That’s an unusual question, isn’t it? Most of the time, people wonder how they can get healthy white teeth, as there seem to be no end to toothpaste commercials that promise a great smile. You may, however, be concerned about conditions, such as bloodshot eyes, that may affect not only your appearance but health of your vision. What can you do, then, to make the whites of your eyes even whiter? SightMD has answers.

The white part of your eye, known as the sclera, can greatly impact your appearance. When it’s bright and white, it makes you look healthy and well-rested. However, when it’s dull or bloodshot, it can give off the opposite impression. Others may perceive you as tired, overworked, or unhealthy — even if none of those assumptions are true. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to counteract discoloration and restore a bright white color to your eyes.

Tips To Make Your Eyes Whiter

The first and most obvious aid to helping eliminate bloodshot and irritated vision is to apply specialized “whitening eye drops” that help narrow blood vessels and add moisture to the eyeballs. Were you aware that there are other steps you can take to improve the whiteness of your eyes—that don’t involve vision-related medicines?

Many treatments and remedies have the potential to whiten your eyes. Before you get started, it’s a good idea to contact an eye doctor who can help rule out any underlying conditions that might contribute to a dull or bloodshot sclera. In the meantime, here are some suggestions:

• Keep your eyes moist: Factors such as dry climates, high altitude, central heating, and airplane rides can rob your eyes of moisture and contribute to excessive redness. Try to avoid these known irritants and carry a bottle of eye drops to help rehydrate your eyes.
• Eat more omega fatty acids: Believe it or not, factors into the health of your vision and the whiteness of your eyes. If you want to up their brightness, increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, cut down on carbs and refined sugars. And remember to drink water—lots of it. Studies have shown that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements can benefit people who suffer from dry eye syndrome. Some good sources of omega fatty acids include salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flax seeds.
• Get enough sleep: If you are fatigued or sleep-deprived, it can show up in your eyes. They may look dull, bloodshot, or puffy. Focus on getting adequate sleep by practicing good sleep hygiene. Limit screen time before bed and stick to a consistent bedtime.
• Avoid eye strain: Eye strain comes with symptoms such as red, watery, and tired eyes. You can often relieve it by taking breaks from digital devices and reducing screen glare.

Other healthy habits for whiter eyes

Rounding out the steps of using eye drops and following a healthy diet to help improve the whiteness of your eyes, it is recommended to wear sunglasses when outdoors. This is essential to preserving not only the appearance but the overall health of your eyes, as sunglasses help protect against the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. And, in addition to shielding from UV rays, sunglasses can also protect eyes from pollen—which is another obstacle to vision health and whiter eyes. Finally, if you are a smoker, please give this habit up for the sake of your eyes and your overall health.

Contact Our Eye Doctors Today

So, if you want healthy white eyes, make a checklist of how you are managing your health in general. If you stick to this checklist, you will be able to see brighter than you imagined. If you’re concerned about the color of your eyes and would like to receive individualized treatment advice, contact SightMD. Our highly-skilled team of eye doctors would be glad to assist you in improving the health and appearance of your eyes. We have convenient office locations across Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.