What causes red eye?
Red eye occurs when camera flash reflects off the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. It's more common in dim lighting because the pupil is dilated, allowing more light to enter. In passport photos, red eye is a rejection risk because it alters the natural appearance of the eyes.
Prevention: Better than fixing
- Don't use flash. Natural window light or room lighting is sufficient. See our document photo lighting guide.
- Use a well-lit room. Bright ambient light shrinks pupils, reducing red-eye risk.
- Avoid looking directly at the flash. Look slightly above the camera lens.
- Use anti-red-eye flash mode if you must use flash — it fires a pre-flash to constrict pupils.
Fix method 1: Smartphone built-in tools
- iPhone: Open Photos → Edit → tap the red-eye icon → tap each red eye to fix.
- Google Photos: Edit → Adjust → some versions include red-eye removal.
- Samsung Gallery: Edit → Decoration → Red-eye correction tool.
Fix method 2: Free online tools
Several free online editors offer one-click red eye removal:
- Fotor — automatic red-eye detection and fix.
- Pixlr — Red Eye removal under Retouch tools.
- LunaPic — upload and click "Red Eye Correction".
After fixing, use PhotoResizer.in to resize to your portal's requirements.
Retake vs fix: Which is better?
If possible, retake the photo without flash. Fixed red-eye sometimes looks unnatural (pupils may appear too dark or uniform), which could trigger additional scrutiny. A naturally lit photo is always preferred.