Hello Lykkers! If your eyes often feel tired, dry, or irritated—especially after spending long hours in front of a screen—you’re not alone. Eye fatigue is increasingly common in modern daily routines.

This guide is designed to help you understand why it happens and, most importantly, how to ease the discomfort and care for your vision effectively.

Understanding Eye Fatigue

What Is Eye Fatigue?

Eye fatigue, also known as visual strain, is a condition where the eyes feel tired or uncomfortable after intense use. It often shows up as dryness, blurred vision, eye redness, and even discomfort in the head or neck.

Common Triggers

- Extended use of screens like computers, smartphones, or tablets

- Poor sleep habits and dehydration

- Vision that is not properly corrected

- Stress and long periods of focused concentration

- Inadequate lighting or glare

- Eye conditions such as retinal issues or lens cloudiness

- Environmental dryness or air quality issues

Screen Time and Its Effects on the Eyes

Continuous Focus

Staring at digital displays for hours demands ongoing effort from the eye muscles, especially for maintaining sharp focus at a close range.

Blinking Less Often

While the average person blinks 12–20 times per minute, screen use tends to reduce this rate. Fewer blinks mean less moisture renewal, leading to dryness and discomfort.

Light Sensitivity and Flicker

Digital screens emit high-contrast visuals and fast-moving images that stimulate the light-sensitive cells of the eye, resulting in tiredness and even a slight throbbing sensation.

Blue Light: Helpful or Harmful?

The Two Faces of Blue Light

- Blue-violet light (415–455 nm): This part of the spectrum has been shown to contribute to aging of certain cells within the eye.

- Blue-turquoise light (455–495 nm): Supports the body’s natural rhythms and helps maintain alertness during the day. This type is not considered harmful.

Recognizing the Signs

Typical Symptoms

- Burning, itching, or gritty feeling in the eyes

- Blurred or double vision

- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses

- Sensitivity to brightness

- Headaches or shoulder tension

- Reduced clarity at night

Solutions That Make a Difference

Eye Exercises

Simple activities like shifting focus from near to far, rolling the eyes slowly, or blinking consciously can support healthy function and circulation.

Use Protective Eyewear

Glasses with filters designed to reduce blue light may lower the strain from screen use. Many digital devices also offer screen filter settings.

The 20-20-20 Rule

Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something about 6 meters away. This allows your eye muscles to rest and reset.

Adjust Your Environment

- Ensure your screen is at eye level and 60–80 cm from your face

- Reduce screen brightness to a comfortable level

- Use indirect lighting and avoid glare from nearby windows or lamps

Use Moisturizing Drops

Lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness and irritation, especially when used regularly during long screen sessions.

Warm Compresses and Relaxation

Close your eyes with a warm compress for a few minutes to encourage tear production and relax facial tension.

Healthy Habits for Eye Support

Good Posture

Sit upright with your back supported. Adjust the chair and desk so your shoulders stay relaxed and your neck isn’t strained while viewing a screen.

Natural Light Exposure

Spend time outdoors in natural light (with proper UV protection for the eyes). This helps regulate biological rhythms and improves overall eye comfort.

Balanced Nutrients

- Vitamin A, B2, C, and E, along with zinc, play key roles in maintaining visual function and protecting from oxidative stress

- Lutein and zeaxanthin, found in foods like orange peppers and kiwi, help protect the eyes from intense light

- Dark berries contain antioxidants that support tiny vessels and nerve function

- Certain fish, rich in omega-3, help maintain moisture and slow tissue aging

Hydration and Cleanliness

Drink enough water each day and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands. Remove any eye makeup before sleeping and maintain a clean environment around your workstation.

Conclusion

Dear Lykkers, taking care of your eyes is simpler than it seems. With small yet consistent changes to daily routines—like regular breaks, proper lighting, eye-friendly nutrition, and hydration—it’s possible to prevent and ease visual fatigue. Your eyes work hard every day, so give them the comfort and care they deserve. Keep these tips close and enjoy your screen time without stress!