Eye strain

Fact Checked

Tired, achy eyes or frequent headaches are due to eye strain. Eye strain can happen for several reasons such as lack of sleep, using various gadgets for extended periods, reading in dim light for long periods without any break, incorrect vision prescription and allergies. Additionally, incorrect eye prescription, eye conditions and exposure to bright lights can also cause eye strain.

Symptoms

• Difficulty in focusing
• Dry and watery eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Blurred or double vision

  

• Headaches
• Pain can be felt in shoulders, back and neck
• Symptoms usually happen in the morning

Treatment

• Gently massage the eyelids every day to help increase blood circulation to the eyes and helps in relaxing the muscles found around the eyes. Massaging helps in stimulating the tear glands that helps in preventing dry eyes. Use the finger tips to massage the eyelids and muscles above the eyebrows for at least 10-20 seconds. Massage the lower eyelids against the lower bone for at least 10-20 seconds and then massage the temple and upper cheek bones at least 1-2 times every day.
• Perform palming to help relax tired eyes especially when reading and spending long hours using a desktop, laptop and television screen. Palming gives a restful state for the eyes so that they do not become tired. Sit straight in a comfortable position and then warm the hands by rubbing them together in a rapid manner. Close the eyes and apply the warm palms but do not apply any pressure on the eyelids. The individual should relax in the dimness for at least 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure 3-5 times at one sitting every day.
• Stand in a sunny place in the morning and then close the eyes and let the sunlight fall on the eyelids. Feel the warmth on the eyes and move the eyes slowly up and down and then right to left and clockwise and counterclockwise. Perform this procedure for at least 5 times once every day. In addition, it also helps in relaxing strained eyes.
• Apply a warm compress on the eyes. All you have to do is dip a soft cloth in warm water and wring out excess water. Lie down, close the eyes and place the warm towel over the eyelids and then breathe slowly for a minute. Repeat this process at least 3-4 times every day.
• Splash some cold water on the face and closed eyes when the eyes is strained and tired. It gives a quick relaxing effect on the eyes. Cold water helps in relieving a mild eye strain, improve circulation of blood in the area and helps in relaxing tired muscles found around the eyes and lessen puffiness and swelling of eyes.
• Apply cold compress by wrapping a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and place on closed eyelids for at least 5-10 minutes until puffiness disappears.