Expert Eye Care Tips: How to Rest Your Eyes

Use a Warm or Cold Compress

Applying a warm compress can be a comforting remedy that helps ease tension in your eyes. Start by soaking a clean washcloth in hot water, making sure it's thoroughly wet. Remember to wring out any extra water to avoid dripping. 

Fold the washcloth into a rectangle that's large enough to cover both of your eyes comfortably. Wait a moment for the cloth to cool down to a safe, warm temperature that won’t irritate or harm your skin. Find a cozy spot to recline, gently close your eyes, and drape the warm washcloth across your eyelids, allowing the warmth to relax your eyes for a little while. 

Keep Your Eyes Hydrated

Dealing with dry eyes can be quite uncomfortable, often contributing to a feeling of eye strain. Dry eye arises when your eyes don't produce tears properly or when external factors like smoke or wind come into play.  

Avoid dry eye by following these tips:  

• Make hydration a priority by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. Aim for eight hours of sleep each night to ensure your body is rested and can complete its natural rejuvenation process.  

• Explore the available over-the-counter remedies, like preservative-free artificial tears, which can be used to offer quick relief. 

• Avoid smoky environments or stay away from those smoking. Smoke can dry out your eyes.  

• If your surroundings feel dry, use a humidifier to reintroduce moisture into the air of your home or workspace.  

• Position any fans of vents so they do not blow directly into your eyes, as direct air can increase tear evaporation, leading to dryness. 

Use Eye Yoga to Stretch Your Eye Muscles

A recent study showed that incorporating eye exercises into your daily routine may help to prevent or ease symptoms of eye fatigue. This study found that participants experienced a significant reduction in eye fatigue after performing regular eye yoga exercises for a period of six weeks.   

• Blinking: Cultivating a habit of blinking frequently throughout the day can help keep your eyes moist and reduce the likelihood of developing dry eye. 

• Rolling: Eye yoga might include movements such as glancing from side to side or looking up and then down, exercising your eye muscles in diverse directions. 

• Palming: Palming involves gently cupping your palms over your closed eyes, which provides a soothing break in the darkness and can be restorative for your eyes. 

Reduce Your Screen Time 

Staring at a computer screen or other digital device for too long can lead to digital eye strain. Try limiting your screen time each day to relieve your eye fatigue caused by digital devices.  

Find a Pair of Blue Light Glasses 

If you have to look at a computer all day, glasses that block blue light could make your eyes less tired.   

Your eyes might get sore if you see too much blue light from computer screens and LED lights. Blue light glasses have a special layer that stops so much blue light from getting to your eyes.   

You can get this blue light blocking on normal glasses and ones that don’t have a prescription. And if you don't like glasses, you can put a filter on your computer screen. This filter can block the bright light and blue light from the screen. 

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Eye fatigue may also be caused by overworking your eyes or trying to focus too hard. If you’ve noticed yourself squinting more than usual lately, schedule an eye exam with your local Nationwide Vision. This may be a sign you need to start wearing prescription lenses or update your current prescription.  

Your eye doctor can also recommend other strategies to help with relaxing your eyes and evaluate your overall eye health.   

To schedule an appointment at your local Clarkson Eyecare, find a location near you.