Tired eyes are a common concern in a world filled with endless screens, emails, and late-night streaming binges. You’re not alone if you’ve been rubbing your eyes more, dealing with blurry vision, or feeling a dull ache after a long day.
The good news is that the right pair of glasses might help your tired eyes. Your optician can customize your lenses with features that help prevent eye strain or block blue light.
If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms related to tired or strained eyes, book an exam with your eye doctor. They can identify any underlying causes and provide personalized advice to update your lenses.
What Causes Tired Eyes?
Just like any other part of your body, your eyes can feel the strain after hard work.
The most common ways we overwork our eyes, sometimes leading to that tired or fatigued feeling, include spending extended periods looking at screens or concentrating intently on visually demanding activities.
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a growing issue in our increasingly screen-dominated lives. Screens are a major culprit, with over 50% of computer users experiencing digital eye strain.
However, reading in low light, driving long distances, or having an outdated prescription for glasses can also contribute to the problem.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
If your eyes feel off, digital eye strain may be to blame. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:
- Tired, achy eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Dryness or excessive tearing
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Shoulder or neck pain
If these sound familiar, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to address these symptoms effectively.
Tips for Relieving Eye Strain
Small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the strain on your eyes daily. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to help ease tired eyes.
Confirm Your Prescription is Up to Date
One of the easiest fixes for blurred vision and strained eyes is updating your glasses prescription.
Wearing glasses with the wrong prescription can cause your eyes to work harder than necessary, leading to increased fatigue. If it’s been over 2 years since your last checkup, it’s time to book an eye exam.
Adjust Workspace Ergonomics for Eye Health
Your workspace setup plays a significant role in eye strain. Follow these tips to design a more eye-friendly environment:
- Position your screen slightly more than an arm’s reach away from your face, & keep it right slightly below eye level
- Reduce glare by using an anti-glare screen filter or adjusting your lighting setup
- Invest in a chair & desk that allow you to maintain good posture, as poor ergonomics can worsen strain
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule can be an effective way to alleviate digital eye strain symptoms. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The change of view gives your eyes a much-needed break from prolonged screen focus.
Use Eye Drops
Spending extended periods on the computer makes it easy to forget to blink. Lubricating eye drops can help alleviate any dryness contributing to your eye strain. And don’t forget to blink!
Glasses That Can Help Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Can glasses really help with tired eyes? Absolutely. Here’s how specialized lenses can make a difference:
- Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to filter out the blue light emitted by screens, which can contribute to headaches & disrupted sleep patterns
- Anti-reflective (AR) coatings can minimize glare from screens & overhead lights, making it easier on your eyes during long periods of focus
- Computer glasses, also known as task-specific glasses, are designed for mid-range screen distances (such as your computer monitor) rather than typical reading or distance tasks
The Value of Regular Eye Exams
In many cases, you can ease eye strain with minor adjustments. However, your discomfort could also signal that your eyes need professional attention. Regular eye exams can help you stay ahead of potential issues.
Your optometrist can help:
- Identify any underlying problems contributing to tired eyes, like dry eye syndrome or a need for vision correction
- Detect systemic health conditions early, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, that can significantly affect your eye health
- Provide personalized solutions, like customized lenses or treatment plans for chronic dryness
Discuss Your Strained Eyes with Your Eye Doctor
If tired eyes impact your daily life, discuss your concerns with your eye doctor. They can help you find a plan that works, such as recommending glasses designed to reduce digital eye strain, lifestyle changes, or specific treatments to improve comfort and productivity.
Your vision is too important to ignore. Whether you’re struggling with the glare of your laptop or squinting into your smartphone, there’s no need to suffer. Call our team at Brighton Eyecare to book an exam today. One of our experienced eye doctors can examine your eyes and offer tailored treatment and advice.
