Eye strain can be quickly relieved using several simple techniques. The key is to rest your eyes, adjust your environment, and potentially use artificial tears.
Quick Fixes for Eye Strain
-
Rest Your Eyes: The most immediate relief comes from giving your eyes a break. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This allows your eye muscles to relax. [Mayo Clinic, WebMD, America's Best]
-
Adjust Your Environment: Reduce eye strain by modifying your workspace. Minimize glare and reflections from screens by adjusting lighting and using anti-glare screen filters. Increase room humidity to reduce dryness. [Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine]
-
Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can lubricate your eyes and alleviate dryness, a common cause of eye strain. [Mayo Clinic]
-
Eye Exercises: Gentle eye exercises can help relieve muscle tension. Try rolling your eyes gently in circles or palming your eyes (covering them with your warm palms). [WebMD, LensPure]
Longer-Term Solutions
If quick fixes don't provide enough relief, consider these:
- Proper Prescription Glasses: Ensure you have the correct prescription for your glasses, especially if you use computers frequently. Adjusting the font size on your screen can also help. [Mayo Clinic]
When to See a Doctor
If your eye strain doesn't improve quickly, or you experience other symptoms like blurred vision or headaches, consult an eye doctor. [Cleveland Clinic]
