Tired eyes can have many causes. Common reasons include lack of sleep, overuse, and reduced blinking. When we focus on tasks, we blink less often. This leads to dry and tired eyes. Symptoms include soreness, redness, and blurry vision.
Prolonged smartphone or computer use is a growing issue. It reduces blinking and can cause digital eye strain. If you experience dry eyes or irritation, your eyes need a break.
Apply a Warm Washcloth
Use a warm washcloth on tired eyes. Warm compresses can add moisture and ease pain. They also increase blood flow and relax muscle spasms.
Before starting, wash your hands to avoid bacteria. Soak the cloth in boiled water that has cooled to lukewarm. Place it on your eyes for 5-10 minutes or as advised by your doctor.
Adjust Lights and Device Screens
Different tasks require different lighting conditions. Keep the room softly lit while watching TV. When reading, position the light behind you toward the page. Adjust screen brightness to match surrounding light levels.
Also, change the screen contrast to reduce eye strain.
Wear Computer Eyeglasses
Computer glasses help you focus at screen distance (20-26 inches). Some have special lenses for quick focus shifts between distances. Remember that these glasses are not the same as blue light blockers.
Blue light-blocking glasses may improve comfort but don’t always prevent eye strain.
Palm Your Eyes
Palming is linked to The Bates Method of eye care. This technique involves cupping your palms over closed eyes without pressure on eyeballs. It may help relax your eyes and ease strain.
Change Your Computer Setup
Small adjustments can significantly impact eye comfort. Position your screen about arm’s length away (20-26 inches). The center should be slightly below eye level (4-5 inches). Use an adjustable chair for better positioning.
Increase text size so you don’t squint, and use a document holder next to your monitor to limit eye movement.
Try Tea Bags
Tea bags serve more purposes than just making tea! After brewing chamomile or regular tea, cool the bags in the fridge. Place them on closed eyelids to soothe tired eyes and reduce swelling.
Ensure you’ve washed your face and hands before using them, and remove any contacts first.
Do Eye Exercises
Your eye muscles need exercise too! Hold a finger close to your face and focus on it. Then shift focus to something far away before returning to your finger again. Repeat this several times.
You can also roll your eyes up toward the ceiling then down toward the floor while looking side-to-side.
Take Screen Breaks
Experts recommend taking regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen time. For every two hours spent on screens, rest your eyes for 15 minutes.
Improve Your Air Quality
Dry air makes tired eyes feel worse. Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air; aim for at least 45% humidity. Adjust thermostats or move away from vents blowing dry air onto your face if needed.
If you smoke, consider quitting for better overall health.
Try Artificial or Real Tears
Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can relieve dryness in tired eyes. Use them regularly even when comfortable to keep them moisturized and prevent symptoms from returning.
Remember to blink more often when using digital devices; we usually blink 15 times per minute but only 5-7 times while on computers.
