Red-eye happens when light from a flash reflects from the back of the eye into the camera. It typically affects the pupil in low-light portraits taken with flash. The repair requires a small, accurate selection rather than changing the red colors across the whole image.

What to do

  1. 1.Zoom into the pupil to identify the red area.
  2. 2.Select a dedicated red-eye correction tool.
  3. 3.Apply only to the affected pupil.
  4. 4.Inspect both eyes at 100% and at normal size.

Confirm the problem is actually red-eye

The red area should be inside the pupil. If someone has red eye whites from irritation, that is a different issue and should not be removed using the same shortcut. Zoom in before correcting anything.

Use a dedicated red-eye tool

Most photo-retouching applications offer an automatic or brush-based red-eye correction. Select only the red pupil and check that the surrounding iris and catchlight stay natural. Global red saturation adjustments can also change lips, clothing and skin.

Avoid it while shooting

Increase ambient light, use indirect or bounced flash when available, and avoid placing flash directly next to the lens. Multiple flashes or red-eye-prevention modes can help on some cameras.

Watch out for this

MintGrade does not include a dedicated red-eye removal brush; changing HSL red globally is not a reliable substitute.

TRY IT ON YOUR PHOTO

Continue in MintGrade: Light controls

Correct red-eye in a dedicated retouching tool first; finish the photo here by checking skin color and exposure.

Opens the relevant controls for JPG, PNG and WebP files. No edit is applied until you choose one.

Open light controls in MintGrade →

Frequently asked question

Why does red-eye happen mostly at night?

Dilated pupils in dim light allow more flash light to enter the eye and reflect back toward a lens close to the flash.