of Sleep
Getting a good night’s “beauty sleep” is always a good idea, and the same goes for whitening your eyes. Not sleeping long enough (7-8 hours is a good place to start; some trial and error will help you identify what duration works best for you) and not getting good quality sleep will cause you to be tired and therefore, look tired. Sleeplessness also causes redness of the eyes.
It is crucial to figure out what helps you get the best rest possible. For some, it can be a nightly ritual that you subconsciously associate with nighttime and sleep. This could entail skincare products for the eyes, such as the best eye serum for dark circles or other specific concerns, or a cooling eye mask. Check out the blog on how to choose the best eye serum for dark circles. For others, it can be complete darkness and silence, indicating to the brain that it is time to sleep. If you regularly struggle with sleep, it might be helpful to consult a doctor to identify the cause and look for potential solutions.
6. Blinking
It may sound silly, but blinking is nature’s way of keeping your eyes moisturised and relaxed. Blinking is not without purpose – it ensures that the fluid in your eye is distributed evenly across the eye. This keeps your eyes well-moisturised and lubricated, thus helping to avoid irritation.
Increased screen time also makes us stare continuously at the screen and blink less frequently than is necessary. As a result, the eyes are not lubricated properly, resulting in dry and reddened eyes. Do not forget to pay attention to your body’s natural reflexes and keep blinking to keep your eyes healthy.
Note: If you suspect that you have an underlying medical condition that is causing the discolouration, please consult a doctor for a diagnosis. For example, a damaged liver can result in a yellow hue in your eyes and skin and can be indicative of jaundice. Similarly, an eye infection could be the cause of red eyes.
Conclusion
There are a variety of ways to achieve clear, bright, and white eyes. The most effective method for you is dependent on the cause of your eye discolouration. Quick fixes like eye drops and strategic use of eye makeup can be potential temporary solutions. Lasting changes can be brought about with consistent lifestyle changes, including:
- A healthier diet,
- Reduced alcohol consumption,
- No smoking,
- A regular & effective eye skincare routine,
- Better quality of sleep, and last but not least,
- Blinking
Please consult a doctor if you suspect the existence of an underlying medical condition.
