Our eyes work hard every day and can benefit from some tender loving care. Here are some hints and tips to relieve those tired eyes!
Apply a Warm Washcloth
Wash your hands before you start so bacteria doesn’t get in your eyes. Soak a washcloth in water that you’ve boiled (to sterilise it) and cooled until lookwarm. Then place on your eyes for 5-10 minutes, or as long as your optician advises. A warm compress can:
- add moisture
- ease pain
- increase blood flow
- relax muscle spasms
Adjust Lights and Device Screens
Different activities call for different types of light.
- Watching TV – keep the room softly lit
- Reading – put the light behind you and pointed towards page, out of your eyes
- On digital screens – adjust the brightness to match the level of light around you, also adjust the screen’s contrast, so your eyes don’t have to strain to see
Wear Computer Eyeglasses
With these prescription eyeglasses, your eyes can focus at computer screen distance, which is about 20-26 inches from your face.
Change your Computer Setup
Small tweaks can make a big difference to your eyes. Make sure your screen is about arm’s length (20-26 inches) away from your face. the centre of the screen should be slightly below eye level (4-5 inches). it helps to have a chair you can move up and down. Adjust the text size so you don’t squint. And try a document holder next to your monitor for printed papers. This limits how much you move your eyes back and forth.
Try Tea Bags
More than a hot drink! Tea bags also work as a relaxing cold compress for your eyes. After you’ve brewed your favourite Tetley, Yorkshire, Ty-Phoo or PG Tips, put the bags in a clean container in the fridge. Once they’ve cooled, out them on your eyelids to help soothe your eyes and reduce swelling. Make sure you’ve washed your face and hands well and taken out your contact lenses….and don’t get any tea in your eyes!
Try Artificial or Real Tears
Over the counter or prescription eye drops relieve dry, tired eyes. Use them even when your eyes feel fine to keep them moisturised and stop your symptoms from coming back. If you prefer natural tears, remember to blink more often especially when your on digital devices.