How To Treat Eye Strain And Tired Eyes

Our eyes are one of our most frequently used yet often abused organs. If not highly regarded, over time, our eyes can become sore and irritated, develop a heightened sensitivity to light, create a blurry vision, cause chronic headaches and may even result in a weakened state indefinitely. You may strain your eyes by spending consecutive hours staring at a bright screen, driving, reading, or just spending too much time in brightly lit rooms. In the beginning, you may notice a bit of dryness and aching, but if not addressed soon enough, circumstances can progress rather quickly.

Take Periodic Breaks

At some point, our eyes may become so irritated and dry making it difficult to focus and attain clear vision. To prevent your eyes from becoming overly exhausted, you will need to rest them often and take periodic breaks. On average, consider looking away or closing your eyes for at least five to fifteen minutes every hour or so to keep your eyes in good condition.

Consider the 20-20-20 method. After staring at something for twenty minutes straight, step away and focus in on an object sitting twenty feet away from you for twenty seconds. If you are unable to step away from the computer or whatever device you may be working on, try blinking more often. When we blink, our eyes naturally rehydrate themselves using the natural oils and mucous secretions from within our bodies. You can also strengthen your ocular muscles by rotating them in circles with your eyelids shut.

Adjust Lighting

Staring at artificial lighting for prolonged periods is a sure way to age your eyes so before you get too comfortable, remember to adjust lighting. It is best to operate your devices or read books in an environment equipped with natural lighting so if you aren't a fan of the dark, try opening a window or maybe using a closet light. There isn't any need for lamps or overhead lighting as this will create a harsh setting. The brightness of the screen of your electronic device shouldn't be overwhelming either. Adjust the brightness and contrast to avoid overworking your eyes. If you are unable to select an option to provide relief, shop around for a darkened or shaded screen filter to cover your device with.

Massage Temples With Fingers

Gently rubbing your eyes and the area surrounding them can help restore your vision and relieve tenderness temporarily. Make it a daily practice to massage temples with fingers or knuckles in a gentle fashion to promote blood circulation. Try doing this every couple of hours for three to five minutes. This technique will not only relax your ocular muscles but also the ones surrounding the area. Manipulating these pressure points will drain any excess fluid that may be hindering your vision and causing irritation. Massages will also stimulate the growth of new cells to obtain more youthful eyes and better overall vision.

Regular Body Stretching

Staying motionless for too long can easily tire out the eyes and cause strain to the entire body. Leading a stagnant lifestyle will quickly take a toll on your eyes and often cause rigidness of the neck. Engaging in regular body stretching will revive your body and prevent your eyes from going into distress. Adopting yoga as a hobby will help to loosen up any muscles you may be overusing and strengthen the body so you are less prone to irritation and discomfort. You should also stretch out your spinal column frequently and rotate your neck to avoid stiffness.

Adjust Computer Settings

Adjust your computer settings so your eyes don't malfunction due to discomfort. Select a comfortable contrast and avoid offending your eyes by using overly vibrant colors. Dim harsh lighting. Most new-age devices are equipped with settings that mimic actual books or newspapers. If possible, select that option as it will be easier on your eyes. Modern appliances also have anti-reflective surfaces to minimize strain. Increase the size of the lettering and make sure the font isn't too complicated. Keep in mind older devices are often created using lower resolutions, so if you can, purchase an upgraded version.