If you spend a lot of time at the computer or doing detailed work, knowing how to relieve tired eyes naturally can save you considerable discomfort and lost productivity. The following nine methods — as well as knowing what’s causing the issue — may protect your peepers.
Tired eyes result from eyestrain, which can occur after hard use. Eyestrain typically strikes after staring at screens, driving long distances, or being in bright light or trying to see in dim light.
This phenomenon results less from the organ itself and more from the tiny muscles surrounding your eyes. It’s similar to doing biceps curls nonstop — eventually, your muscles begin to fatigue.
Tired eyes strike even the most conscientious folks. When it does, try these remedies to get relief.
Your body needs sufficient water to perform any function, including focusing your eyes. Just like dehydration can sap your performance in the gym, it can deplete your ability to see your screen clearly. Therefore, reach for that reusable water bottle when you notice tired eyes
 Long hours of computer work can also make you neglect drinking and eating, and you could become dehydrated without noticing. Consider investing in one of those snazzy bottles with a smart alarm or a graph to track your intake to ensure you get enough.
This home remedy for tired eyes requires a trip to the store. However, you’ll find a full array of rewetting drops at nearly any grocery or pharmacy, and many convenience stores also keep a bottle or two on hand for long-haul truckers. Find your favorite brand and reapply them when you feel discomfort.
According to dry eye and ocular disease specialist Christopher Starr, MD, you should avoid drops intended for red eyes. These often have vasoconstrictors that can create worse rebound symptoms over time. Instead, seek brimonidine-containing drops that lubricate without affecting your eyes’ veins. You can also talk to your doctor about thicker gels and ointments, which last longer but can increase blurriness.
Another method is to use them smarter, taking routine breaks to prevent strain. For example, many swear by the 20-20-20 rule when doing computer or detailed work. Every 20 minutes, you pause and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
While you can look at anything, it’s best if you focus on something non-electronic. Staring at a natural scene may be best, as these calm your nerves, and gazing out the window also exposes your eyes to natural sunlight. The natural light moderates your circadian rhythms for improved daytime wakefulness and nighttime sleep, giving your eyes the rest and energy they need.
Mother Nature provided you with natural rewetting drops. Every time you blink, you bathe your eyes in fresh fluids. However, your blink rate decreases when you concentrate on screens, such as when balancing that budget report.
Setting periodic reminders may help but distracts many since you have to blink frequently. Try making it a game — how many times can you remind yourself to blink today? Keep a simple chart and challenge yourself to get better daily.
A cool or warm compress is a home remedy for tired eyes that works quickly. You can find special masks you place in the freezer and wear when you need relief.
Coolness may relieve the inflammation that creates tired eyes, but others find warmth works more effectively. Try running a rag under warm water, wringing it out and using it as a compress.
The trick of placing sliced cucumbers on your eyes isn’t reserved for spa time only. You can experience this relief at home. Cucumbers are free of acids that could get into your eye and cause a painful sting, and the coolness of the application eases inflammation.
One cross-sectional study found those who had the greatest omega-6 to omega-3 intake had higher incidents of dry eye than those who ate closer to the recommended ratio. Many Americans eat much more omega-6 than omega-3, and adjusting the balance could bring relief.
Fish is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. Adding tuna or salmon to your noontime salad won’t hurt and may relieve tired eyes that typically strike around 3 p.m. naturally.
The 20-20-20 rule might help your eyes, but it does little for the rest of your body. Prolonged sitting likewise isn’t healthy, and periodically getting up from your desk provides additional wellness benefits.
While it’s tempting to work through your morning 15-minute break, take it. Better yet, set a reminder on your phone to get up from your desk every 30 to 60 minutes and don’t ignore the alarm when it sounds.
Wearing glasses helps in numerous ways. For one, contacts can dry your eyes by affecting your tears. Swapping them for specs is an easy fix — plus, you’ll replace those much less frequently, benefiting your wallet and the planet.
You can also investigate blue-light-cutting glasses that reduce the strain from staring at screens. The blue light they emit mimics that of the sun, which can spur sleep disturbances. It can also leave you seeking natural relief for tired eyes — think of how fatigued you’d feel from squinting in bright sunlight all day with no shades. These gadgets are a must for anyone who works long hours on the computer.
Finally, if it’s possible, take a nap to ease your tired eyes. If your peepers have grown weary, other parts of you probably have, too. Consider doing so a peaceful yet radical act of rebellion against a world that often wants you to push beyond your limits but rarely supports you when you fall.
Knowing how to relieve tired eyes naturally is often easier than preventing them. Everyone gets caught up in work occasionally, resulting in eyestrain, but these ideas can help you feel better fast.
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