If you are struggling with eye strain, there are a few simple steps you can take to find relief.
Eye strain is typically caused by activities that require intense focus, such as reading, driving or working at a computer. Fortunately, it’s usually not a serious condition.
How to Get Rid of Eye Strain
Blinking
Blinking is an instinctual reflex that moisturizes and shields your eyes, keeping them healthy by filtering out dust particles, dirt, and other irritants.
Your blinking also causes tears to flow over the surface of your eye, washing away any dust particles and particles that have built up. This is especially important for maintaining good vision when spending extended amounts of time staring into a screen such as a computer or tablet.
If you spend a lot of time reading or using the computer, make it a habit to blink more often than usual. Without blinking, your eyes won’t receive enough moisture to lubricate and nourish themselves properly, leading to dryness and eye strain.
Warm compresses
Warm compresses are a reliable and popular home treatment for various eye conditions. They can help alleviate symptoms associated with pink eye, styes, black eyes, infections, swelling, allergies, dry eyes and blepharitis.
They can help reduce itching and burning, as well as provide extra lubrication for dry eyes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction – when glands in the rim of the eyelids fail to secrete enough oils that slow tear evaporation.
Make your own compresses at home using washcloths and some water. Avoid using tea bags or adding chemicals such as Epsom salts into the solution; these could burn your eyes or the skin surrounding them.
Changing your environment
Eye strain is a common issue that can be brought on by spending too many hours staring into a computer screen or while driving. This may leave your eyes feeling fatigued and itchy.
Altering your environment can help alleviate this condition. Making adjustments such as dimming the lights, eliminating reflections and glare from screens, and increasing room humidity all make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
A healthy environment is essential for human wellbeing and the planet’s sustainability. Achieving this requires clean air, water, food; proper handwashing and sanitation; safe chemicals and waste management; a stable climate; healthy communities; and access to green spaces.
Changing your eyewear
If you wear glasses, switching them out once or twice a week can help reduce eye strain. Selecting frames suitable for your face shape also makes a big difference.
Lens material may also be an issue: Some lenses are photochromic, which darken gradually in response to UV rays; while others feature anti-reflective coatings that reduce glare and reflections.
If you have a strong prescription, smaller frames that hide it or contrast can draw attention away from features you don’t like (such as a round chin). Be sure to give your eyes some time to adjust – usually just a few days will suffice).
Taking a break
Regular breaks can reduce eye strain and fatigue. Not only are they beneficial for your physical and mental wellbeing, but they also give you a chance to refresh and refuel your energy levels so that you can work more productively.
Running, watching a movie or taking a walk outside are all great ways to refresh your body and mind. You can even set a timer to remind you to take a break every 20 minutes – perfect for helping you unplug and unwind!
Another way to reduce eyestrain from screens is using a shaded light when reading or working close up. This keeps the light from shining directly into your eyes and also lets you see text clearly without glare.
How to Prevent Eye Strain
Eye strain is a widespread condition that affects people of all ages. It may be caused by using digital devices for extended periods of time or exposure to poor lighting conditions.
Eye strain can affect anyone, so it’s wise to take steps to avoid it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Make sure you get enough sleep each night, as lack of shut-eye can cause eye strain and headaches.
- Take breaks throughout the day, particularly if you have been staring at a screen for extended periods of time.
- Avoid driving long distances or reading for too long, as this can also lead to eyestrain.
- Adjust your computer monitor’s position to reduce glare, or use a darkened room if working in bright light conditions.
- Wear comfortable eyewear such as glasses or contacts for long periods of time.
- Discuss any symptoms you are experiencing with your physician, as these could be signs of a more serious medical issue or health concern.
- Schedule an eye exam to identify what may be causing your eyestrain.
If you are having multiple symptoms from an eye strain, it is recommended to visit an eye specialist. They can diagnose the cause and provide treatment options that will help alleviate your discomfort.
