Optometrist Humaira Bham has revealed that a common kitchen cupboard item — a clean shot glass — can serve as an effective alternative to an eye bath for soothing bloodshot eyes. Appearing on BBC's Morning Live, Bham explained that bloodshot eyes occur when tiny blood vessels on the eye's surface become swollen or dilated, often due to irritants like allergies, dust, or prolonged screen time.
Common Causes of Bloodshot Eyes
According to Bham, bloodshot eyes can be triggered by conditions such as conjunctivitis, ingrown eyelashes, blepharitis, or environmental changes like pollen exposure or switching laundry detergent. Staring at digital screens — computers, gaming consoles, or smartphones — reduces blink rate, leading to dry, irritated, and red eyes. Most cases are harmless and resolve on their own, but home remedies can provide relief.
Using a Shot Glass as an Eye Bath
Bham suggested that a clean shot glass can hold eye wash solution and mimic the shape of a small eye bath, offering a "refreshing" way to soothe redness. However, she warned of risks: shot glasses have firm, flat rims that may not conform to the eye socket, causing spills. Cheap plastic ones may have sharp edges that could scratch the eye's surface. Purpose-designed eye bath kits are available for £3.99 at Boots.
When to Seek Medical Help
The NHS advises urgent appointments with a GP or optician, or calling NHS 111, if the eye is very painful or if contact lenses are worn (possible infection). A&E attendance is needed if there are changes to sight (wavy lines, flashing, vision loss), pain when looking at light, severe headache with nausea, very dark red eyes, injury or foreign object in the eye, chemical exposure, or unequal pupil size.
