If you have ever experienced the feeling of having tired eyes, then you know it can be quite an unpleasant experience. Eyestrain is a common problem and can be caused by a wide variety of things, such as dry eye syndrome or the excessive use of digital devices like computers and phones, driving for long periods, reading and writing, or simply being too tired. Even though this common issue is often harmless, it is still important to take it seriously to avoid more serious eye problems in the future.
Other reasons for this common complaint include staring at a digital device for too long. Frequently using computers or phones can cause people to blink less often than usual, leading to dry eye syndrome and irritated eyes. A recent survey showed that the average person spends about 13 hours a day looking at digital screens!
Thankfully, there are some simple things one can do to reduce the strain on their eyes, such as taking frequent breaks to look away from the device, adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on the computer, as well as trying different lens materials while wearing glasses. Additionally, exercising eye muscles can help to relieve eyestrain and can easily be done at home.
Causes
Here are some of the most common reasons why eyes may feel tired:
- Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a disorder that occurs when tears fail to provide enough moisture to the eye. Dry eye syndrome leads to discomfort, pain, and vision disturbance, as the eyes are unable to maintain a healthy protective barrier between themselves and the outside environment. The cause of DES is usually not known, although certain factors, such as aging and medications, can increase one’s risk.
- Overuse of digital devices: Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices can cause eye strain and fatigue. The blue light emitted by these devices can also interfere with sleep patterns, leading to feelings of fatigue.
- Poor lighting: Poor lighting conditions, such as working under dim or flickering lights, can cause eye strain and fatigue.
- Uncorrected vision problems: If you have a vision problem, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, your eyes may have to work harder to focus, leading to fatigue.
- Eye strain from intense visual tasks: Certain visual tasks, such as reading or driving for long periods, can cause eye fatigue.
- Dehydration: Dehydration can cause dry eyes, which can lead to discomfort and fatigue.
- Fatigue: Fatigue and lack of sleep can cause eye fatigue, as well as a general feeling of tiredness.
- Allergies: Allergies can cause eye fatigue and discomfort, as well as redness, itching, and watering of the eyes.
To reduce the symptoms of eye fatigue, there are several things you can do:
1. Limit screen time: Try to limit your screen time, especially before bed, and take frequent breaks from screen use.
2. Improve lighting conditions: Make sure you have adequate lighting when you’re working or reading, and adjust the brightness on your screens to a comfortable level.
3. Wear glasses or contacts: If you have a vision problem, wear glasses or contacts to correct it and reduce the strain on your eyes.
4. Blink regularly: Blinking helps to lubricate the eyes and prevent dryness and fatigue. If you’re working at a computer, make a conscious effort to blink regularly.
5. Hydrate: Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated and prevent dryness and fatigue.
6. Get enough sleep: Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to reduce eye fatigue and improve overall health.
7. Practice eye exercises: Eye exercises, such as palming and focusing shifting, can help to relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.
8. Seek medical attention: If you have persistent eye fatigue or discomfort, see a doctor or eye care professional for a thorough examination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eye fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse of digital devices, poor lighting, uncorrected vision problems, and medical conditions. To reduce eye fatigue, it is important to limit screen time, improve lighting conditions, wear glasses or contacts if needed, hydrate, get enough sleep, practice eye exercises, and seek medical attention from an eye hospital in Delhi if necessary. By taking these steps, you can help keep your eyes healthy and reduce feelings of fatigue.
Tired eyes can be an annoying problem, but with the proper preventative methods, this common issue can usually be avoided. Taking frequent breaks from digital devices and exercising your eyes are simple and effective ways of helping to alleviate eyestrain. And, if all else fails, a visit to the best eye hospital in Delhi, The Sight Avenue, where the eye doctor can confirm whether or not the tiredness is a symptom of a larger eye condition.
