The best eye drops for red eye depend on the cause of red eyes. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need a prescription for eye drops for red eye. If your red eyes are due to simple irritation or strain, over-the-counter drops may be effective. Eye drops can contain decongestants, which shrink the blood vessels in the eye, or antihistamines. Other types of eye drops contain antibiotics and are meant to clear up red eyes caused by an infection.

One of the more common types of eye drops for red eye is a decongestant. When you apply the drops to your eyes, the decongestant makes the blood vessels on the surface of the eye shrink. Your eyes look whiter after application. Decongestant eye drops have several side effects, though, such as making the eyes dry. Using decongestant eye drops too much will actually make your red eye problem worse.

Sometimes, decongestant eye drops for red eye also contain antihistamines. You may also find antihistamine eye drops that do not contain a decongestant. Eye drops for red eye that contain antihistamines may be your best option if your red eye is caused by an allergic reaction to something, such as pollen or dust. The drops are available both over the counter and by prescription only, depending on the severity of your allergies.

Eye drops for red eye caused by allergies need to be applied frequently throughout the day, which can be inconvenient for some. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience irritation and inflammation from the drops. Some people experience side effects such as stinging in the eyes and headaches.

If your red eyes are a result of conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection, you may choose to use antibiotic eye drops. Usually, antibiotic eye drops are available by prescription from a doctor. You need to use the eye drops exactly as prescribed to clear up the infection and prevent it from returning. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by a virus or an allergic reaction. Antibiotic drops will not help allergic or viral forms of the disease.

Some eye drops for red eye contain preservatives that help the medication stay shelf stable. You may experience an allergic reaction to the preservatives, though, which can make your red eyes worse. If you do have trouble with eye drops that contain preservatives, you can try preservative-free drops. Typically, preservative-free drops are packaged in single-use vials and will break down quickly once opened. They are also more expensive than regular eye drops.