Eye strain is a common condition, the good news is that it usually goes away on its own when you rest your eyes. If you are regularly experiencing eye strain you should consider buying 1 of our 7 Best Monitors for Eyes
If you’re experiencing symptoms of eye strain, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort:
- Apply a warm or cool compress to your eyes.
- Massage your temples and neck.
- Place cucumber slices or tea bags over your eyes.
- Blink frequently or use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes.
- Take a nap.
Apart from these, some small lifestyle changes can also help reduce eye strain and the risk of developing it in the first place. Here are a few tips:
Limit Screen Time
This may sound like a broken record at this point, but it bears repeating: reducing your screen time is one of the best things you can do for your eyes. If you work at a computer all day, set a timer to take breaks in between.
And when you’re not working, limit your recreational screen time as well. That means no more binge-watching Netflix for hours on end! Also, it’s best to avoid screens about an hour before bedtime to give your eyes a chance to rest.
Improve Air Quality At Home
Dry, moving air can worsen symptoms of eye strain. To help improve the air quality in your home, use a humidifier. This will add moisture to the air and help relieve dry eyes.
In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid using fans or placing your AC on full blast. If possible, open windows to let fresh air in every now and then.
Use Eyewear
If you’re prone to eye strain, wearing blue light glasses may help. These special glasses have a coating that blocks out blue light. And as we mentioned before, blue light can disrupt our natural sleep cycles and lead to eye strain.
There are also computer glasses that have an anti-glare coating. This can help reduce the amount of glare coming from your screen.
Get Regular Eye Exams
If you often experience symptoms of eye strain, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor. They will be able to check for any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
And if you work at a computer all day, it’s a good idea to get regular eye exams anyway. That’s because long-term exposure to blue light can damage your retina.
While most cases of eye strain are harmless, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Eye Fatigue – Home Remedies & Prevention
Now that we know what eye fatigue is and what causes it let’s take a look at some home remedies and prevention tips.
Take Frequent Breaks
Nowadays, staying away from digital devices is nearly impossible, especially if your work involves a computer. However, that doesn’t mean you should be staring at them for hours on end. Whenever possible, take breaks from your screens and give your eyes a rest. Even something as simple as taking a 1-minute break every 20 minutes can make a world of difference.
Use the 20-20-20 Rule:
This is a simple but effective rule that can help reduce eye fatigue. Basically, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away. It’ll help ease the strain on your eyes and give them a much-needed break.
Adjust Your Screen Settings
If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, it’s important to adjust the settings to reduce eye strain. For example, you can increase the font size or decrease the brightness of your screen. You can also invest in an anti-glare screen protector for your devices.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, but it’s also crucial for eye health. That’s because dehydration can lead to dry eyes, which can, in turn, cause eye fatigue. So, drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your eyes healthy and hydrated.
Adequate Sleep
Yes, getting enough sleep can help reduce or prevent eye fatigue. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have a chance to recover from the day’s activities. This can lead to eye fatigue.
Eye Care Routine
Do you have a skincare routine? We bet you do. But what about an eye care routine? Just like the skin on your face, your eyes need to be taken care of, too.
Here are a few things you can do to take care of your eyes:
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
- Remove your contact lenses before going to bed.
- Don’t share eye makeup or contact lenses with others.
- Throw away old makeup and contacts.
- Clean your eyeglasses or sunglasses regularly.
- Use artificial tears to relieve dry eyes.
- Wear sunglasses or a hat when outside to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Use an air cleaner or humidifier indoors
When To Visit The Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Double vision
- Eye pain
- Loss of vision
- Seeing flashes of light
- Seeing floaters
Besides, regular eye check-up is also necessary to maintain good eye health, especially once you reach your 40s.