Have you ever woken up feeling annoyingly heavy eyelids? Or do you have tired and sunken eyes? There are several ways to wake up and relieve tired eyes. However, consult your ophthalmologist if you have any concerns or your doctor if you think you need to change the dosage or the choice of medications you are taking.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Relieve the Eyes
Step 1. Wash your face with cold water
In reality, it is not so much the direct contact of the face with cold water that wakes you up, but the phenomenon of the contraction or narrowing of the facial arteries that reduces the flow of blood to this part of the body. The temporary decrease in blood triggers a nervous system reaction that causes the body to be more alert and defend against this condition.
- By reducing the blood supply to the eyes, inflammation can be relieved.
- In these moments, when you close your eyes, the tear film is distributed which, by wetting the eyeball, decreases the dryness caused by periods of prolonged wakefulness.
- Check the water temperature before wetting your face. It should be cold, but not frozen.
- Rinse your face at least three times to get a good result. However, keep in mind that this method will only give you slight relief. If you overdo it, you won't get any benefit.
Step 2. Try submerging your face in a bowl filled with cold water
Increase the stimulating action of cold water by placing it in a basin and soaking your face for 30 seconds. Take a deep breath before proceeding. Raise your head when you feel the need to get some air.
If you experience pain or other symptoms, stop immediately and contact your doctor
Step 3. Apply a cold mask to the eyes
To revive the look, prepare a soothing treatment. It will also give you the option to rest your eyes by keeping them closed for a few minutes.
- Fold a small towel so that it covers both eyes.
- Wet it with cold water.
- Squeeze it out well.
- Relax on the bed or sofa by placing the towel over both eyes.
- Remove it after 2-7 minutes.
- Repeat the treatment as needed.
Step 4. Apply a warm, moist compress
It will allow you to relax the muscles around the eyes, relieving that feeling of tiredness. To make it, soak a clean cloth or a few sheets of absorbent paper in hot (but not boiling) water. Rest it over your eyes for a few minutes until you feel better.
You can also use tea bags. Infuse them in warm water, then mash them. Finally, apply them on tired eyes
Step 5. Try lubricating eye drops
There are various eye drops that can relieve eye fatigue. Those lubricants have a soothing action against eye fatigue. In addition, they contain moisturizing substances.
- It is necessary to apply the product with some frequency. To use it correctly, follow the instructions contained in the package.
- If you suffer from a chronic disorder that promotes eye fatigue, consult your ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Step 6. Use antihistamine eye drops
It inhibits the production of histamine by the body's natural defenses in reaction to allergens. Many antihistamine eye drops are available without a prescription.
- Be aware that it can cause dry eyes, mouth, nose and throat.
- To use it correctly, follow the instructions contained in the package.
- Antihistamine Imidazyl and Antihistamine Alpha Eye Drops are two great choices.
Step 7. Opt for vasoconstrictor eye drops
It narrows the caliber of the blood vessels in the eye, relieving redness. Some pharmaceutical companies also add lubricants to promote eye hydration.
- This kind of eye drops can cause redness when the effect goes away. In fact, the blood vessels can dilate more than before, exacerbating the redness.
- To use it correctly, follow the instructions contained in the package.
Step 8. Ask your doctor if you can use cyclosporine eye drops
Attenuates chronic dry eye associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca by inhibiting certain immune factors. It can only be prescribed by ophthalmologists (being subject to a non-repeatable limitative prescription), so you should consult your ophthalmologist to find out if it is suitable for your health needs.
- Side effects of this drug include burning, itching, redness, blurred vision, and photosensitivity. It can cause allergic reactions in some people.
- To use it correctly, follow the instructions contained in the package.
- It is not recommended for use by pregnant women.
- It can take 6 weeks (or longer in some cases) to relieve dry eyes.
Part 2 of 5: Stimulating the Eyes and Body
Step 1. Try the 20-6-20 method
Every 20 minutes, step away from the screen and look at any object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Set an alarm to remind you to move and rest your eyes
Step 2. Try looking at an imaginary clock
There are some exercises designed specifically to strengthen the muscles that govern eye movements. They are able to soothe tired eyes and prevent them from getting tired too quickly. Imagine a clock in front of you and locate its center. Without moving your head, move your gaze to the 12 o'clock hand. Then, move it back to the center. Then look at the 1:00 hand, return your gaze to the center and so on.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times.
- It will help your eyes focus better when they are tired. It also strengthens the ciliary muscles, which allow you to focus your gaze.
Step 3. Draw imaginary letters with your eyes
Imagine the letters of the alphabet on a distant wall. Without moving your head, draw them by moving your gaze.
Imagine an eight in a horizontal position or the infinity symbol in front of you. Trace it with your eyes without moving your head
Step 4. Blink more often
Practice blinking more often to prevent dry eyes. Do this once every four seconds to distribute the tear film and avoid eye strain.
Step 5. Stand up and stretch your muscles
Sitting in front of the computer or monitor for long periods of time can cause tension in the neck and back muscles. If you neglect them, there is a risk that they will ache or cause neck stiffness, headaches and eye fatigue. A little stretching or meditation, especially with your eyes closed, will help relieve dryness by promoting hydration of the ocular surface. In addition, you will be able to relax the muscles of the periocular region.
- Stretching improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery to tense eye muscles, allowing them to relax.
- Plus, it eliminates stress when paired with meditation or deep breathing techniques.
- Finally, it decreases irritability, improves mood and relieves tired eyes.
Step 6. Train in moderation
Moderate physical activity helps you increase your heart rate, improving your oxygen supply and increasing the blood supply to your eyes.
Blood circulation is important for the functioning of the muscles that govern eye movements and of the periocular tissues
Part 3 of 5: Creating a More Comfortable Environment
Step 1. Turn off the bright lights
A more comfortable environment allows the eyes not to tire and strain excessively. When the lighting is strong or distracting, the eyes struggle to adapt. Prolonged exposure to bright lights leads to physical and ocular overstimulation, causing irritability and general fatigue.
Step 2. Eliminate the fluorescent lamps
Start by removing these and other bulbs that are preventing you from creating a properly lit environment. Replace them with warm light ones.
Step 3. Add a dimmer
Install a dimmer (dimmer) to your home lights. In this way, you will be able to control the level of lighting and relieve some visual discomfort.
It will also allow you to adapt the lights to the needs of other family members
Step 4. Adjust your computer monitor
You will probably need to make some changes to your computer station if you use it for several hours at a time. In this way, you will have less difficulty staying focused with your eyes and you will strain your eyes less.
- Make sure the monitor is at a suitable distance, which is about 50-100cm from your head. Keep the screen at eye level or slightly below.
- Reduce glare by closing the curtains as sunlight could disturb your view.
- Adjust the monitor to a 90 ° angle to the strongest light source to reduce its reflection on the screen.
- Adjust monitor brightness and contrast levels.
Step 5. Listen to music
Usually, music positively predisposes people. Each genre is able to "wake us up" in its own way.
- Try dance music. You will imagine that you are dancing and having fun. As a result, you may be following the rhythm by stamping your feet, snapping your fingers, or working in time without realizing it.
- Listen to songs you know. Relieve tired eyes by closing them for a few minutes while listening to songs you know, which can evoke pleasant memories.
- Listen to crisp and fun songs. Try waking up with lively tunes that contain inspiring lyrics so you feel more cheerful.
- Turn up the volume. Increase it slightly above your normal audio settings to get out of a numb state.
Part 4 of 5: Consult your Ophthalmologist and Doctor
Step 1. Get regular eye exams
Don't neglect eye health. Go to the eye doctor so that you don't underestimate any signs of eye disease or trace them to other diseases.
Step 2. Make sure your prescription glasses and contact lenses are still effective
If you have tired eyes, it is possible that the gradation of the lenses is no longer suitable for your visual defect. Check with your ophthalmologist to update your glasses prescription.
Step 3. Get a full medical check-up
If eye fatigue persists despite several attempts to relieve it, see your doctor. Don't underestimate even the less serious situations. You may be suffering from a complex disease which, among other symptoms, involves visual fatigue. In these cases, medical advice is strongly recommended. Here are other pathologies:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome. Sufferers of this disorder are always tired. It is a state of exhaustion that can cause vision problems that are easily confused with normal eye fatigue. The lenses do not correct certain defects, such as blurred vision. In these cases, it is normal to undergo an eye exam and be treated following the medical advice.
- Ophthalmopathy related to thyroid disorders. This pathology, too, can cause visual problems that are easily confused with eye fatigue. It is linked to some thyroid diseases, such as Graves' disease which affects the tissues of the thyroid and eyes, causing the eyeball to bulge (bulging eyes).
- Astigmatism. It is another vision disorder characterized by the deformation of the cornea that leads to less sharpness.
- Dry eye syndrome. Chronic dry eye can result from systemic diseases, such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that causes dry eyes and dryness of the oral mucosa.
Part 5 of 5: Changing the Power
Step 1. Increase your intake of fruit rich in vitamin C
Eat more lemons and oranges. The sour taste stimulates the senses and muscles of the periocular region. The vitamin C contained in these fruits provides antioxidants that help prevent diseases that cause fatigue.
Lemons and oranges can also prevent age-related vision problems, such as macular degeneration and cataracts
Step 2. Get more vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential element for sight. Excellent sources of this substance are liver, fish oil, milk, eggs and green leafy vegetables.
Step 3. Go for green leafy vegetables
In addition to vitamin A, green leafy vegetables, including kale and spinach, contain lutein and zeaxanthin, the latter capable of filtering out harmful radiation. In addition, they are rich in antioxidants and vitamin B12, which help in the production of red blood cells. By increasing the consumption of these vegetables, you can provide the body with more energy against eye fatigue.
Kale and spinach help prevent cataracts
Step 4. Increase your intake of omega 3 fatty acids
Salmon, tuna and other fish qualities are rich in these nutrients that can prevent eye diseases, but also the effects of visual damage due to age.
Step 5. Increase your zinc intake
This mineral helps prevent the damaging effects of strong light. Increase your intake by eating more legumes, dairy, beef, and chicken.
Advice
- Some people are at an increased risk of tiredness and dry eyes. These symptoms are more likely to occur in older, female people who live in low-humidity environments, use contact lenses, take certain medications, experience hormonal changes, or suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
- If you need more sleep, go to bed and get up at appropriate times. Avoid using electronic devices.
