At Home Relief for Tired and Irritated Eyes

Busy lives can make for irritated eyes. Driving in the intense Sonoran sun, enduring the dust and grit that blow in from the desert, and staring at our computer screens can leave us with redness, irritation, and fatigue that we’d rather do without. Fortunately, there are Take

1. Chilled tea bags. Used tea bags that have chilled can refresh your eyes when used as a cold compress. Remove your contacts if you wear them, then place the tea bags over your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Ensure they aren’t dripping. You don’t want tea in your eyes.
2. Warm washcloths. Warm washcloths soaked in sterile, boiled water can help soothe sore, tired eyes by adding moisture and increasing blood flow. Allow one to cool to a lukewarm temperature, then place it over your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Boost your air quality. Desert dryness can contribute to eye tiredness. Invest in a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home. Try not to sit directly in the flow coming out of vents or fans.
4. Take a break. If staring at your computer gives you irritated eyes, you may not be taking enough time away from the screen. Many experts recommend the 20-20-20 guideline: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to stare at something 20 feet away. It’s also healthy to rest your eyes for 15 minutes for every two hours you spend staring at a screen.
5. Check your work setup. Ensure your screen is about 20 to 26 inches from your eyes. The middle of the screen should sit just below eye level. Use your computer or device’s settings to adjust the size of the text on the screen.
6. Invest in computer glasses. Computer glasses function like reading glasses, only for computer use. They help you to focus at the ideal distance between your eyes and the screen. You can also try glasses with a blue-blocking coating to ease eye strain.

See the Professionals at Valley Eyecare for Help with Tired or Irritated Eyes

If you are experiencing frequent eye discomfort, the vision professionals at Valley Eyecare can help. Contact us today to set up an appointment, or call us at (602) 955-2700.