When your eyes feel tired after a long day of work or school, that feeling is often called eye fatigue. It’s like your eyes are telling you they need to take a little nap!
This is a very common feeling that happens when we use our eyes a lot for focused tasks or prolonged near work. Regular eye exams are a great way to check that any persistent tiredness isn’t a sign of an underlying issue.
For most people, this tired-eye feeling is temporary and often improves within an hour of taking a break. Giving your eyes a rest is usually the simple ticket to feeling better. Let’s explore what makes eyes feel overworked and some fun ways to help them feel fresh again.
What Makes Your Eyes Feel Tired?
Eye fatigue happens when your eyes work hard for a long time without a break. Think of it like a muscle in your arm; if you lift something heavy over and over, your arm gets tired. Your eyes have tiny muscles, too, and they get worn out from focusing on things up close for too long.
Common Causes for Tired Eyes
Your eyes can get tired from lots of different activities. Some of the most common ones include:
- Looking at digital screens like computers, tablets, or phones for extended periods of time
- Reading a book for a long time, especially in dim light
- Focusing on a single task without looking away
- Playing in a room that is too bright or too dark
- Not blinking enough while you concentrate
How Do You Know if You Have Eye Fatigue?
Your body is great at sending you signals when something needs your attention. When your eyes are overworked, they will give you clues that it’s time for a rest. Listening to these clues can help you feel better, faster.
If you notice any of these signs, it might be your body asking for a break. Here are a few things you might feel:
- Sore, tired, or achy eyes
- Blurry or double vision
- Watery or dry eyes
- A headache
- Sore neck, shoulders, or back
- Finding it hard to concentrate
Did you know? An eagle can spot a tiny mouse from high up in the sky, far higher than the tallest building. Their eyes work like powerful binoculars, which helps them see things far away much more clearly than we can. This makes them amazing hunters.
So, How Long Does the Tired Feeling Stick Around?
For most people, eye fatigue is a short-term visitor. Once you stop the activity that’s tiring your eyes, they should start to feel better within about an hour. If you keep doing the same activity without breaks, the tired feeling can last for a few hours or even a couple of days.
When Tired Eyes Might Mean Something Else
If your eyes feel tired all the time, even after you rest them, it could be a sign that you could use an eye check-up. Sometimes, ongoing eye fatigue is a clue to other common vision conditions. An eye exam can help figure out what’s going on.
- Nearsightedness: When things far away look blurry.
- Farsightedness: When things close up look blurry.
- Astigmatism: When vision is blurry at all distances because the eye is shaped a bit differently.
- Dry eye: When your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay moist and comfortable.
- Binocular vision concerns (eye teaming): When the eyes have trouble working together.
Fun and Easy Ways to Help Your Eyes Relax
You don’t have to let tired eyes slow down your fun. You can try these simple tricks to give your eyes the break they deserve. Your eye doctor can also share more tips tailored to you and your family.
Try the 20-20-20 Rule
This is a fun and easy game for your eyes! It’s a simple trick recommended by optometrists to reduce strain.
According to the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, you should look away from your screen or book and find something that is 20 feet away. Stare at it for 20 seconds before you go back to what you were doing.
Check Your Screen and Your Seat
Make sure your screen isn’t too bright and that you’re sitting at a comfortable distance away, which is usually about an arm’s length. Sit up straight in your chair with your feet on the floor. This posture can help your neck and back feel good, which also helps your eyes.
Blink Often
When we focus hard on screens, we sometimes forget to blink as much as we should. Blinking is how your eyes stay clean and moist, like a tiny windshield wiper.
Book a Visit with Your Trusted Eye Doctor
While eye fatigue often goes away on its own, regular eye exams are a great way to support your vision. At Airdrie Family Eye Doctors, we are here to help your family see the world clearly and comfortably.
Schedule a visit with your local eye doctor to check on your vision and learn more ways to keep your eyes happy.
