J.C.
There is a condition called dry eye that makes eyes red and irritated, mostly in the evenings. I have this condition and natural oils such as fish oil help the eye to produce the lubricant it needs to stay healthy. You laughed at what is the appropriate first step towards treating this condition before moving to harsher treatments like steroid eye drops. Have him take fish oil pills (the good ones need refrigeration) and get some preservative free eye drops to help him feel more comfortable until the fish oil can do its job.
If he has any swelling or pain it could mean the ducts along the bottom eye lid are blocked and a warm compress can help relieve the pain and the blockage.