Eye strain is very common today. Symptoms of eye strain often include dry eyes, headaches and mild vision problems. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to screens, air pollution, temperature changes, lack of sleep and stress. It is pretty likely that at some point in your life, you will be affected by eye strain. What to do if you experience eye strain? Here are our 6 tips for resting your eyes.
Use blue light blocking glasses
Several lifestyle rules can be applied to keep your eyes in the best possible health. For example, if you work in front of a computer for long hours, consider wearing prescription glasses with blue light protection. After wearing them for several days at work, you will probably notice that your eyes will be less tired at the end of the day!
Alternate between screen time and off-screen time
Whenever possible, alternate computer-related tasks with tasks that don't require you to be at your screen. At home and work, remember the 20-20-20 rule. That is, every 20 minutes, you can take a break of at least 20 seconds while looking 20 feet away. This tip will help your eyes recover during these short breaks.
Take breaks to rest your eyes
We also suggest that you take 30-second breaks while keeping your eyes closed. This is also a great time to relax and reflect on a busy day. If your eyes remain dry after these short breaks, you can use artificial tears to rehydrate your eyes.
One caveat! Not all over-the-counter drops are the same! Ask your optometrist for advice on the type of drops to use.
Apply cold compresses to counteract eye strain
Taking a moment to relax can also be beneficial to relieve tired eyes. A cold compress can help calm the inflammation that causes stinging. When you get home, wet a washcloth with cool water and get comfortable in a sitting or lying position. Place the wet washcloth over your eyes for 3 to 5 minutes.
Avoid dry ambient air
You can humidify the air in your room at night, especially in the winter. The reason? Heating dries out the air. To do this, simply use a humidifier or place a bowl of water in your bedroom. Your eyes may be less dry when you wake up, and you will breathe better throughout the night.
Get enough sleep
Your eyes are used throughout the day, and it is important for your eye health that they can recover when you are asleep. Lack of sleep can lead to increased eye strain and dry eyes. A minimum of 7 hours of sleep per night is ideal for your body to recover its full energy.
If you are still experiencing some symptoms of eye strain even after following these tips, don't hesitate to make an appointment with your optometrist. The optometrist will be able to examine your eyes and give you recommendations to keep your vision clear and comfortable and your eyes as healthy as possible!
