Brightening the Whites of Your Eyes: Simple and Natural Solutions

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Make the whites of your eyes clear and bright with these tips
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The whites of your eyes are called the sclera , and these can indicate a person’s overall health. Having yellowish or reddish sclera can be challenging in terms of personal vanity since they can make you look older or tired. They can also signal health issues related to allergens, toxins in the body, or liver problems. Keep reading to learn how to treat or counteract discoloration of the sclera and give yourself bright white eyes with eye drops, natural remedies, or strategically applied makeup.

Making Your Eyes White Fast

  1. Put 1 to 2 drops of regular or blue eye drops in each eye.
  2. Use antihistamine eye drops if you're having an allergic reaction.
  3. Place a cold compress over your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Rinse your eyes with rose water.
  5. Gently massage the skin around your eyes.
  6. Cover your eyelids with brewed green tea bags for 5 to 10 minutes.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Eye Drops

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  1. Regular eye drops reduce redness by constricting the blood vessels. They also moisturize your eyes, which reduces redness that might be caused by dryness. Opt for saline drops or artificial tears , which are gentler on your eyes and safe to use whenever you need them. Just put 1 to 2 drops in each eye. These are also safe if you wear contacts. [1]
    • If you choose eye drops that don't contain preservatives, you can use them as often as you need to. [2]
    • Don't use eye drops with preservatives, such as Visine or Clear Eyes, too often. While they provide good immediate results, they prevent your eyes from creating their own lubrication when used too regularly. You won't have this problem with saline drops or artificial tears.
  2. Try thicker viscosity gel eye drops if regular drops aren't effective. Eye drops that have a thicker viscosity than natural tears coat your eyes with moisture. These are good if you have chronically dry eyes and find that you're having to use artificial tears often. [3]
    • These eye drops are also cooling, which is helpful if your eyes are burning.
    • Don't start with these eye drops, since they can feel a little harsh to your eye. Only use them if regular artificial tears aren't working well.
    • Talk to your eye doctor before using gel eye drops with contacts, or take your contacts out before using them.
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  3. Counteract yellowish sclera with blue eye drops . These eye drops coat your eyes with a light film of blue. The color blue cancels out yellow. If the whites of your eyes have a yellowish tint, these drops can brighten them up quickly. [4]
    • These drops tend to leave a light blue stain around your eyes and on your eyelids, so apply them very carefully and don't go overboard. [5]
    • Avoid using blue eye drops with contacts, as they're likely to stain your contacts as well.
  4. Use antihistamine eye drops for redness from an allergic reaction. Antihistamine eye drops calm your immune system to reduce the effects of an allergic reaction. These drops might be more effective than plain artificial tears, especially if you're still around the allergen. [6]
    • Taking an oral decongestant or antihistamine can also help clear your eyes if they're red due to an allergic reaction.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Diet and Lifestyle

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  1. Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, lemons, and oranges, contain vitamins and antioxidants that will help keep your eyes white. Eating green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, also improves your overall eye health. [7]
    • These foods are also good for your liver. A healthy liver will help keep the whites of your eyes clear and bright.
    • Avoid products marketed to cleanse or detox your liver. These products aren't regulated and there's no scientific evidence that they actually heal damage to your liver. [8]
  2. Sugar causes serious damage to your overall health and has been linked to several serious eye conditions. Simple carbohydrates, found in white pasta and bread, can also put you at risk for several eye conditions. Choose whole wheat bread and pasta for a healthier option. [9]
  3. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes. If you don't get enough of Vitamin A in your regular diet, a supplement can help. [10]
    • Research also shows that Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids improve eye health and brighten the whites of your eyes. Eat fish or take a supplement daily. [11]
    • Unless you have an eye condition, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you likely don't need a high-dose supplement. It's typically better to get your nutrients from food. [12]
  4. When you don't get enough sleep, your eyes will likely appear tired and bloodshot. You can also develop dark circles under your eyes, which make the whites of your eyes look less bright. [13]
    • Avoid snacking just before bed, which can interfere with your sleep patterns.
    • If you're having trouble falling asleep, try soothing music or 10 minutes of meditation before going to bed so that your body knows it's time to sleep.
  5. Keeping your body well-hydrated ensures that your eyes stay moist as well. The exact amount of water you need depends on your body size and type, but generally, 8 to 10 glasses a day is a good target. [14]
  6. Alcohol and caffeine both dehydrate your body and contribute to eye redness or puffiness around your eyes. These substances can also interfere with your sleeping patterns, which makes the whites of your eyes look dull and bloodshot as well. [15]
  7. Smoking or vaping irritates the eyes and can cause redness, as well as dry out your eyes. If you eliminate smoking from your habits, you'll help your eyes restore their natural color and hydration. Dust, both indoors and out, also irritates your eyes and makes them prone to redness. Pollen and other allergens might also contribute to eye irritation. [16]
    • Use an air purifier or a humidifier indoors to reduce these irritants.
  8. Working at a computer all day long can take a toll on your eyes. Make sure your room is well-lit and adjust your screen brightness settings so that it's easier on your eyes. Every few minutes, glance away into the middle distance to give your eyes a break from the screen. [17]
    • Looking at screens fatigues your eyes, especially at night. Avoid looking at a backlit screen for at least an hour or two before bed to reduce this issue. [18]
    • If you're in front of a computer a lot, you might benefit from glasses that block blue light. They're designed specifically for reducing eyestrain from screens. [19]
  9. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage your eyes and contribute to yellowing of the whites of your eyes. Wear sunglasses whenever there is even a little glare outside, even if it's overcast. [20]
  10. If your skin or the whites of your eyes are consistently yellow, you might have jaundice. You get jaundice if a substance called bilirubin builds up in your body. There are a lot of reasons for this, some of which are serious, so it's important to get your doctor's opinion on your condition. [21]
    • Jaundice is most commonly associated with liver, gall bladder, or pancreas issues.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Natural Remedies

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  1. Pour a triphala mixture over your eyes to whiten your sclera. Dissolve 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of triphala in 8 ounces (236.5 milliliters) of water overnight. Carefully pour it over your eyes to help brighten the whites of your eyes. [22]
    • Research shows triphala is also effective at treating dry eyes. [23]
  2. Soak a clean washcloth in cold water, wring it out, then lay it over your eyes. When the cooling effect wears off, feel free to re-wet the washcloth and do it again. This will reduce puffiness around your eyes and can also reduce redness. [24]
  3. Pour rose water over your eyes. Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce puffiness and redness around your eyes. It also moisturizes your eyes to clear some of the redness in the whites of your eyes. [25]
  4. Lymphatic massage, which involves light tapping around your eyes, helps drain the lymph nodes to reduce puffiness around your eyes. When you reduce puffiness and inflammation, it can help your eyes calm down a little bit, especially if they're bloodshot. [26]
  5. Cover your eyelids with green tea bags for 5-10 minutes. Steep the tea bags in water for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze them out to eliminate excess moisture, then rest them directly on your eyelids. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and will also reduce redness. [27]
  6. Cucumber slices are a spa staple for good reason. Cut thin slices of the cucumber and set them directly on your eyelids. Lie down and relax for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove them to reveal brighter, healthier-looking eyes. [28]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Makeup

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  1. Apply concealer to dark circles under your eyes. Dark circles under your eyes can make the whites of your eyes appear dull. Apply a light shade of concealer in small dots across the bottom of your eye, then blend into the rest of your skin. [29]
    • A white or lighter tone of concealer at the corners of your eyes also has a brightening effect.
  2. Blue tones around your eyes can make yellowish sclera appear clearer and whiter. Blue isn't a color normally seen on your face, so use it sparingly. [30]
    • Navy or indigo tones are somewhat softer and won't be as dramatic as brighter blue shades.
  3. Apply white eyeliner to your lower eyelid and the corners of your eyes. Blend white eyeliner into the corners of your eyes and the lower lash line to make your eyes look whiter and brighter. This also gives you a very dewy and fresh-faced look. [31]
    • A bone or nude-colored eyeliner can accomplish the same result.
    • A light-colored eye shadow with a little bit of shimmer also has a similar effect.
    • Avoid using white or light-colored eyeliner to outline your entire eye. It's difficult to blend in properly and may look too fake.
  4. Coat your bottom lashes with brown mascara. A warm brown brings out blue tones, which can reduce any yellowish tint to your sclera. The softer color also helps draw attention upward, making your eyes appear wider, whiter, and more alert. [32]
  5. Curl your eyelashes to open up your eyes. Clamp your eyelashes at the base (being careful not to pinch any skin) with your eyelash curler . Hold the pressure for a couple of seconds, then release them and clamp them again—but this time, tilt the curler up so that it's perpendicular to your face. You'll have a big double curl in your upper lashes. This really opens up your eyes and makes them appear wider, brighter, and more alert. [33]
  6. Conceal shadows around your eyes with bright pink blush . Dab a little pink blush under your eyes and at the corners to make the skin around your eyes look bright and healthy. Pink neutralizes shadowy tones to help hide dark circles and brighten your eyes. [34]
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      Warnings

      • If your eyes are puffy, red, irritated, or swollen, you may be suffering from a medical condition, such as a stye, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or an eye injury. Consult your doctor before trying to whiten your sclera on your own. [35]
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about eye care, check out our in-depth interview with Rajesh Khanna, MD .

      References

      1. ↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/06/eye-whitening-drops-what-you-need-know
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403
      3. ↑ https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/master-the-maze-of-artificial-tears
      4. ↑ Joseph Harwood. Beauty, DEI & Social Media Expert. Expert Interview. 16 March 2022.
      5. ↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/06/eye-whitening-drops-what-you-need-know
      6. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-remedies-bloodshot-eyes-when-to-see-doctor
      7. ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-a/
      8. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/detoxing-your-liver-fact-versus-fiction
      9. ↑ https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-health/eyes-and-nutrition/can-sugar-affect-eye-health/
      1. ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-a/
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3044696/
      3. ↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2020/02/carrots-eye-health-myth-or-fact
      4. ↑ Joseph Harwood. Beauty, DEI & Social Media Expert. Expert Interview. 16 March 2022.
      5. ↑ Joseph Harwood. Beauty, DEI & Social Media Expert. Expert Interview. 16 March 2022.
      6. ↑ https://www.duchyhospital.co.uk/news/what-your-eyes-reveal-about-your-health
      7. ↑ Rajesh Khanna, MD. Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      8. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/eye-redness
      9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586833/
      10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403
      11. ↑ Rajesh Khanna, MD. Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      12. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice/
      13. ↑ https://www.ayurvedacollege.com/blog/ayurvedic-self-care-washing-eyes/
      14. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8415239/
      15. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-remedies-bloodshot-eyes-when-to-see-doctor
      16. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586833/
      17. ↑ Joseph Harwood. Beauty, DEI & Social Media Expert. Expert Interview. 16 March 2022.
      18. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3044696/
      19. ↑ https://www.tsmp.com.au/blog/how-to-clear-red-eyes.html
      20. ↑ https://youtu.be/Kikh1iYr6Wk?t=89
      21. ↑ Joseph Harwood. Beauty, DEI & Social Media Expert. Expert Interview. 16 March 2022.
      22. ↑ https://youtu.be/Kikh1iYr6Wk?t=329
      23. ↑ Joseph Harwood. Beauty, DEI & Social Media Expert. Expert Interview. 16 March 2022.
      24. ↑ https://youtu.be/DdC0WZjQnK4?t=96
      25. ↑ https://youtu.be/BQfWwf3i3cM?t=333
      26. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22088-sclera

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make the whites of your eyes look brighter, apply 1-2 eye drops, like Visine or Clear Eyes, in the effected eye to reduce dryness and irritation that can cause redness. Be sure to use these sparingly because they can cause your eyes to become dryer over time. Additionally, adjust your diet to eat more orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, like lemons, oranges, pumpkins, and carrots, as well as leafy greens, like spinach, to help detoxify your liver. If your eyes are bloodshot due to fatigue, aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night and drink 10 glasses of water per day. For advice on using natural remedies to whiten your eyes, scroll down!

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