How to Relieve Eye Strain and Fatigue: Symptoms and Solutions
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Are you suffering from eye discomfort or feeling that your eyes are gritty? That might be a sign that you’re experiencing eye fatigue or eye strain. With countless hours spent in front of screens, it’s no surprise that many of us feel this way.
How can you tell if you have eye strain? What are other signs of eye fatigue? And more importantly, what can we do to treat it? In this article, we’ll walk you through common causes and symptoms of eye strain, helpful tips on how to ease the discomfort, and how an eye massager can benefit you.
What is Eye Fatigue?
Eye fatigue, or asthenopia, is a term that describes discomfort and tiredness in the eyes. It normally occurs due to long sessions of intense use of the eyes, such as computer use and reading. When the eyes focus on one point for too long, the muscles of the eyes become strained, which can lead to symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Many people today experience eye fatigue from spending long hours in front of screens without taking proper breaks. This could result in a cycle of discomfort that affects how productive you are and how you go about their daily lives.
What Causes Eye Strain?
Eye strains can be caused by various factors, and below we’ve listed 7 most common ones to help you check out what might be messing with your eyes.
1. Extended Periods of Reading
2. Prolonged Screen Time
3. Blue Light Exposure
4. Poor Lighting Conditions
5. Improper Viewing Distance
6. Lack of Blinking
7. Uncorrected Vision Problems
Recognizing Symptoms of Eye Fatigue
Another way to spot the issue with your eyes is to identify the symptoms of eye fatigue. If you sense one, or many, of the below, it might be a sign you need better eye care.
1. Dryness: You might notice a gritty feeling in your eyes, almost like they're dehydrated. This often happens when your eyes are fixed on a single point for too long.
2. Blurred Vision: Objects may appear blurry, or out of focus. You may struggle to read text, and details can become difficult to see.
3. Headaches: Tension headaches often occur after prolonged reading or screen exposure. They are usually felt over the forehead or temples and cause mild to moderate pain.
4. Difficulty in Focusing: Poor vision is also another symptom of eye fatigue. You may even find yourself squinting or straining your eyes to get a clear vision of everything.
5. Sensitivity to Light: You may feel pain or the urge to shut your eyes when exposed to bright lights. This makes it difficult to work within an illuminated area most of the time.
6. Tiredness: Your eyes might feel sluggish and tired, just like your body does after an intense workout. This tiredness is a clear indicator of eye fatigue and its impact on your daily activities.
How to Relieve Eye Strain: 4 Effective Tips
Eye Strain often causes some discomfort so here are some relatively simple strategies that can help you deal with eye fatigue.
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: The 20-20-20 rules can help you relax your eyes, every 20 minutes, look away from your computer screen and fix your gaze on something that is 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps stretch the eye muscles.
2. Adjust Your Screen Settings: Proper screen adjustments will reduce eye strain significantly. Match your screen brightness to the lighting in your environment; a screen that is too bright or too dim can cause discomfort. Also, increase the text size and contrast to make reading easier. Blue light filters or glasses can also help lessen the impact of screen time on your eyes.
3. Stay Hydrated and Blink Regularly: Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, making your fatigue feel even worse. It’s important to drink plenty of water every day. When you focus on screens, you tend to blink less, increasing dryness. So, remember to blink often to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
4. Use an Eye Massager: An eye massager can be an effective way to quickly relieve eye strain. Its gentle strokes and pressure help ease tension in the facial muscles around the eyes.
Eye Massager Exercises for Fatigue Relief
If you’re feeling the effects of long hours in front of screens, try the following to relieve eye fatigue:
Use an Eye Massager:
Eye massagers are electronic devices that relax the muscles around your eyes with gentle vibration or air compression. Some come with heat and cooling options to provide further comfort.
Eyeris 3 Kintsugi, in particular, offers several advantages. This eye massager comes with adjustable settings to customize your massage experience, allowing you to choose the intensity and heat level that suits you best.
Gently resting over your closed eyes, Eyeris 3 Kintsugi is soft and comfy. Let it work for about 10 to 15 minutes. This improves your blood circulation and helps reduce tension around the eyes. Regular use can also promote relaxation and alleviate symptoms of eye strain.
Gentle Finger Massage:
Gently press the tips of your fingers against your temples.. Begin along the outer edges and do these motions in a small, circular motion inward toward your center forehead. Do that for about 1-2 minutes. This will help relax around the entire area.
Pressure Points:
Pay attention to the pressure points around your eyes. Pressure points are specific spots on your body that can help relieve tension and discomfort. For your eyes, focus on the areas right under your eyebrows and at the inner corners. Gently press on these spots with your thumb for about 30 seconds on each side. This can help reduce eye fatigue and make you feel more comfortable.
Blinking Exercises:
One of the easiest ways is to try some blinking exercises. Blink for 20 seconds, then close your eyes and take a deep breath. This simple move helps refresh your eyes and keeps them moist, which can reduce dryness and fatigue.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Eye Fatigue
Are you doing everything you can to protect your eyes? In order to prevent any eye fatigue, remember to develop healthy habits. Try out the exercises detailed in the previous paragraphs to help your eyes relax properly. They are simple, and you can definitely do them every day.
Another important habit is to keep a good posture. Sit straight with your screen at eye level so you don’t have to strain your neck by looking up or down. This setup helps reduce tension not only in your neck but also in your eyes. When your screen is at the right height, it can help you maintain a comfortable gaze, which reduces the risk of eye strain.
Remember also to get enough sleep! Always aim for getting 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep at night to help your eyes recover and recharge from the day's activities. Above all, ensure proper hydration and you can use eye drops if the eyes appear dry.
Practicing these habits can help prevent eye fatigue. Taking breaks, applying the 20-20-20 rule, sitting up straight, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated are all important for keeping your eyes healthy.
When to Consult a Doctor for Persistent Eye Fatigue
If your eyes always feel tired or uncomfortable, it’s important to see a doctor, especially if your symptoms are worsening or you experience blurry vision, headaches, or difficulty in focusing. A healthcare provider can explain to you what is happening. They may perform some tests to examine your eyes and recommend treatments such as special eye drops or even glasses.
To avoid needing to see a doctor, maintaining your eye care is essential, particularly if you spend a lot of time on screens. By taking some simple steps and paying attention to how your eyes feel, you can help prevent eye problems.
Remember, “The eyes are the window to your soul, but if they’re tired, it’s hard to see the beauty around you.” So, take care of your eyes and make sure to avoid anything that could lead to eye fatigue or more severe issues.
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